Austin Marathon
Monday, February 15, 2027
Elevation Gain
150m
Elevation Range
76m
Avg Temperature
52°F / 11°C
Course Profile
rolling
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A rolling loop course with approximately 189m of total climbing, starting and finishing near the Texas State Capitol. The early kilometers climb sharply to the 210m peak around km 5-6 before plunging to the course low of 134m at km 10. The middle section features rolling terrain through south and east Austin, peaking again around 196m near km 25-26, before a long descent to flat terrain for the final 8km. The varied elevation profile rewards even effort distribution over even pacing.
Key Segments
Capitol Start and Early Climb
Terrain: Starts at 159m, climbs steeply to the course high of 210m by km 5.5, then descends sharply to the course low of 134m by km 10
Challenge: The steep early climb to 210m tempts runners to go anaerobic in the excitement of the start. The sharp descent from km 6-10 punishes quads early if taken recklessly
Tactic: Run the first 2km controlled despite the downhill start energy. Shift to effort-based on the climb to km 5-6 (accept 15-20 sec/km slower). Control the descent to km 10 with short strides and high cadence.
Valley Floor and South Austin Rollers
Terrain: From the 134m valley floor, the course rolls through south Austin neighborhoods with undulations between 134m and 176m. Several short climbs and descents keep legs working
Challenge: The rolling terrain through km 10-18 has thin crowd support and can feel psychologically isolating after the electric downtown start. The constant undulation taxes legs more than flat terrain
Tactic: Stay effort-based through the rollers. This section is about patience — don't chase pace on the climbs. Save your legs for the second half push.
East Austin Rise and Second Peak
Terrain: Gradual climb from 167m to the second elevation peak of 196m around km 25-26, then rolling descent. This is the highest sustained section of the second half
Challenge: The long gradual climb through km 20-26 arrives when glycogen stores are depleting. The 30m elevation gain accumulates fatigue
Tactic: Take your last gel by km 22. Lean into the climb with steady effort. The descent from km 27 onward is your reward — use it to build momentum for the final push.
Long Descent to Flat Finish
Terrain: Steady descent from 187m to 141m through km 30-37, then flat terrain (141m) through km 37-40 before a gentle rise to the 154m Capitol finish
Challenge: Legs are tired but the terrain is finally on your side. The flat section km 37-40 can feel monotonous. The final 2km gentle rise to the Capitol requires one last push
Tactic: Use the long descent through km 30-37 to build speed gradually. The flat km 37-40 is where disciplined runners separate. Push on the final rise to Congress Avenue and the Capitol.
Race-Specific Training
- •Run long runs on rolling terrain with a steep early climb, a valley section, and a long sustained descent in the final third to simulate the race's three-phase profile
- •Include downhill repeats of 2-3km at marathon pace to prepare for the sharp descent from km 6-10 (210m to 134m) and the long sustained drop from km 30-37
- •Practice marathon-pace tempo runs in cool-to-warming conditions with a layered start, since February mornings can swing 10°C from start to finish
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Start at 159m, peak at 210m (km 5.5), low of 134m (km 10), finish at 154m. No altitude concerns.
Weather
Mid-February. Typical morning temps 2-8°C (35-46°F) at the gun, rising to 15-20°C (59-68°F) by finish. Occasional years can reach 25°C+ (77°F+).
Sun & Wind
Cool pre-dawn start with sun rising during the first half. Potential south winds off the Gulf on exposed stretches. Low humidity can mask sweat loss.
What to Wear
Throwaway layers for the cold start. Arm sleeves ideal. Dress for the finish temperature underneath. Light singlet and shorts for most conditions.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-10 | Goal pace on flats, effort-based on climbs and descents | Resist the temptation to bank time on the early climb. The sharp descent to km 10 will punish reckless pacing. Run by effort, not by watch. |
| km 10-20 | Goal pace, steady effort through rollers | Patience through the valley and rolling terrain. Save your legs for the second peak. |
| km 20-30 | Goal pace on the climb, slightly faster on descent | The second elevation peak around km 25-26 is the last significant climb. Fuel well and push over it. |
| km 30-42.195 | Goal pace or faster, push the descent and flat finish | The terrain is finally on your side. This is where patient runners negative split. Push through the flat section and finish strong up Congress Avenue. |
Race Day Tip
The sharp descent from km 6-10 (dropping 76m in 4km) is deceptively hard on quads this early in the race. Shorten your stride and increase cadence. Save your quads here and they will repay you on the flat final 8km when others are struggling.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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