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December 10, 2023
Travis County Expo Center
7311 Decker Lane
Austin, TX 78724
Half Marathon
5K
Kids Mile
The Decker Challenge is celebrating 45 years and is still running strong! Join Austin Runners Club on December 10 for the Decker Challenge Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Mile.
In 1979, Austin Runners Club organized a race on the roads around Decker Lake in east Austin and the Decker Challenge was born. Get ready and join us on December 10, 2023 for the 45th running of one of Austin’s oldest and most iconic races.
The Decker Challenge is a family-friendly event that includes competitive Half Marathon and 5K distances, plus a fun Kids Mile. Challenge yourself on this legendary course and conquer the famous hills of Decker. Once you cross the finish line, celebrate with your friends, family and fellow runners at the finisher’s party. Half Marathon and 5K finishers receive the famous Decker t-shirt, highly-coveted and hard-earned finisher's medal and free race photos.
In addition to the competitive races, there is a fun Kids Mile as part of the overall race experience. Kids will embark on a moderately challenging 1-mile course and cross the same finish line as the Half Marathon and 5K races. All Kids Mile finishers will receive a commemorative wristband.
Awards will be given for both the Half Marathon and 5K races to the top male and female overall, top master male and female overall, top nonbinary, and top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 & under, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70–79, and 80+.
Decker Challenge 5K - USATF certified
Half Marathon (Click image for link to MapMyRun)
Kid’s Mile (Click image for link to MapMyRun)
Decker Challenge Pace Groups
Pacers from Twenty-Six Two will be leading pace groups to help you achieve your race goal and navigate this challenging course. Our Pace Group Leaders are experienced runners that are selected based on their previous racing experience and past pacing performances. They know what it takes to hold a steady pace over the Decker hills and are committed to providing a great race experience for runners, no matter what pace you're running!
Look for the Pace Group Leaders wearing Pacer singlets in the starting area and holding signs printed with projected finished times. Pacers will be in the starting corral near their respective signs indicating pace per mile. We recommend lining up and meeting your desired pace group at least 15 minutes before the start of the race. Pace Group Leaders will provide final instructions prior to the race start. This may include any adjustments to pacing due to course or weather conditions. Meeting your pace group early is also a great opportunity to ask any questions about the race or course.
Water stations: It is up to the Pace Group Leader whether the pace group will walk or run through the water stations. Each Pace Group Leader will decide the strategy for getting back together after a water stop. Be sure to check with your group leader prior to the start if this is important to you.
Most importantly, we want you to run your own race and have a great experience! If you feel strong on race day and want to catch the next group, that's awesome! If it’s not your day, be patient, slow down and wait for the next pace group. And if it works best to run your own pace, that's fine too. We're cheering everyone on and want you to cross the finish line healthy and strong!
Pace Groups for 2023 Decker Challenge Half Marathon (tentative and subject to change):
1:30
1:40
1:50
2:00
2:10
2:20
2:30
2:40
Water Stops
There are 6 water stops on the Decker Challenge course approximately every 2 miles: miles 2, 4, 6, 8.5, 10 and 12. Water and sports drink will be available at all stops. Please make sure to thank our amazing volunteers!
Medical
Medical personnel will be on-site at the finish area before, during and after the race. Please feel free to find them before you begin your race and let them know of any relevant medical conditions.
The Decker Challenge Half Marathon is race #4 of the Austin Distance Challenge (DC).
DC participants enjoy exclusive access to the Distance Den, complete with a bag drop, snacks and beverages.
If you are a DC participant, please sign up for the Half Marathon option. If you plan to run the Decker Challenge as a virtual race, please register for the HALF MARATHON VIRTUAL OPTION through your Event Dog registration portal.
Find the perfect position to give back and connect with your community
The Austin Runners Club is a non-profit, in Austin, Texas. We have proudly served the ATX running community since 1974.
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