Austin Marathon 2026 Triggers Massive Road Closures Across the City
More than 26 miles of Austin’s busiest streets are about to transform into a sea of runners and tens of thousands of people will feel the impact long before the starting gun fires.
The 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, along with the half marathon and 5K, is set to take over the heart of Austin, Texas. The race begins at 7 a.m., but road closures start as early as 3 a.m., reshaping traffic patterns across the city well before sunrise. For residents, commuters and businesses, this is not just a race. It is a citywide operation.
The course kicks off near Congress Avenue and East Cesar Chavez Street and winds through South Congress, Riverside, Lake Austin Boulevard, the University of Texas area, East Austin and back toward downtown for a finish near Congress and Ninth Street. Over two dozen intersections will close in phases as runners pass through each mile marker. Some streets will reopen mid-morning. Others will remain shut down into the early afternoon.
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Major corridors like South Congress, Lamar Boulevard, Guadalupe Street, Red River, Pleasant Valley and Cesar Chavez will see rolling closures. Cross streets will also be blocked at scheduled times, meaning drivers could encounter detours far from the main route. City officials are urging people to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes.
But beyond the traffic disruptions, this marathon marks a milestone. It is the 35th anniversary of the Austin Marathon, a race that has grown into one of the premier distance events in the region. Tens of thousands of runners are expected to participate, drawing athletes from across the United States and around the world. For local businesses, especially those along the route, the event brings both challenges and opportunity. Restaurants, breweries and specialty shops are preparing for an influx of spectators and visitors throughout the weekend.
Weather conditions are expected to be comfortable, which could mean strong finishing times and high spectator turnout. That combination adds to the scale and energy of the day.
Events like this showcase Austin’s identity as an active, community-driven city. But they also require coordination, patience and awareness from everyone who lives and works there. If you are in the Austin area, know the closures, know the reopening times and plan accordingly.
We will continue tracking traffic updates, race results and any developing impacts throughout the day. Stay with us for complete coverage and the latest information as the Austin Marathon unfolds.
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