City: Austin, TX

Category: Spectator Sports

Insider Pick:

Description: Austin is all about the great outdoors—and fitness. For tens of thousands of Austinites that means running, and our city offers something for everyone: Our Hike and Bike Trail along Lady Bird Lake is one popular place for joggers, as are our dozens of parks and recreational areas. For those with the competitive, charitable spirit, Austin hosts a variety of annual 5K and 10K races, relays, half marathons and a major full marathon. Two of the biggies are the LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, and the Statesman Capitol 10K. The Austin Marathon (now partnered with Lance Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG global cancer campaign) is usually held the second Sun of Feb, drawing thousands of participants and spectators. The 5,000 runners from around the world who participate in the long run, a Boston Marathon qualifier, get a nice tour of Austin—the old fashioned way!In the spring Austin hosts the Capitol 10,000, the largest 10K run in the state and the fifth largest in the nation. This event is all inclusive, offering a Fun Run and Walk for casual participants (many of whom dress in silly costumes), a race for Wheelchair Athletes, and a Timed Race for competitive athletes. This race has been going strong for more than three decades.