There is a reason that 80% of the participants in the LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon® come from outside the Austin area. Actually, there are dozens of reasons. Here are just a few:

•  Great weather - the average temperature on race day is between 45 and 65 degrees.
•  The race is always on President’s Day Weekend, the third Sunday in February, allowing for a long weekend getaway.
•  Austin was named the Coolest Host City by Runner's World Magazine in 2007. Honestly, we think we’ve only gotten cooler since then.
•  We are the Greenest Race in North America, according to Runner's World Magazine in 2008, the only year they gave the award. Again, our sustainability initiative has only grown dramatically every year.
•  Lady Bird Lake Trail – Lady Bird Lake runs through the heart of the city, and is circled by ten miles of trail for runners, walkers, and bikers. Named for First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, who led the way for its creation, the trail is now protected and enhanced by The Trail Foundation (http://thetrailfoundation.org/).
•  Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World! Check out the Austin Chronicle (free all over town) for full music listings.
•  Cool Austin music, shows, and movies at the historic Paramount Theater, including Gladys Knight and the Pips on Friday, February 18.
•  The coolest movie theaters ever –Austin’s own Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas (www.originalalamo.com). Enjoy good food and drinks while watching first-run and older classics, in a very Austin atmosphere. Check out Spirit of the Marathon while downing pasta and a frosty beer there on the Saturday before the race.
•  The loop course with a downtown start and finish allows walking access to the start and finish from numerous quality hotels. This means no shuttles or parking issues.
•  The vast array of downtown restaurants accommodates every taste and budget.
•  World-famous Barton Springs Pool – it’s spring-fed, so it’s the same temperature on race day as it is in July.
•  UT athletics. Period. OK, Aggies are welcome, if they don’t “whoop” too much.