Ascension Seton Austin Half Marathon | Weekend in Austin, TX

Welcome to Austin

For years we had heard that Austin was worth a visit, so to cross Texas off the list of our 50 states challenge, we headed south for the Ascension Seton Austin Half Marathon. The race series, which includes a Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K, is held during Presidents Day weekend in February. It was not quite as warm as we expected (ranging 40-50 degrees), but that made for great running weather. The BBQ did not disappoint!

Where to Stay

The race starts and ends in Downtown Austin. Always striving to be walkable to the starting line and downtown sites, we stayed central to the Market, Red River Cultural, Financial and Second Street Districts. We were able to walk (or scooter) everywhere, negating the need for a rental car. We stayed in this Airbnb which was in a great location and we’d recommend it.

About the Race

The race series attracts more than 20,000 runners and is your typical city-based half marathon in that it takes you on a scenic running tour of the city, passing landmarks such as the UT Tower, The I Love You Mural, and Austin Power Plant. Running the route is a great way to see the city. The finish line is in front of the Texas State Capitol on historic Congress Ave, making for a nice post-run photo op. The course is well-organized and the race medal is uniquely shaped like a functional belt buckle. (Course map)

**Day 1.**
**Arrive and Explore 6th Street**

Saturday

Get situated in the neighborhood and visit the original Whole Foods Market.

1:00 - Arrive at Austin Airport. Take a ride share directly to lunch at Koriente (A) for Asian fusion cuisine (no reservation, opens at 1pm.)

3:00 - Check into the Airbnb (Near B).

3:30 - Walk up the historic 6th Street. Cross over the Congress Avenue Bridge to get to the Palmer Event Center (C) where you can pick up your race bib (closes at 5pm).

4:30 - Head next to the original Whole Foods Market (D) to pick up pre-race dinner ingredients.

5:00 - Head back to the Airbnb to cook dinner and head to bed.

**Day 2. Race and Recover with BBQ and Breweries**

Sunday

Enjoy the barbecue and brewery scene after seeing the city of Austin on foot.

6:00 - Wake up. Have breakfast and head from the Airbnb (near A) to the starting line on Congress Ave & 2nd Street (B) .

7:00 - Race starts!

12:00 - Indulge for lunch at la Barbecue (C) . You can avoid the line by ordering ahead online and picking up your meal at the side window at your requested time.

1:30 - Head to Brewery #1, Lazarus (D) and munch on some tacos if you’re still feeling hungry. Then head to nearby Brewery #2, Zilker (E).

5:00 - Head back the Airbnb to rest and clean up. Then head to dinner at True Food Kitchen (F) (make a reservation online in advance.)

**Day 3.**
**Explore UT Austin and LBJ Presidential Library**

Monday

Celebrate President’s Day at the LBJ Presidential Library and learn about Texas’ history.

10:00 - Start the day with brunch at 1886 Cafe & Bakery (A) (open daily 6:30-2:00)

11:00 - Walk or take a scooter to the LBJ Presidential Library (B) (open daily 9-5.) There’s something special about going to a presidential library on President’s Day. For one, the library is free (score!) It’ll be busy but still enjoyable, and it’s a fitting way to spend the morning. Lady Bird Johnson’s preserved office was a highlight.

1:30 - Walk south through the University of Texas campus. Pass by the stadium. If it’s cold, you can pop into the The Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports (C) for a quirky exhibit on sports in a quiet gallery (free). You can also stop in at the Student Center to warm up with coffee and get a snack.

3:00 - Head next to the Bullock Texas State History Museum (D) (open daily 9am-5pm, Sun 12-5, $13) to learn about the tumultuous history of Texas.

5:30 - Have an early dinner at Salty Sow (E) (opens 4:30). You can make a reservation in advance.

8:00 - End the day with a cocktail and a movie at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (F) .

Get cheaper flights by flying out Tuesday morning.

10:00 - Check out of the Airbnb and take a ride share to have breakfast at Arturo’s Underground Cafe (open daily 7am-2pm). Gotta get a breakfast taco before you leave!

12:00 - Take a ride share to the airport and fly home.