35 Years Running: Austin Marathon Returns as the Ultimate Community Celebration
- Austin Fitness Community
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
(Photo by Austin Marathon via Facebook)
AUSTIN (Austin Fitness Community) - The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon is back, and for its 35th anniversary, it is proving once again why it’s known as "The Running Social Event of the Year." On Sunday, February 15, 2026, thousands of runners from around the globe will take over downtown Austin, but the finish line is just one part of the story. This year, the event has evolved into a week-long festival of fitness, culture, and community connection.
"We know the Austin Marathon is more than just a race, it's a full week celebration of health, fitness, and community," says Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. "As we celebrate 35 years, we want to spotlight the people and places that make Austin's running culture so special."
More Than Just Miles
While the main event kicks off at 7:00 AM on Congress Avenue, the party starts long before the starting gun fires. The 2026 schedule is packed with "shakeout" runs - relaxed, social gatherings designed to loosen up the legs and calm the nerves.
"LFG and shake out those legs!" the organizers urge, pointing to a calendar overflowing with freebies. From Feb. 8th through the 16th, runners can hop between events offering everything from "free drip and cold brew coffee" to "post-run tacos."
(Photo by Austin Marathon via Facebook)
The Week-Long Lineup
The festivities begin on Feb. 8 with a Fleet Feet Kickoff and ramp up quickly. Highlights include:
February 8th
Fleet Feet Kickoff Run7am, Circle C location - Hoka wear test, plenty of post run surprises.
February 9th
Shakeout Run
7am, Noble Joe Coffee - T-shirts for first 100, free drip and cold brew coffee, free conchas, free C4 energy drinks, giveaways from Goodwipes
February 10th
The Morning Jos x Altra
6am, Jo's Coffee on South Congress - Altra wear test, post run raffles, complimentary movement assessments
February 11th
Austin Beerworks Run Club x Saucony
6pm, Austin Beerworks North - Saucony wear test, post run raffles
Eastside Beer Runners x Adidas
6:30pm, Central Machine Works - Adidas wear test, movement assessment
February 12th
Shakeout Run for the Girls x Your Mother's Run Crew x A for Effort
7am, New Balance South Congress - First 100 will get a Little Words Project bracelet and long sleeves, all runners get access to waffle bar, complimentary LMNT, and injury assessments
Sweatcity Run Club x Adidas
6pm, Casa de Luz Toomey - Limited edition tees available for early arrivals, sauna and cold plunge, Adidas demos, running socks, hats, raffles for Blenders sunglasses, IV drip, sports massages, and a DJ
February 13th
Better Half Coffee and Hold Out Brewing - free coffee, free fuel thanks to Science in Sport, and free New Balance tshirts while supplies last - all weekend long!
Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Shakeout Run
7am, Palmer Events Center - Post run coffee and tacos!
Austin Marathon Shake Out Run x lululemon Austin
Starts 7am at Lululemon, ends at La La Land - Complimentary lulu latte tasting (while supplies last)
February 14th
Better Half Coffee and Hold Out Brewing - free coffee, free fuel thanks to Science in Sport, and free New Balance tshirts while supplies last - all weekend long!
Red Bull x Secret Disco Sports Shakeout run
10am, 402 Jessie St - Probably free Red Bull and free SpiBelts for first few ppl
Austin Run Club x Nike Studio
8:45am, Nike Training Studio North - Post run fuel and refreshments
The Loop x Comedor x Nike Austin Marathon Shakeout Run
8am, The Loop Downtown - Post run carbs and drinks
Body Art Run Club Shakeout run
9am, 806 Azie Morton Rd - Recovery hub and Garmin watch giveaway
Fearless Run Club
7am, 200 S Lamar - C4 Energy drinks and Liquid IV
Austin Marathon Shakeout
10am, Central Machine Works - Free food and drink at Central Machine Works! Awesome giveaways and a chance to win Goodpain hats or tanks, live music
February 15th - MARATHON/RACE DAY!
Plenty of cheer stations along the route with free food/snacks/hydration. This could be a post in itself. Check back for additional updates.
Free coffee at Better Half, free fuel thanks to Science in Sport, and free New Balance tshirts while supplies last - all weekend long
February 16th
Marathon Afterparty
11am - 4pm, Lefty's Bar - Free caricatures for finishers, flash tats, freebies from C4, massages
Race Day and Beyond
On Sunday morning, the streets will come alive with cheer stations, music, and the collective energy of a city that champions its athletes. But the endorphins don't stop at the finish line. The "Recovery Monday" Marathon Afterparty at Lefty’s Bar (Feb. 16) offers a well-deserved victory lap with free caricatures, flash tattoos, and massages.
Whether you're chasing a PR or just chasing the free tacos, the 35th Anniversary Austin Marathon is an open invitation to experience the heartbeat of the city.
Sources: https://youraustinmarathon.com/
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