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Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half, 5K

February 14, 2027 · 7:00 AMAustin, TX, United States

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Race Day

55°F

41–68°F · Feels mild

Total elevation gain

1,014ft

Challenging elevation · Net elevation change +42 ft

Participants

30K

World-class event

Crowd Rating

8/ 10

Excellent spectator turnout

The Lowdown

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon has grown since its early 1990s beginnings into one of Texas’s premier winter road races, drawing both elite competitors chasing fast times and recreational runners soaking up Austin’s vibrant culture. Traditionally held in mid-February, the event has become a signature city weekend that celebrates fitness, live music, and community fundraising. Over the years the race has gained recognition for its energetic crowd support, creative local cheer zones, and festival atmosphere along the finish that showcases Austin’s food, music, and outdoor lifestyle.

The marathon course weaves through Austin’s most iconic corridors: a downtown start and early stretch past the State Capitol and Congress Avenue, scenic miles along Lady Bird Lake and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, neighborhoods with leafy tree-lined streets, and stretches that offer skyline views and glimpses of the University of Texas. Runners should expect a mix of rolling terrain and a few notable inclines—typical of Austin’s profile—balanced by long runnable sections and a memorable finish near the lakeside festival at Auditorium Shores. Aid stations, entertainment zones, and enthusiastic local support create a lively race-day experience from the 7:00 a.m. start through the finish.

The event is measured and certified for accurate distance and is a recognized Boston Marathon qualifier; it follows USATF certification standards and adheres to established measurement protocols used by AIMS-level events. Whether targeting a personal best or enjoying the city’s energy for a first marathon, participants find the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon an exciting, well-supported, and authentically Austin road-racing experience.

Course Highlights: 01Congress Avenue Bridge – Runners cross the iconic bridge offering views of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown skyline
02Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail – A scenic stretch along the water with tree-lined views and cheering spectators
03South Congress (SoCo) – The vibrant SoCo district known for its eclectic shops and live music as runners pass by
04Zilker Park – A large green space landmark near the racecourse, famed for festivals and views of the skyline
05University of Texas at Austin – The course routes near the campus, passing collegiate landmarks and energetic student supporters
06Long Center for the Performing Arts – A cultural venue on the lakefront that runners pass with downtown vistas
07Historic Sixth Street – The lively entertainment district where crowds often gather to cheer during the race
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 5K
Time Limit: 6 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
Invitational/Elite Entry
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old on race day to register for the Marathon
Must be at least 14 years old on race day to register for the Half Marathon
No minimum age for the 5K, but children under 18 must have parent/guardian consent
All participants must complete online registration and sign the race waiver
Participants must wear their assigned bib and timing device on race day
No race transfers or selling of bibs; bib transfers are prohibited
Medical clearance recommended for participants with pre-existing health conditions
Participants must follow event rules and instructions from race officials and medical personnel
Strollers are typically permitted only in designated start corrals for the 5K (check event policies)
Service animals allowed in accordance with ADA guidelines; pets and non-service animals are not permitted
Required Documents: Photo ID (government-issued)
Signed race waiver/registration confirmation
Emergency contact information
Parental consent for participants under 18
Proof of qualifying time or elite credentials (for seeded/elite entries)
Proof of age when requested for category verification
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds under any circumstance
Bib transfers allowed until 30 days before race for a $25 transfer fee and completed online transfer process
Deferrals to the 2027 race accepted until 30 days before race for a $40 deferral fee
If the race is canceled by organizers for any reason, registrants will be offered a full refund or automatic deferral to the 2027 race (choice provided)

01: The Austin Marathon course is USATF-certified and commonly used as a Boston Marathon qualifying course for eligible finishers.
02: Race weekend includes a large Health & Fitness Expo with packet pickup on the Friday and Saturday before race day and vendor booths offering gear and nutrition samples.
03: All finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve or short-sleeve race shirt, and the post-race festival typically features food trucks, a beer garden, and live music.
04: Aid stations are spaced roughly every 1.5–2 miles with water and electrolyte drink, and organizers recommend using downtown parking garages or public transit and arriving early due to road closures and limited on-course spectator access.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, moderate weather Difficulty Analyzer1014ft gain, 55°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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