Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Marks 35th Anniversary With Record Participation

February 10, 2026

More than 30,000 registered participants and 100,000 spectators expected on Austin streets Sunday, Feb. 15

AUSTIN, Texas (February 10, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K returns to downtown Austin on Sunday, February 15, 2026, celebrating its 35th anniversary with record-breaking participation and a full slate of race-week events that bring runners, spectators and volunteers together over Presidents Day weekend.

Organizers expect more than 100,000 spectators and 30,000 registered participants representing all 50 states and 50 countries, continuing the event’s legacy as one of the nation’s premier destination race weekends. With race distances for every ability, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, elite competition broadcast live on FloTrack, and a multi-block finish line festival, race weekend will spotlight the energy, culture and community spirit that have defined the Austin Marathon since its start in 1992.

“This event has always been bigger than the miles,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of the Austin Marathon. “It’s the first-time finisher who trained through a tough season. It’s the volunteer who shows up before sunrise. It’s the neighborhoods that turn Austin into one big cheer squad. It’s the local businesses that offer runner perks and parties. And we don’t call it “the running social event of the year” for no reason. Our 35th year is special—but what matters most is watching thousands of people find their moment out on these streets and then celebrating together afterwards.”

Race-week events: Shakeout run + Health & Fitness Expo
Austin Marathon weekend officially begins Friday, February 13, with the Official Shakeout Run at 7:00 a.m., hosted by the Austin Marathon, Fleet Feet and BPN, giving participants an opportunity to connect and loosen up ahead of race day.

Later Friday, the Health & Fitness Expo presented by PNC Bank opens at the Palmer Events Center. The two-day Expo is free and open to the public:

• Friday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Attendees can pick up race packets, explore the latest running gear, meet Austin Marathon pacers, sample food and beverages, and shop official 35th anniversary Austin Marathon merchandise at the Fleet Feet store.

A long line up of other official and unofficial Marathon week activities are happening around town and can be found HERE.

Race-day schedule and course experience
Race day begins Sunday with the elite marathon corral at 7:00 a.m., followed by staggered marathon and half marathon corrals through 8:15 a.m., and the sold-out 5K benefiting the Paramount Theatre starting at 8:40 a.m., generating a $30,800 donation for the Theatre in 2026. All distances highlight Austin’s iconic neighborhoods, live music, and crowd support, with each race starting and finishing near the Texas State Capitol.

Course highlights include two energy zones, 22 live bands, 11 official cheering stations and 22 aid stations designed to keep runners motivated and supported. After the finish, runners and fans will gather at the multi-block finish line festival featuring live music, sponsor activations, local food trucks, official merchandise and celebratory beverages in the Meanwhile Beer Garden.

Giving back: Austin Marathon Gives
The Austin Marathon Gives Program, presented by the Moody Foundation, will again emphasize the event’s commitment to giving back. Twenty-nine local nonprofit organizations are participating, with the Moody Foundation matching donations up to $10,000 per organization. Many participating nonprofits also provide a significant portion of the volunteers who power race weekend.

Elite field featured live on FloTrack
Elite competition will be featured in the FloTrack live broadcast, showcasing the Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Program. Athletes will compete for a $20,000 prize purse, with live coverage beginning at 6:30 a.m. on race morning. The broadcast will include expert commentary and highlight top finishers as they cross the line.

Registration
Registration is still open for the 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and Half Marathon. The 5k is sold out.

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1992, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 50 countries. With a course that spans every quadrant of this dynamic city, offering a festive atmosphere with live music throughout, the marathon culminates in a vibrant finisher party. The event also serves as a powerful force for good, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for various non-profit organizations. The Austin Marathon elevates Presidents Day weekend into a grand showcase of athleticism and community spirit, making it a bucket-list event for athletes, enthusiasts, and supporters from all over the world.