by John Conley

Austin has always been known as an easygoing town with great live music, world-class dining and wonderful sights and attractions. But did you also know that Austin has become one of the Running Capitals of the United States?

Named by Runner’s World magazine in 2004 as one of the best running cities in the United States, Austin boasts miles and miles of shady and scenic running trails along Town Lake and the Barton Springs and Shoal Creek greenbelts. Austin is home to RunTex, one of the premier running specialty shops in the United States. Austin also has a thriving road running and walking calendar of over 100 events annually. There is an event for everyone, from the casual walker or jogger to the aspiring Olympian.

Here’s the “run”down of the best running events in Austin:

• The running and walking calendar kicks off in January with the 3M Half Marathon, considered one of the fastest and best-organized races of its distance in the United States. A lightning fast, point-to-point downhill course ensures participants a good time.

• The end of winter is marked by the Austin Marathon & Half Marathon on President’s Day weekend in February. Over 10,000 runners from more than 20 countries and 45 states participate in this world-class event that generates over $6 million for the local Austin economy. After 18 years, the Austin Marathon has grown to one of the largest marathon runs in the United States.

• Springtime is packed with other great races like the Capitol 10,000 and the Chuy’s “Hot to Trot” 5K. Coupled with spectacular spring weather and the blooming wildflowers along the road, the spring is one of the best times to get moving in Texas.

• The heat of summer is no deterrent to runners, who flock to the trails in the cool of the evening or jump into hot events such as the Freedom 5000 on the 4th of July, or the Keep Austin Weird 5K in June.

• The fall racing season is marked with annual favorites like the Austin Distance Challenge, a seven-event series of races starting with the Silicon Labs Marathon Relay in September and ending with the Austin Marathon & Half Marathon in February.

Whether you are a walker, a jogger, a runner or a racer, you will find an event of almost any distance, from the mile to the marathon, to challenge and invigorate yourself while you are in Austin!

For more information about walking, running and racing in Austin, call RunTex at 512-472-3254, or check the race calendars at www.runtex.com.