2021 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour Archives

30th Annual Austin Marathon Registration Opens June 1st

Run Austin’s streets on Valentine’s Day and celebrate your accomplishments at the 30th annual Austin Marathon

Registration for the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour officially opens Monday, June 1st. Every year, thousands travel to Austin to run the city’s streets. They soak up the amazing atmosphere and enjoy live music and delicious food. Participants earn finisher medal belt buckles, receive an Under Armour shirt, and celebrate at the 3-block-long finish line festival. Those who register before Friday, June 5th, will receive a free customized nameplate for their belt buckle finisher medal. The 30th annual Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 14, 2021.

“The energy and positivity you experience running the Austin Half Marathon is unlike any other race,” said London Brazil, who is training for her third Austin Half Marathon in as many years. “From the thousands cheering for you to the inspiring runners from around the world – this is a race I will make sure to never miss!”

Run The Live Music Capital of the World

On course, participants will enjoy 22 fully stocked aid stations with Nuun, two GU Energy Labs Nutrition Zones, and thousands of cheering spectators. Live music is placed strategically throughout the course to showcase The Live Music Capital of the World to participants and spectators alike. When runners cross the finish line, they can celebrate at a three-block-long party. It will feature the Under Armour recovery zone and the popular Oskar Blues beer garden. There will also be local food trucks, two Jumbotrons displaying FloTrack’s live coverage, and hours of live music.

Everyone can continue their celebration at one of several Official Austin Marathon after-parties. Finishers of the Austin Marathon will receive a custom finisher’s shirt. The marathon will feature 34 Austin pacers and professional race-day photography from FinisherPix.

“We’re excited for the 30th anniversary of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and have some big plans for Austin Marathon week,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “The Austin Marathon is more than just a run; it’s an unforgettable experience and a celebration that continues well after participants cross the finish line.”

The initial pricing structure follows: Austin Marathon ($109), Austin Half Marathon ($90), KXAN Simple Health 5K benefitting Paramount Theatre ($35). Participants can register for any distance and the Austin Marathon VIP Experience beginning June 1st.

World records set at 2020 Austin Marathon

Earlier this year, Austin’s premier running event featured more than 16,000 participants from all 50 states and 36 countries. Two world records were set at the Austin Marathon. Vicar David Peters, of Pflugerville, Texas, ran the world’s fastest marathon in a cassock. He completed the marathon in 4:06:49. Drake Muyinza set the other world record. He ran the world’s longest fashion runway on the streets of Austin and changed outfits every four miles. Austin Gives Miles presented by The Moody Foundation raised $702,500 for 25 Central Texas nonprofits.

Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. The start and finish locations are just a few blocks apart. They are within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line is in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination.

Next Stop in Cancer Survivor’s Quest to Run the World: Austin

in My Running Story

6-time cancer survivor chooses Austin for North American stop in quest to run the world

Jonathan Acott is no stranger to cancer. In fact, he’s more familiar with it than any one person should be. He’s been diagnosed six times. Throughout everything, running has been a constant for Jonathan. He runs to celebrate his body, honor those who’ve lost their battle, and because he can. What does one do in Jonathan’s shoes? Continue to run! Read about Jonathan’s plans to run the world and complete a marathon on all 7 continents. Follow him on Instagram, learn about the two continents he crossed off his list, and why his North American goal is the 2021 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon!

The reasons I run

Since 2004 I’ve heard “I’m afraid it’s cancer” or something similar six times. I was 29 in 2004 and am now 44. For a third of my life, I’ve lived with this vile and insidious disease. It has robbed me of sleep, health, life, mental well-being, a career, testicle, spleen, and kidney. Who knows what else I will miss out on.

It’s like persistent hunting, only I’m the prey. I’m aware cancer might end my life prematurely. It could catch me, but I am going to do all I can to stay ahead of it for as long as possible. In the meantime, I will extract every ounce from life possible.

I run because I still need a sense of movement. Running provides the illusion of control in an otherwise unpredictable world. A world where I need to do something, anything related to physical activity to distance myself from the days, weeks, and months of forced inactivity. It’s the repetition, the therapy that comes from being alone in my thoughts. Running stills the anxiety. It’s a celebration of what my body is capable of after all it has endured. I run to honor all the people who have been less fortunate than me. I run because I can.

So, I’m going to travel and see the world, I’ll visit locations I wouldn’t normally visit or places on my bucket list. I will run, not fast, but I will run. My plan is to live life and run whilst I do. As long as I’m moving, I’m alive and whilst it may not add years to this particular life it does add life to my years.

What am I going to do? Well, I put it all together and thought I’m going to run the world. Six cancers. Seven continents. One marathon on each continent.

The first marathon of my quest was at the end of 2019 in Berlin (Europe). My second marathon was in Marrakech (Africa) at the start of 2020. Next on my list: North America. I looked at numerous marathons, but Austin has been on my bucket list for years. Running the streets of Austin in 2021 was an opportunity too good to pass up. So you’ll see me there on Feb. 14, 2021. I’ll be near the back, smiling all the way, stopping to take photographs, and high fiving everyone because when you know what you could lose you make the most of every opportunity.

Free 5K Training Plan for Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K

in Blog post

FREE 12-week 5K training plan to get you ready for Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K

Professional triathlete and coach Paul “Barny” Matthews constructed a free 5K training plan for 2020. Don’t worry, the plan will still get you ready for the 2021 Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K benefiting Paramount Theatre on February 14th! Whether you’re new to running or returning from a lengthy absence, download this free 12-week 5K training plan and toe the start line with confidence. Barny is the coach of Heather Lieberg, 2019 Austin Marathon female champ (2:42:27) and 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier.

Are you running the Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon? Download Barny’s free marathon or half marathon training plan today!

Register for the Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K!

Train for your 5K with a pro

Barny is a world-class triathlete, winning or placing at numerous IRONMANs and 70.3s. He broke onto the triathlon scene at the 2014 IRONMAN Asia Pacific Championship in Melbourne. The native Australian finished second in his home country with a time of 8:02:14. He ran the marathon portion of the triathlon (final portion) in 2:44:09! During the marathon, Barny averaged 6:26 min/mile after swimming 2.4 miles and cycling 112 miles! His coaching style provides athletes with a blend of training knowledge he’s learned first-hand. Barny also includes lessons he’s been taught from other world-class runners and triathletes. Barny lives in Austin, but coaches athletes around the world.

This downloadable plan is geared for runners who’ve just discovered running or are returning from a lengthy absence. You can customize this training plan yourself by adjusting the specific workouts and their days to fit your busy life.

Pro tip: when you have a rest day, take it!

Take your training to the next level and contact Matthews today for personalized coaching. Make sure you ask for his special Austin Marathon coaching rate! Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see where he’s training and join him for a workout.

Enter your email to download the KXAN Simple Health 5K training plan!

Free Half Marathon Training Plan for 2020 Austin Half Marathon

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FREE 12-week, 13.1-mile training plan to get you ready for Austin Half Marathon

Professional triathlete and coach Paul “Barny” Matthews constructed a free 12-week half marathon training plan for 2020. Don’t worry, the plan will still get you ready for the 2021 Ascension Seton Austin Half Marathon presented by Under Armour on February 14th! Whether you want to set a new PR or complete your first half marathon, download this 13.1-mile training plan and toe the start line with confidence. Barny is the coach of Heather Lieberg, 2019 Austin Marathon female champ (2:42:27) and 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier.

Are you running the Austin Marathon? Download Barny’s free marathon training plan!

Register for the Ascension Seton Austin Half Marathon!

Train for 13.1 with a pro

Barny is a world-class triathlete, winning or placing at numerous IRONMANs and 70.3s. He broke onto the triathlon scene at the 2014 IRONMAN Asia Pacific Championship in Melbourne. The native Australian finished second in his home country with a time of 8:02:14. He ran the marathon portion of the triathlon (final portion) in 2:44:09! During the marathon, Barny averaged 6:26 min/mile after swimming 2.4 miles and cycling 112 miles! His coaching style provides athletes with a blend of training knowledge he’s learned first-hand. Barny also includes lessons he’s been taught from other world-class runners and triathletes. Barny lives in Austin, but coaches athletes around the world.

This downloadable plan is geared for runners who want to complete their first half marathon or set a new PR on the streets of Austin. You can customize this training plan yourself by adjusting the specific workouts and their days to fit your busy life.