Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Event Weekend Begins with Excitement and Energy

February 10, 2025

Record Number of Runners Ready to Take on the Streets of Austin for the Premier Event

AUSTIN, Texas. (February 10, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K® returns this weekend, bringing thousands of runners and spectators together for one of Austin’s most anticipated events. With race distances for all abilities, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, and a four-block-long finish line festival, event weekend is set to deliver an unforgettable experience. The FloTrack Live Broadcast will showcase the elite competition vying for a $20,000 prize purse, while over 23,000 runners from all 50 states and 50+ countries prepare to take on the streets of Austin on Sunday, February 16.

“The continued growth of the Austin Marathon reflects the incredible enthusiasm and dedication of our running community,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of the Austin Marathon. “With record-breaking registration numbers and an energetic, sold-out expo that sets the tone for event weekend, the excitement surrounding the Marathon is unmatched. From the thousands of volunteers and spectators to the incredible athletes toeing the start line, the Austin Marathon embodies the very best of our city. We can’t wait to celebrate every runner’s journey as they cross the finish line and take in the unforgettable race day experience.”

Austin Marathon weekend kicks off with the Official Shakeout Run hosted by Fleet Feet & BPN on Friday, February 14th at 7:00 AM starting at Palmer Events Center, where over 900 runners will shake out their legs before race day. Later that day, the Health & Fitness Expo presented by PNC Bank opens its doors, welcoming participants to explore the latest running gear, chat with the Austin Marathon Pacers and sample different food and drinks. They can also purchase Official Austin Marathon gear at the Fleet Feet Store. The two-day Austin Marathon Expo takes place at Palmer Events Center on Friday, February 14th from 11 AM -7 PM, and Saturday, February 15th from 9 AM to 6 PM. It is free and open to the public. Expo hours are extended from previous years to accommodate the record number of participants.

Sunday morning starts with the National Anthem performed by Latin Grammy Nominated Gina Chavez and starting the race with the start gong is Gold Medal Winner Olympian Gabby Thomas. The newly established corral start will begin rolling out runners at 7:00 AM taking them on a scenic course that highlights the best of Austin. The family-friendly 5K benefitting Paramount Theatre, begins directly after at 8:15 AM. Participants start and finish with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as their backdrop. Thousands of spectators will line the streets, cheering runners along a course filled with live music, energetic cheer zones, and well-stocked aid stations. Course highlights include two BPN Energy Zones, 25 live music acts, and 22 aid stations stocked with BPN Electrolyte Hydration.

After crossing the finish line, runners and spectators will be welcomed into the expansive 4-block-long finish line festival. The Fest features a Spurs DJ Zone, the BPN bodega, official merchandise with Fleet Feet, the EIGHT beer garden, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Bar, the PNC Bank replica clock, Austin Sports Commission F1 car, several local food trucks & so much more. Tasman Sharpe and the Ripsnorters hit the main festival stage at 9AM followed by Fusion ATX with both keeping the finish line festival rocking for several hours. Later in the afternoon, runners and their families and friends can visit after parties happening around town including the official after party at Mayfair.

“The Austin Marathon is one of the best times of the year!” said Ben Duong, holder of the world record for dribbling a basketball during last year’s Ascension Seton Austin Half Marathon. “It’s incredible to see the entire community come together to create such a special event, and awesome to see the runners giving their all to reach new limits and finish as fast as possible. I’ve been involved with this race since I was a kid, first as a volunteer and now as a participant. Running the half marathon the past two years has been an unforgettable experience, and I’m excited to make the jump to the full 26.2—this time with a unique twist. I hope everyone watching enjoys it.”

The Austin Marathon Gives Program, presented by the Moody Foundation, will once again highlight the event’s commitment to supporting local non-profits. Thirty organizations will participate in this year’s program, with the Moody Foundation matching donations up to $10,000 per non-profit. Many of these organizations contribute over 1,400 out of the 2,500 volunteers needed to ensure a seamless event weekend, reinforcing the strong community spirit that makes the Austin Marathon special.

The FloTrack Live Broadcast will highlight the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon’s Elite Athlete Program. Their race-day broadcast consists of running experts Toni Reavis and Paras Shah. The broadcast will also feature all finishers as they cross the finish line. The Elite Field will be competing for a $20,000 prize purse. The live coverage starts at 6:40 AM on Sunday, February 16 and can be watched free on FloTrack.

Registration is still open for the 2025 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K.

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.