The 2025 Austin Marathon Course Guide
26.2 Miles of Keeping it Weird
Note: This guide is based on a GPX file created from an interpretation of the official course map. The official course distance is 26.2 miles, which is the shortest possible route while staying within the course boundaries. The GPX file measures the course at 26.33 miles, so distances in the guide are approximate.
Course Overview
The Austin Marathon has become a signature winter event in Texas, giving runners a spirited tour of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Starting near sunrise (with the first corral at 7:00 a.m. and the sun rising at 7:08 a.m.), you’ll feel the “Keep Austin Weird” vibe from the very first miles. There’s a steady climb on South Congress Avenue early on, followed by rolling terrain that takes you through downtown, West Austin, historic residential areas, and finally Austin’s East Side.
The final stretch near 11th Street involves a short but punchy climb leading you to the finish in front of the Capitol—where cheering crowds (often in costume) build the energy for your final push.
February in Texas can offer anything from cool mornings to surprisingly warm afternoons. Historical trends point to temps in the high 50s at the start, with midday highs that can venture into the mid-70s or higher.
Key Stats
Event Date: February 16, 2025
Event Type: Road Marathon
Course Length: 26.2 miles
Course Type: Loop
TrailScore: 39.4
Road Marathon Rating: Easy
Total Ascent: 998.2 feet
Total Descent: 958.27 feet
Longest Uphill: 2.03 miles at an average 1.80% grade
Longest Downhill: 1.90 miles at an average -1.86% grade
Steepest Uphill: 0.32 miles at an average 4.18% grade
Steepest Downhill: 0.31 miles at an average -5.28% grade
Grade Distribution:
Flat: 49.0%
Minor Incline: 21.7%
Minor Decline: 16.1%
Moderate Decline: 7.2%
Moderate Incline: 4.8%
Challenging Decline: 0.8%
Challenging Incline: 0.4%
Course Briefing
Miles 0-6 (South Congress Ascent & Downtown Return)
Overview
You’ll start near the Capitol and head south on Congress Avenue. After a brief dip, you’ll encounter a steady climb until about Mile 3. Once you reach the top on South Congress, the route descends on South 1st Street, bringing you back toward the downtown area. The early uphill can slow your splits slightly; focus on effort-based pacing so you don’t burn out. When heading downhill on South 1st, open up your stride gently but avoid pounding the legs.
Although the morning may feel cool, the humidity can be high just after sunrise. Keep up with hydration, as conditions can change quickly over the next few hours.
Key Challenges
Early Uphill (Miles 0–3): A long, steady ascent on South Congress that tests pacing right from the start.
Downhill Return (Miles 3–6): South 1st Street features sustained declines that can be tough on your legs if overrun.
Aid Stations
Mile 1: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 3: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 5: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Points of Interest
Starting Line Murals (Mile 0–1): Iconic street art like the Wonder Woman Mural and the “I love you so much” Mural can be spotted early on.
Austin Sign (Near Mile 5): Keep an eye out on South 1st for this popular spot, often a backdrop for fun race photos.
Miles 6-12 (West Austin & Half-Split Approaching)
Overview
Around Mile 6, you’ll be near downtown again, turning onto Cesar Chavez and heading into West Austin. This part offers rolling terrain with small rises and dips around Veteran’s Drive and Lake Austin Boulevard. The pace can even out here—stay relaxed on the modest climbs and descents.
As you near Mile 12.4, be aware of the split where half-marathoners turn off. If you’ve been running in a group, prepare for a shift in density. Hold focus and maintain your fueling strategy in these miles.
Key Challenges
Short Rises on Veteran’s Drive (Miles 7.9–8.2): Moderate inclines that can sneak up on you if you’ve let your guard down after the earlier downhill.
Rolling West Austin Terrain (Miles 8–11): Frequent small changes in elevation that can disrupt your rhythm.
Aid Stations
Mile 7: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 8: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 9: BPN Go Gels, BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 10: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 11: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 12: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Points of Interest
Austin City Hall & Cesar Chavez (Mile 6–7): Enthusiastic supporters and a lively downtown vibe often greet runners here.
Enfield Road Area (Miles 9–11): A tree-lined stretch in West Austin, offering a calmer atmosphere and good spectator spots.
Miles 12-16 (Heading North & Entering Hyde Park)
Overview
Right after Mile 12, the half-marathoners split off. The full marathon course heads north toward Hyde Park, with gentle rolling terrain. Crowds may thin temporarily, but neighborhoods around Miles 14–16 often bring renewed energy.
Focus on your fueling and hydration, especially in this transition to the back half of the race. Keep your mindset steady if the field around you suddenly feels lighter.
Key Challenges
Post-Split Mentality (Around Mile 12.4): Losing the half-marathon pack can feel isolating; have a mental plan to stay on pace.
Gradual Rollers (Miles 13–16): These subtle inclines can accumulate fatigue if not paced well.
Aid Stations
Mile 13: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 14: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 15: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 16: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Points of Interest
Half/Full Split (Mile 12.4): Where half marathoners peel off, creating a noticeable thinning of the crowd.
Hyde Park Moontower (Near Mile 14–15): One of Austin’s iconic moonlight towers stands as a reminder of local history.
Miles 16-20 (Hyde Park through East Austin)
Overview
The course heads east from Hyde Park, weaving through older residential areas. Expect a calmer environment here, which can be a mental respite or a test of self-motivation. Keep a regular fueling cadence, especially as you approach Mile 20.
Humidity may climb and the temperature can rise, so watch for any signs of slowing. Cheer stations and smaller gatherings of spectators around Miles 19–20 offer periodic boosts. Stay engaged, as the mental challenge of late miles can be just as critical as the physical aspect.
Key Challenges
Long Moderates & Declines (Miles 17–19): The rolling terrain on Duval Street and Pleasant Valley Road can catch you off guard if your pacing becomes too lax.
Fewer Crowds & Possible Warm-Up: Fewer spectators here mean you’ll rely more on your own focus.
Aid Stations
Mile 17: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 18: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 19: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 20: BPN Go Gels, BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Points of Interest
Mile 16.5 “Butt Napkins” Cheer Station: Known for its quirky support, it’s a lighthearted highlight in a quieter section.
Boggy Creek Greenbelt (Near Mile 19.7): A small but refreshing green space that provides a quick mental break from city streets.
Miles 20-26.2 (The Eastside & Final Capitol Climb)
Overview
This final 10K moves through East Austin and back toward the downtown finish. You’ll encounter flat stretches mixed with short inclines on roads like Cesar Chavez. Near Mile 25.88, prepare for a sharp climb on 11th Street—the steepest of the day. Soon after, the Capitol looms and the finish line welcomes you.
Stay focused and keep fueling. It’s common to see a dip in pace here, but maintain forward motion. The enthusiastic crowd near the finish will help you tackle the last rise before crossing that final timing mat.
Key Challenges
Miles 20–24 Grind: Fatigue sets in while dealing with rolling terrain and potential midday warmth.
Steep Incline on 11th Street (Around Mile 25.9): A challenging climb; manage effort carefully to finish strong.
Aid Stations
Mile 21: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 22: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 23: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 24: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Mile 25: BPN Electrolyte Hydration, Water, Medical, Restrooms
Points of Interest
Central Machine Works Cheer Zone (Mile 22.75): East Side Beer Runners create a spirited atmosphere here.
Final Mile Crowd (Mile 25+): Vibrant costumes, loud cheers, and a great view of the Capitol make for an unforgettable finishing stretch.