35th Austin Marathon: A Day of Community

Over 30,000 people ran in the 35th Austin Marathon on February 15th, 2026. A day where people gather to run 3, 13.1, and 26.2 miles from across all 50 U.S. states and 50 countries. This year’s marathon broke a record with the largest attendance in its history since starting in 1992. Making up the day outside of runners, were roughly 100,000 people there to cheer on friends and family at all mile markers. Throughout the marathon, half, and 5k were a variety of music and celebrations happening to keep the energy up. See what this day had to offer for participants and the Austin community.

The Austin marathon course, while being well known for its challenging hills throughout the city, is also known for the scenic views of downtown and neighborhood areas that runners go through. The marathon starts in the heart of downtown Austin surrounded by skyscrapers, music, and the electric energy of the crowd. Within the early parts of the race, runners take South Congress Avenue, a well known Austin staple filled with many stores, coffee shops, music and people cheering others on.

On miles 10-13 about halfway through the full marathon, and towards the end of the half marathon, the hills start to get steep but it makes a perfect spot to cheer on your loved ones when it gets to be difficult. The race course also goes through UT Austin campus, where you’ll find many student volunteers and UT organizations rooting for runners with water, electrolytes and plenty of posters.

Going into east Austin in the second half of the marathon, participants experience the many art murals, local restaurant spots, and lively culture of the east side. Lastly, the race finishes downtown in line with the Texas State Capital offering a complete view of supporters and the city.

Those not participating in the marathon can volunteer to be at a water station, hold signs to cheer for runners, or simply come to watch people supporting each other. It’s a day of emotions, hugs, laughter, and determination. People running in the Austin Marathon can sign up almost a year and advance, many doing so for the early bird price and motivation to train. UT Austin Sophomore Sarah Wawi, signed up for the Austin Half 8 months ago to give herself a goal to work towards. Wawi said she wanted to prove to herself that she could not only sign up, but finish the race and plans to work towards the full marathon next year. While the half or full race is easier said than done, she said she worked hard to defeat the mental block she had. Any amount of miles can be overwhelming, but it matters what you tell yourself can train your mind to be stronger than what you initially felt before.

Wawi said she runs because it allows her to push through her stresses in a healthy way. It serves as a way for her to train her brain to believe in herself more and it plays out into motivating herself in other areas of life as well. Not only did Wawi meet up with friends also running throughout the race, but she met friendly faces and made new connections that she wouldn’t have had otherwise. When she finished the race, she had her Texas Young Life leaders cheering her on at the finish line, creating a moment that made her feel “so wanted and cared for.”

Not only is the Austin marathon a mental reward for participants, but with it comes the 2026 marathon souvenir shirt, a swag bag, a belt buckle themed medal, and professionally taken race photos. Runners also gain access to a 2-day health expo that features discounts on nutrition and other running products.

A day filled with community, support for loved ones and strangers, and accomplishing goals are what fills the Austin Marathon. It’s a day where people gather to run for themselves, for others, and for the betterment of their lives. People stand in the wind, cold, and heat of the unpredictable Texas weather, to encourage every person that goes by. It draws people back to what it means to live in the moment.