Austin Races

Races and competitions in the Austin area


Fellow runners, it's finally our favorite time of the year again: Spring. The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and we can just feel a good jog waiting for us outside. So, what are we going to do about it?


Living in the weirdest/greatest city in Texas has more perks than just a plethora of food trucks and music venues - Austin also hosts some of the most unique, challenging foot races in the

The 2014 Capitol 10K was the most popular
in the race's history - over 18,000 racers
participated! Photo courtesy of Jonathon Vail.

country. With a diverse landscape ranging from the flat fields of East Austin to the Hill Country towards the west, Austin is able to showcase a variety of race types.


One of the city's most recognizable and longest-running (no pun intended) races is the Statesman Capitol 10,000. Informally known as the "Cap 10K", this six-mile race takes place in the heart of downtown Austin, passing the State Capitol and ending at Auditorium Shores.


Now in its 38th year, the Cap 10K has proven itself to be an Austin classic and is ranked in the top ten national 10K races. For University of Texas at Austin students, this race has it all: convenience, affordability, and excitement. At the finish line overlooking Lady Bird Lake, the race organizers host a huge party with live bands and carnival-like activities. It's hard to find a reason not to compete!

My running partner, Christopher Delgado, and I
standing at the finish line of the 2014 Austin
Marathon. Photo courtesy of Chris Delgado.

If 10,000 meters doesn't sound challenging enough, the Austin Marathon is a guaranteed thrill. For 26.2 miles, this course snakes throughout the capitol city and provides constant entertainment and encouragement. Lining the race course are dozens of bands and musical performers as well as thousands of sign-toting fans shouting encouragement.


As a runner, you have the opportunity to help fundraise for local charities. The Austin Marathon partners with various groups around town and allows for competetors to waive their racing fee by helping to raise money for those nonprofits. When I competed in 2014, I raised money for The Comfort Crew, an organization that cares for the children of military families.


The Austin Marathon gives runners - especially college students - a chance to really train and push themselves beyond what they believe themselves capable of accomplishing. Did I mention that there is free Gatorade along the way?


Finally, a race that most students at the University of Texas at Austin are familiar with is the Longhorn Run. For experienced runners, this brisk 5K is just a walk in the park (yes - pun intended) and it never fails to get my spirits up and bolster my school pride.

Thousands of University of Texas at Austin students surge through the starting
line at the 2014 Longhorn Run. Photo courtesy of the Daily Texan.

The Longhorn Run takes place on UT's campus, passing alongside the school's iconic landmarks for a distance of about three miles. In addition to the excitement of racing next to buildings that are typically the scenes of your all-nighters, the most enjoyable part of this course is running it with thousands of your classmates, friends and professors. Whether you are a veteran runner or a casual jogger, the Longhorn Run is a guaranteed blast.


Whatever you decide to do this spring - lounging at your apartment's pool, paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake, staying inside and watching Netflix - I encourage you to also get out to one of Austin's signature races and give it your best shot! If you find yourself itching for a good run, you can also check out Running USA's list of competitions in the area.