The Austin International Half Marathon takes runners through the Texas capital’s most energetic neighborhoods on a course that captures everything that makes Austin one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The route passes through downtown, along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, through the South Congress district, and past the Texas State Capitol — all against the backdrop of Austin’s famous live music scene and creative energy.
The November timing delivers some of the best running weather Austin sees all year — cool mornings in the 50s that take the edge off the Texas humidity. The course is generally flat with some gentle rolling terrain, making it a realistic option for runners targeting a personal best. The race draws an international field that gives it a different energy from the typical regional half marathon.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 15 minutes from downtown, and the city’s ride-share culture makes getting around on race weekend easy. The South Congress and Rainey Street areas offer some of the best food and drink in Texas, and the live music venues along Sixth Street mean your post-race celebration options are essentially unlimited. Austin’s running community is one of the most active in the South, and the race-weekend atmosphere reflects that enthusiasm.