Austin Marathon 2026: Runners & Crowd Highlights
- Sunday, February 15, 2026 – More than 30,000 athletes participated in the 2026 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, taking to the streets of the Texas capital.
- Joseph Whelan of Webster, New York, finished the men’s marathon in a course record time of 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 18 seconds, outpacing Elisha Barno by over...
- Kellyn Taylor, representing Flagstaff, Arizona, claimed the women’s marathon title with a time of 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 29 seconds.
Austin Marathon Draws 30,000 Runners, Crowns New Champions
– More than 30,000 athletes participated in the 2026 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, taking to the streets of the Texas capital. The event, described as a “running social event of the year,” saw victories from Kellyn Taylor and Joseph Whelan in the full marathon, and Mina Glenesk and Griffin Neal in the half marathon.
Joseph Whelan of Webster, New York, finished the men’s marathon in a course record time of , outpacing Elisha Barno by over a minute. This win comes after Whelan finished as the runner-up in the 2023 Austin Marathon and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in both 2020, and 2024. “It’s not often you can finish a marathon and feel that good,” Whelan said, adding, “You have all the endorphins flowing, and you just have to enjoy it when you can.” He acknowledged the challenging hill on Congress Avenue, noting it “sucks every time.”
Kellyn Taylor, representing Flagstaff, Arizona, claimed the women’s marathon title with a time of . She finished nearly 13 minutes ahead of Sarah Jackson.
In the half marathon, Mina Glenesk secured the women’s victory in , while Griffin Neal won the men’s race in .
The Austin Marathon course winds through the city’s downtown area, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Capitol, South Congress, and Zilker Park. Runners were greeted by cheering crowds and live music along the route, culminating in a finish festival with food, drinks, and music in front of the Texas State Capitol on historic Congress Avenue.
Sean Handel was the top Austin-area finisher in the men’s elite division, placing fourth with a time of .
The event also highlighted the work of non-profit organizations, offering a 50% registration discount to employees as a special focus for 2026. Organizers emphasized the marathon as more than just a race, but a celebration of Austin’s culture and community.