AUSTIN, Texas — Runners are preparing to hit the streets this upcoming weekend for the 2024 Ascension Seton Marathon.
The 26.2-mile run is set to begin at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18. Registration is sold out, but interested participants still have the chance to sign up for the half-marathon or the 5K.
Racers can pick up their packets from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Palmer Event Center, located at 900 Barton Springs Road. Organizers advise that runners should arrive sometime after the first hour to avoid larger crowds.
If you're planning to run, you'll need to know where to be and when. Take a look at the weekend schedule, and the marathon's FAQ and transportation pages.
The race starts at Second Street and Congress Avenue and ends at Congress and Ninth Street. Check out an interactive map of this year's course below:
For both visitors and Austin drivers alike, the marathon has published a traffic guide for navigating around the race sites both ahead of and on race day. The following road closures are expected:
Pre-race day closures
Friday, Feb. 16
- East Ninth Street between Congress Avenue and Brazos Street (starting at 9 a.m.)
- Congress Avemue between Seventh Street and 11th Street (starting at 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 17
- Early closures begin at 2 a.m.
- Race route closes at 6 a.m.
- Major cross streets remain open until runners arrive
Race day closures
Sunday, Feb. 18
- Early closures begin at 2 a.m.
- Race route closes at 6 a.m.
- Major cross streets remain open until runners arrive
Learn more about race day street closures on Page 4 of the Austin Marathon's traffic guide.
Traveling in this area? Here are some tips:
- Assume you can't cross the course. The Austin Police Department will only allow crossings at major intersections and only when there are no runners present
- Park strategically. If your trip starts or ends near a section of the course, the best option may be to park on the more accessible side of the course and walk.
- Use MoPac, Lamar Boulevard and Interstate 35, as these roadways are unobstructed for northbound and southbound travel
- Use Ben White Boulevard (Highway 290) and FM 2222 (Koenig Lane), as these roads are unobstructed for eastbound and westbound travel. In addition, 45th Street is open westbound between Red River and Guadalupe streets