Race Austin: Holiday Victory Lap - Marathon, Half-marathon, 10K, 5K

🎉 HOLIDAY VICTORY LAP

🏅 BOSTON QUALIFYING MARATHON

🏃‍♂️ HALF-MARATHON, 10K &: 5K

Date: December 14th at 9:00 AM | Location: Pace Bend Park

A winter running celebration with stunning lake views and Boston Marathon qualification potential!

🏆 BOSTON QUALIFIER ALERT!

This is a USATF-certified marathon course: Certification code: TX25015LAB. Course specifically designed with Boston qualification in mind! Our 1.55-mile loop format allows runners to master the course with each lap, creating the perfect opportunity to strategically pace your way to a BQ time. With approximately 561 ft of total elevation gain, this course is designed for speed!

The marathon is currently under consideration to host the USATF Masters Marathon Championships. Final designation pending USATF approval.

🌟 COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

• Strategic Loop Design: 1.6 miles per loop (16 loops for full marathon, 8 for half)
• 100% Paved Surface: Smooth, consistent running conditions for optimal performance
• Minimal Elevation: About 33 ft of gain per loop
• Perfect Pacing Opportunity: Learn the course quickly and optimize your speed on every section

📋 COURSE DETAILS

The paved course features a gentle descent in the first mile, and climb in the remaining 0.55 miles. This balanced profile prevents the quad fatigue of excessive downhill courses while providing enough variety to engage different muscle groups.

• Star of Texas Marathon: 16 loops (26.2 miles)
• Holiday Victory Half Marathon: 8 loops (13.1 miles)
• Holiday Victory 10K: 4 loops (6.2 miles)
• Holiday Victory 5K: 2 loops (3.1 miles)

🏅 BOSTON QUALIFICATION ADVANTAGE

Our unique loop course format offers strategic benefits for Boston hopefuls! The marathon course is USATF-certified (certification code: TX25015LAB) and a Boston Marathon qualifier — carefully designed to help runners achieve qualifying times. The loop format lets you become intimately familiar with every turn and elevation change.

By your third lap, you will know exactly where to push and where to conserve energy - a strategic advantage for hitting your BQ time! With about 561 ft of total elevation gain, this course creates ideal conditions for your Boston Marathon qualification attempt.

🎊 EVENT FEATURES

• Professional chip timing: Accurate splits and finish times for all participants
• Frequent split times: Track your progress every lap to perfect your pacing
• Spectator-friendly format: Your supporters can cheer you on multiple times without moving
• Finisher recognition: Challenge coin and medal for all finishers
• Part of winter series: Advent Run to New Year Challenge and Winter Marathon Series
• 6-hour time limit: Course closes at 3:00 PM

⏰ PACE REQUIREMENTS

The Star of Texas Marathon Challenge

Checkpoint Guidance for those aiming for a sub-4 goal:

• 9:45 AM: Complete at least 3 loops (4.65 miles)
• 10:30 AM: Complete at least 6 loops (9.3 miles)
• 11:15 AM: Complete at least 9 loops (13.95 miles)
• 12:00 PM: Complete at least 12 loops (18.6 miles)
• 12:30 PM: Complete at least 15 loops (23.25 miles)
• 1:00 PM: Complete all loops (26.2 miles)

Half Marathon (8 loops)

Maintain 18:13/mile pace or faster (28:15 per loop) to finish before the cutoff

Checkpoint Guidance:

• 10:00 AM: Complete at least 2 loops (3.1 miles)
• 11:00 AM: Complete at least 4 loops (6.2 miles)
• 12:00 PM: Complete at least 6 loops (9.3 miles)
• 1:00 PM: Complete all loops (13.175 miles)

10K &: 5K Distances

10K participants will complete four full loops of our scenic course, while 5K runners will conquer two loops - all finishers earn a commemorative medal.

🏁 READY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY VICTORY?

Join us at Pace Bend Park on December 14th for a unique loop course experience with Boston Qualifier potential!