Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Austin Distance Challenge?
Organized by Austin Runners Club, the Austin Distance Challenge is a series of local races of increasing distance, spanning 5 months and 5 races, that challenge local runners from all different levels to see what they’re capable of! Race times are tracked, so for those interested in competing, there are awards at the end of the season! The Austin Distance Challenge has been around for nearly 30 years, and continues to be one of the running community’s greatest traditions.
Does the Distance Challenge registration price include the individual races?
It does not. The registration on this page gets you signed up for the challenge so that you can be tracked in the leaderboard (Half Track and Full Track only), invited to community runs, and celebrated at our finisher’s party with the near-legendary Distance Challenge Finisher’s jacket (Half and Full Track) or special edition DC Water Bottle (Sprint or Mixed Track). You need to follow the instructions in your registration confirmation email to sign up for the races.
How do I register for all of the races?
Once you register for the Distance Challenge, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to register for the 5 individual races. Discount codes will be provided for Daisy Dash and Run for the Water and you will be able to register for Decker Challenge, Austin International Half, and the Austin Marathon during checkout for the Distance Challenge. You don’t need to sign up for all of them at once, so make sure you “Star” the email so you can find it again later.
What is included in my Distance Challenge registration price?
Your Distance Challenge registration gives you access to a range of exclusive perks and experiences throughout the season, including:
- A chance to earn a finisher’s prize based on your track (custom jacket or commemorative water bottle)
- Commemorative Distance Challenge magnets
- Entry to the Finisher’s Party, complete with food and a drink ticket
- Exclusive community runs at Tacodeli during the series—including a post-run taco
- Personal item drop-off at the DC Tent during the first three races (available where no official bag check is provided). While we do our best to monitor items, this is not a secured service.
- Activations at various community partners throughout the season
- And all the encouragement and support you need from the Austin Runners Club community!
What is Marathon Kids and why are we fundraising for them?
Marathon Kids is an Austin-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free running programs to schools across the country, helping kids get active, set big goals, and achieve more than they ever thought possible. In 2022, the Austin Runners Club and Marathon Kids officially merged, uniting two powerful missions to promote lifelong health and a love for running.
This year, we’re inviting the local running community to “Dare the Distance for the Kids” by supporting Marathon Kids through the Distance Challenge. Every dollar raised helps introduce more kids to running, showing them at a young age that fitness can be fun, goal-driven, and transformational. As runners, we know the lifelong impact of this sport and this is an easy, meaningful way to give back and inspire the next generation.
What is the last date I can register for the Distance Challenge?
As long as you completed the Daisy Dash on October 19, you can register for the Distance Challenge up until one week before Run for the Water—by November 2, 2025. This allows time to process your registration and get you officially on the leaderboard starting with the second race in the series.
Can I switch tracks during the Distance Challenge?
Yes! You’re welcome to switch tracks at any point during the season.
You can move from any track to the Mixed Track, which offers the most flexibility—allowing you to mix distances or include virtual participation to make the Challenge your own.
However, the Full, Half, and Sprint Tracks each require you to complete specific distances at all five races to remain eligible for their respective finisher prizes. If your race distances vary or you participate virtually at any point, you'll automatically be counted under the Mixed Track.
If your distance is going to vary from what you originally registered for, please let us know so we can update your track and ensure you’re correctly counted toward your Mixed Track finisher results.
Where is the leaderboard?
The leaderboard will be available on our website and shared after each race via email and social media, so you can follow your progress throughout the season.
What are the Awards categories?
Top three finishers for Male/Female/Non Binary are awarded in each of the following categories:
Overall
Age Groups (10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79)
Will there be a Distance Challenge presence at the finish of every race?
Yes! While our setup may vary by event, we will have a communicated presence at the finish of every race to connect with participants, hand out magnets, and celebrate your accomplishments.
For the first three races, you’ll find a Distance Challenge tent near the finish line, serving as your home base. It will offer personal item drop-off (at races without official bag check), magnets, and a welcoming space to relax and gather with fellow runners post-race.
For races like the Austin International Half and the Austin Marathon, Half, and 5K, where gear check is already provided by the event, we’ll share details ahead of time on how you can pick up your magnet and enjoy post-race food—so stay tuned via email and social media!
What are the party details?
