My Experience Running a Marathon in Texas Hill Country: 2024 Austin Marathon

I'm so glad I decided to run the #Austin #Marathon, which was held on Sunday, the 18th of February, on a whim during a business trip to Houston last Friday and Saturday. I was unsure because I hadn’t run much since Run Undead Ultra Trail Party back in December last year ( • Why You Should Conside... ). Furthermore, I already checked #Texas off my ’50 States’ list when I ran the Rocky Raccoon 100 Miles in Huntsville.
Since the inaugural edition of the event in 1992, the #AustinMarathon has become one of the largest marathons in the U.S. This year the marathon, half and 5K races collectively attracted a record number of more than 19,000 runners. The marathon was well-organized with amazing supporters and spectators on the course. In addition to its scenic (and hilly) course with picturesque landmarks and live music, race finishers receive a unique Texas Style belt buckle finisher medal, featuring iconic Austin landmarks. The 3-block-long Finish Festival is open to the public and may be the best marathon finish line festival I’ve seen, featuring a live band, the usual vendors, a recovery area, and a beer garden.
Despite my fitness condition or the lack of it, I was happy to finish under 5 hours in a very relaxed pace. But the best part for me was meeting a local #running hero, Iram J. Leon. Because of my work commitment in Houston, I couldn't get to Austin to pick up my race bib either on Friday or Saturday. Fortunately, Iram offered to pick up my race packet at the Marathon Expo and brought it to me on race morning. I got to interview Iram the next day and can't wait to share his incredible story with you in my next video.
Thanks for watching and stay safe!
Thomas
Music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds (www.epidemicsound.com):
daloe / Intuition
Scoobadive / Electric
Kadant / It Aint Over Til Its Over
Some video footages were generated by:
@AUSTINMARATHON
@EXPLOREATX_
@OOFOS
@CKIMCREATIVES
Typos found in the video after post production:
I meant to say "Shoutout to barefoot (not barefoor) runners!"