Volunteer
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December 10, 2023
8:00 AM
Travis County Expo Center
7311 Decker Ln
Austin, TX 78724
Half Marathon, 5-miler and Kids Mile
Virtual Options Available
In 1979, the Austin Runners Club organized a race on the roads around Decker Lake in east Austin. The Decker Challenge was born!
Today, the Decker Challenge Half Marathon is one of the longest running races in Austin. December 10, 2023 will be our 45th annual event! All finishers receive a race t-shirt, free post-race photos, finish line festival, and a highly-coveted Decker Challenge finisher’s medal.
We will also host our Decker Challenge Kids Mile in conjunction with the race festivities. Kids will embark on a moderately challenging 1 mile course, and will celebrate their accomplishment at the same finish line as the half marathon!
Race day schedule (tentative):
7:00AM - Race Day Expo opens
8:00AM - Decker Challenge Half Marathon Start
8:45AM - Kid's Mile Start
12:00PM - Decker Challenge Half Marathon course closes
Decker Challenge Pacers – 12/10/23
TRAVIS COUNTY EXPO CENTER
The Twenty-Six Two pacers will help you achieve your Decker goals and navigate the challenging course all the way to the finish line! Our Pace Group Leaders are extremely experienced runners and selected based on their previous running and/or pacing performances. They know what it takes to hold a steady pace over varying terrain and provide a great race experience for their “Pace-ees.”
We recommend meeting up with the pacers on race day, look for them next to the “Pace Time” signs in the starting area holding up signs with the pace per mile printed on them. They will be wearing Pacer race singlets. Try to meet up with your pace group at least 15 minutes before the start of the race. Before the start, your pace group leader will give you their final instructions. This may include any adjustments being made to the pace due to course conditions. This is another great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
Water station philosophy, regarding whether the pace group will walk or run through it, is up to the pace leader. Each pace leader will let you know their 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.
We want you to run your own race. If you feel great on race day and want to catch the next group, we’ll cheer you on. If it’s not your day, slow down and wait for the group behind you. And if you want to just fall in and match strides with your pace group leader, we’re sure to appreciate the company!
Pace Groups for 2023 Decker Challenge:
1.30
1.40
1.50
2 hr
2.10
2.20
2.30
2.40
Water Stops
There are 6 water stops on the Decker Challenge course at approximately every 2 miles. Miles 2, 4, 6, 8.5, 10, and Mile 12. Water and sports drink will be available at all stops. Don’t forget to thank our volunteers! The Decker Challenge Course closes at 12:00 pm.
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.
If you are not able to join us for the in-person races, we are offering a virtual option for the Decker Challenge half marathon. Virtual options will include the official race shirt (shipping costs included), along with any sponsor promotions or special offers from our partners.
If you are part of the 2023-2024 Distance Challenge and plan to run the Decker Challenge as a virtual race YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL OPTION through your DC Event Dog registration portal.
The Decker Challenge is included as the fourth race in the Austin Distance Challenge.
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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