Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Austin Distance Challenge?
Organized by Austin Runners Club, the Distance Challenge is a nearly 30-year Austin tradition featuring five races over five months. With four tracks for different goals and abilities, runners can challenge themselves, connect with the community, earn finisher rewards, and compete for season awards.
Does Distance Challenge registration include the individual races?
No. Distance Challenge registration covers your series benefits and eligibility for finisher rewards and competitive awards. You must register separately for all five individual races. Exclusive race discounts are included with your Distance Challenge registration.
How do I register for all five races?
You can add Daisy Dash, Decker Challenge, Spurs Austin International, and Austin Marathon events during Distance Challenge checkout. Your confirmation email includes a separate discount code for Run for the Water.
You don't have to register for every race at once. Save your confirmation email for the registration instructions and discounts.
What's included in my registration?
Exclusive race discounts, collectible magnets, a We Are Blood-sponsored VIP wristband, race-day tent access, community runs, partner experiences, and an end-of-season finisher party with food and a drink ticket.
Completing your track also earns you a custom jacket (Full/Half) or special-edition water bottle (Sprint/Mixed). See our Participant Perks section for additional details.
What is Marathon Kids, and why are we fundraising?
Marathon Kids is an Austin-based nonprofit providing free running programs to schools nationwide. Austin Runners Club and Marathon Kids merged in 2022 to advance their shared mission of lifelong health through running.
Through Dare the Distance for the Kids, participants can help more children discover the confidence, joy, and lifelong benefits of running.
What's the registration deadline?
November 1, 2026. You can join after Daisy Dash on October 18, even if you missed race day, by completing Daisy Dash virtually by November 1.
Virtual completions count toward finisher rewards, but not competitive standings. To remain eligible for competitive awards, you must have completed Daisy Dash in person.
Can I complete races virtually?
Yes! Eligible virtual completions count toward your finisher reward, provided you register for each individual race and complete the required distance.
Competitive awards require completing all five races in person at the required distances. Virtual results do not count toward leaderboard standings or awards.
Can I switch tracks during the season?
Yes! You can change tracks through January 10, 2027, and remain eligible for competitive awards in your new track, provided you've completed the required distances in person.
After January 10, you can still switch tracks and earn the appropriate finisher reward, but you'll no longer qualify for competitive standings or awards.
Switching from Full/Half to Sprint/Mixed changes your finisher reward from a jacket to a water bottle.
Email info@austinrunners.org to request a change.
Where can I find the leaderboard?
The leaderboard will be posted on our website and updated after each race, with updates shared by email and social media.
What are the award categories?
Full & Half Tracks
Top three overall: Male, Female, and Non-Binary
Age-group winners: Male and Female, in 10-year divisions from 10–19 through 80+
Sprint Track
First overall: Male, Female, and Non-Binary
Mixed Track
Finisher reward only; no competitive placement awards
Only eligible in-person results count toward competitive awards.
Will there be a Distance Challenge tent at every race?
Yes! We'll have a Distance Challenge presence at all five races for magnet pickup and community connection.
At the first four races, look for our tent near the finish line for refreshments and a place to gather. Personal item drop-off is available at the first three races without official bag check. This is not a secured service.
For Austin Marathon weekend, we'll share magnet pickup and post-race gathering details in advance.
When is the finisher party?
We'll celebrate the 2026–27 season with food, drinks, and fellow challengers! Date, location, and additional details will be announced during the season.
