Austin Marathon

Registration opens each year in May and stays open until the field cap is reached. You can register individually, participate through the Austin Marathon Gives charity fundraising program, or enter as an elite athlete.

Yes, it is a certified Boston qualifier. The course is USATF certified, so qualifying times are officially recognized. That said, the rolling terrain makes it a tougher day to chase a BQ than a net-downhill course would be.

The time limit is 7 hours.

The course is a loop with rolling hills spread throughout rather than one major climb. The total elevation gain and net elevation are the same, meaning there is no significant net downhill to assist your pace. Plan for steady effort management rather than banking on a fast second half.

February mornings in Austin start cool, often in the mid-40s, and warm into the mid-60s by midday. Dress in layers you can shed early and account for the temperature rise in your pacing plan.

The race has a cap of around 30,000 participants across all events. Registration fills up, so signing up early after the May opening is the best way to secure your spot.

The race starts on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 8 miles away, roughly 20 minutes by car, and many hotels are within walking distance of the start line.