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26 miles of fun
A short time ago, I wrote about the upcoming AT&T Austin Marathon.
Well, time has slipped by, and the race is fast approaching. In fact, it’s taking place this weekend, with the starter’s gun scheduled to go off at 7 a.m. Sunday. If you’d wanted to run, I hope you’re registered. I spoke with race director John Conley, and he let me know that both the full marathon and half marathon events are booked solid, with more than 13,000 paid registrations to date. That means that if you just realized you want to participate, it will have to be as a spectator. But don’t fret - this race promises plenty for runners and non-runners alike, and Sunday’s event promises to offer enough to keep even the most frenetic of fans engaged and satisfied.
Here’s a list of great things to do on race weekend if you’re not planning on running:
Saddle up at a comfy spot and watch the runners go by. Race organizers have set aside a number of primo spots all over town for spectators and amateur photographers, including the intersections of Barton Springs Road and Congress Avenue, Lavaca and Second streets, 15th and San Antonio streets, and the UT intramural fields at 51st and Guadalupe streets. Who knows - you might even snap yourself a shot of Gov. Rick Perry racing by!
Rock out to one of the 42 live bands playing along the route. There’s plenty out there for every taste, from rock to ska to DJs to high school bands, and one-time Austin tastemakers Fastball (remember that radio hit “The Way”?) will be rocking out at the finish line just as the weekend warriors start rolling in. The race Web site, www.attaustinmarathon.com, has all the info you need to get your jam on.
Cheer on your favorite team. This year’s event sports an innovative team system - rather than award all the prize money to the top individual finishers, the race organizers have decided to establish an Olympic-style international team purse. Runners from five nations - the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and the African nations of Kenya and Malawi - will be squaring off to race for the crown, as well as the $15,000 cash prize earmarked for the winners. Who’s your top pick? Be vocal!
Volunteer! Dozens of local nonprofits are running themed booths and water stations through the marathon’s “26 Miles for 26 Charities” route. The race organizers are hoping to enlist the help of up to 1,200 generous locals to help the event go off without a hitch, and you can sign up to work at any time from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., doing everything from set-up to tear-down. Again, check the Web site.
That’s it, race fans! Get ready for another great edition of the Austin marathon.
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