AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Marathon is off to the races Sunday, which could impact your commute around town.
When the race first started in 1992, 605 entered, but now, over 17,000 runners participate from all 50 states and over 25 countries.
Street closures for the marathon have already begun with East 9th Street between Congress Avenue and Brazos Street and Congress Avenue between 7th and 11th streets closed Friday and Congress Avenue between Cesar Chavez Street and 11th Street closed Saturday morning. Early Sunday morning at 2 a.m. early closures begin and the entire race route closes at 6 a.m.
Here are all the street closures:
Spots in the marathon are sold out, but there are still spots available for purchase for the half marathon and 5K.
If you want to watch the race, the Austin Marathon’s website has a list of tips for non-racers who want to attend.
- Use Google Maps or Waze on race day - The Austin Marathon street closures are submitted to these programs in advance, and they will display the closures and the associated traffic.
- Assume you can’t cross the course - Crossing the marathon course with a vehicle is extremely difficult, and should be avoided. 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, sometimes the best option may be to park on the more accessible side of the course and walk.
- Use MoPac, Lamar Boulevard and Interstate 35 - These roads are unobstructed for northbound and southbound travel.
- Use Ben White Boulevard, Highway 290 and FM 2222/Koenig Lane - These roads are unobstructed for eastbound and westbound travel. Also, 45th Street is open westbound between Red River and Guadalupe streets.