Event Southwest Masters Complex Logistics for Austin’s Run for the Water, Executing Full Bridge Closure and Reopening in Nine Hours Amidst High Wind Advisory

November 12, 2025

AUSTIN, TEXAS (November 12, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Event Southwest, a nationwide premier event production & consulting company, announced the successful execution of the 19th Annual Run for the Water on November 9, 2025. The firm demonstrated its unparalleled capability in managing hyper-complex urban running events. Held in partnership with The Gazelle Foundation, Run for the Water stands out as one of the few permitted road races remaining in the City of Austin.

The event successfully featured a 10-Miler, 5K, and Kid’s 1K, utilizing the high-profile closure of the 1st Street Bridge—a critical city artery. Event Southwest was responsible for transforming the area into a race venue and returning it to normal traffic flow within a demanding nine-hour window, with setup commencing at 3:00 AM and teardown completed before 12:00 PM. Further emphasizing the operational complexity, the start of the race on Cesar Chavez Blvd. required the team to place the start arch around 4:00 AM and remove it within 10 minutes of the race start to accommodate the returning 5K runners on the same route.

This logistical challenge was managed by Event Southwest’s operations team, which produced the 10-Miler/5K/Kid’s 1K distances for the second consecutive year. The team also demonstrated critical adaptability on race day by implementing swift supplemental weighting of all movable fixtures and reducing non-essential equipment in response to a high-wind advisory with gusts up to 30 mph. This proactive measure resulted in zero equipment failures or participant injuries. The successful management of this unique distance and course, utilized by approximately 2,500 participants, underscores the company’s strong relationship with the City of Austin and its mastery of rapid-deployment event architecture and dynamic risk mitigation.

“Being entrusted with an event that requires such precision, from city permitting to such a compressed timeline on the bridge and at the start line, is a direct reflection of our team’s experience,” said Mason Wheeless, Sr Account Manager. “We are proud to maintain one of Austin’s most iconic road running events, ensuring safety and a world-class experience while adhering to the tightest logistical schedule.”

Proceeds from Run for the Water benefit The Gazelle Foundation’s work in funding clean water projects in Burundi, Africa, ensuring thousands have access to life-sustaining, potable water.

About Event Southwest: Event Southwest, founded in 2012 by Michael Luchsinger and Lear Johnson, produces running events, walks, bike rides, non-profit fundraisers, and community festivals with a focus on seamless execution and risk mitigation.

Contact: Matt Bannon, VP of Operations, Matt@eventsouthwest.com, 214-616-7503