Discover the best marathon races within 50 miles of Austin
The Austin Marathon Half Marathon takes place in Texas's vibrant capital city, featuring a challenging rolling hill course that tests runners across Austin's diverse neighborhoods. The event is part of a larger marathon festival that attracts thousands of participants annually. One notable characteristic is the significant elevation changes throughout the course, with nearly 600 feet of total elevation gain that creates a demanding but rewarding racing experience.
The Ascension Seton Austin Half Marathon is a challenging 13.1-mile road race traversing the rolling hills of Austin, Texas. Known for its strong organization and lively atmosphere, the race attracts thousands of runners and is considered an excellent tune-up for marathons with similar elevation profiles like Boston. The course features nearly 600 feet of elevation gain and includes several tough climbs, particularly in the final miles.
The Statesman Cap10K is Texas' premier 10-kilometer road race, drawing over 16,000 participants annually. As the state's largest 10K and sixth nationally, it combines downtown Austin landmarks with live music, finishing with a vibrant celebration. Despite its popularity, this event remains a 10K distance only – no half marathon variant exists.
The Austin Marathon, officially known as the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, is a major annual road marathon held in Austin, Texas. The event draws thousands of runners from all 50 states and over 30 countries, making it one of the largest marathons in the United States.[1]
The Austin International Half Marathon, formerly known as the 3M Half Marathon, is one of Texas's fastest and most exciting half marathon events, featuring a predominantly downhill course that winds from North Austin to downtown. This PR-friendly race takes place in January and showcases Austin's vibrant neighborhoods while providing runners with an excellent opportunity for fast finish times thanks to its significant net elevation loss. An interesting aspect of this race is its mascot Blaze, who was supposedly born from a wild Texas thunderstorm when lightning struck a pair of running shoes, embodying the event's spirit of speed and energy.
The Coffee Lovers Run Half Marathon is an intimate, community-focused running event designed specifically for coffee enthusiasts in the Austin/Round Rock area of Texas. This unique race combines the passion for running with a love for coffee culture, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for participants of all fitness levels. What sets this event apart is its deliberately small scale approach, with waves capped at just 15 participants each to maintain a personal, stress-free environment. An interesting aspect of this race is that the first five finishers receive a special coffee treat as part of their celebration, reinforcing the coffee-themed nature of the event.
The Keep Going Run Half Marathon is an intimate mental health awareness event that combines athletic achievement with meaningful advocacy in the Austin/Round Rock area of Texas. This unique race operates with a distinctive small-group format, limiting participants to just 15-20 runners per wave to create a supportive, stress-free environment that prioritizes mental wellness alongside physical fitness. What sets this event apart is its deliberately non-competitive approach - there are no timing chips, and the focus remains on personal achievement and community connection rather than performance metrics. The race has gained recognition for its grassroots approach to breaking mental health stigma through the simple act of forward movement, embodying the philosophy that sometimes we all need a reminder to 'keep going.'
A formidable test of endurance for seasoned runners, the Decker Challenge Half Marathon bills itself as Austin's most challenging 13.1-mile road race. Held annually since 1978, the event features an out-and-back course around Decker Lake with rolling hills, strong headwinds, and a notorious mile-10 ascent dubbed 'Quadzilla.' The race attracts competitive athletes seeking to test their limits against the course's strategic undulations rather than personal bests. The combination of gradual climbs, exposed rural roads, and December weather creates a tactical challenge requiring careful pacing and gear selection.
The Great Springs Trail Race Half Marathon offers a 13.1-mile trail adventure through Southeast Metro Park, located just outside Austin, Texas. The course winds through mesquite and oak groves, creek beds, and the scenic Onion Creek area. Hosted each March, the race supports the Great Springs Project, an effort to conserve the Edwards Aquifer. Participants enjoy a mix of technical terrain, supportive race staff, and a vibrant post-race celebration.
The Run for Coffee Lovers 13.1 (Austin/ROUNDROCK) is an intimate, coffee-themed half-marathon offering runners a relaxed environment with optional timing and coffee-centric perks. Held in Austin/Round Rock, the event features a private-wave format to ensure uncrowded routes. Notable for rewarding top finishers with coffee treats and providing finisher medals, this race emphasizes community connection over competitive intensity. Key features include mailed participant kits with branded apparel and hydration support.
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