Race Day Success Starts the Night Before

Preparing for race day doesn’t start when you wake up—it starts the night before. A little planning goes a long way in making sure you feel calm, ready, and confident when the gun goes off. Here’s how to make the most of your pre-race evening:

1. Lay Out Your Gear
Make sure you have all your race essentials ready: bib, timing chip, shoes, socks, clothes, nutrition, and hydration. Lay everything out so you’re not scrambling in the morning.

2. Plan Your Nutrition
Eat a balanced meal that’s familiar to you and easy to digest. Avoid trying new foods. Hydrate well throughout the day, but don’t overdo it right before bed.

3. Set Multiple Alarms
Give yourself plenty of time to wake up, eat, and get to the start line. Setting more than one alarm can help ease any anxiety about oversleeping.

4. Review the Race Details
Double-check the race start time, location, parking, and any last-minute updates from organizers. Knowing the logistics will help you feel more relaxed.

5. Visualize Success
Take a few moments to visualize yourself crossing the finish line. Positive mental preparation can boost your confidence and calm pre-race nerves.

6. Prioritize Rest
Aim for a restful night, but don’t stress if you’re a little restless. Resting your body is key, even if you don’t fall asleep right away.

Remember: Race day success is built on preparation. By taking these steps the night before, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, enjoyable, and successful race experience!

The Fun Stuff at the 2026 Spurs Austin International Half: Expo, Finish Festival & More!

The 2026 Spurs Austin International Half Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a weekend packed with fun experiences, live music, delicious food, and post-race celebrations. Whether you’re running your first half or chasing a new personal record, there’s something for everyone at the Spurs Austin International Half Expo and Finish Festival. Here’s a peek at what you can expect this weekend.

Fun Experiences at the Expo

The 2026 Spurs Austin International Half Expo is your chance to explore new gear, fuel up, and have some pre-race fun:

  • Spurs Austin International Half 2027- Stop by the Spurs Austin International Half booth to register for the 2027 event and lock in the best pricing of the year
  • Spurs Pop-a-Shot Booth – Test your aim and take your shot at the Expo—it’s all about having fun and getting in the race-day spirit.
  • BPN G1M Sport – Grab a bottle of BPN’s performance fuel for instant on-the-go energy—perfect for pre-race preparation.
  • Meanwhile Brewing N/A Hop-Water – Refresh with a non-alcoholic hop-water from local brewery Meanwhile Brewing, a fun and hydrating way to mix up your pre-race routine.
  • Take a Plunge with Revive Plunges – Step into a cold plunge and wake up your legs for race day—Revive Plunges has you covered for the ultimate pre-race readiness.
  • SPIbelt – Stop by for your official race belt to keep your hands free on race day.
  • Fleet Feet – Swing by their booth to shop all your gear needs.
  • Vintage Denim Jackets & Patches- Back by popular demand! We’ll have vintage denim jackets and custom race patches available for purchase at the Expo. Already have a denim jacket? Bring it along and load it up with this year’s patch designs.

The Expo is the ultimate hub for all your race-weekend essentials and experiences, so make sure to stop by!

Finish Festival Fun

Crossing the finish line is just the beginning. The Finish Festival at the 2026 Spurs Austin International Half has something for everyone:

  • Ring the PR Gong– Hit a new personal best? Step up and ring the PR gong after you finish and let everyone know you crushed it.
  • Free Coffee from the Spurs – Stay energized after your run with free coffee—available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • DJ Gatsby – Celebrate your finish with live music! DJ Gatsby will keep the tunes going, making it the perfect soundtrack to your post-race celebrations.
  • Hombre Taco – Enjoy delicious tacos with your friends and fellow runners at the festival.
  • H-E-B Trail Mix – Grab a sweet, salty, or spicy trail mix from H-E-B—a tasty race-day snack you won’t want to miss.
  • Meanwhile Beer Garden – Runners 21+ can cheers to a successful race at the Meanwhile Beer Garden, celebrating with local craft beverages.
  • Brave New Love Massage & Bodywork – Recover after the race with on-site massage and bodywork to keep your muscles happy.

The Finish Festival is a celebration of every achievement, whether you set a personal record or ran for fun. Stick around, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy all the fun activations we have in store.

Medal Perks

Crossing the finish line is just the beginning celebrate your 13.1 with these runner-only perks.

  • Free Taco at Velvet Taco
    Show your Spurs Austin International Half finisher medal at Velvet Taco North Burnet and enjoy a free taco from January 18–24, 2026.
    *Offer valid for one free taco at Velvet Taco North Burnet (6539 Burnet Rd). Offer is available from 1/18/2026 – 1/24/2026, in-restaurant only. One free taco per medal, per transaction.*
  • 13.1% Off at Better Half
    Take your medal to Better Half Coffee & Cocktails and celebrate with brunch. Enjoy 13.1% off your tab when you show your finisher medal.
  • Cheers at Meanwhile Brewery
    Toast your finish (or a new PR!) at Meanwhile Brewery, featuring a wide selection of beers, ciders, cocktails, and more—the perfect post-race hangout.

✅ Don’t Miss the Fun

The 2026 Spurs Austin International Half Marathon is your chance to experience Austin in a whole new way—from the Expo to the Finish Festival, there’s no shortage of fun, music, and delicious treats. Make sure to take full advantage of everything this race weekend has to offer!

Register now and get ready to run, celebrate, and make memories at the Spurs Austin International Half!

Fueling During the Race: When and What to Eat for Maximum Performance

Race day isn’t just about fitness—it’s about fuel. Even the strongest training cycle can unravel without a smart nutrition plan, especially over 13.1 miles. Proper fueling helps you maintain energy, stay mentally sharp, and avoid the dreaded mid-race bonk.

Here’s how to fuel during the Spurs Austin International Half so you can run strong from the start line to the finish chute.

Why Fueling Matters in a Half Marathon

Your body stores a limited amount of glycogen (carbohydrates) in your muscles and liver. During a half marathon, those stores can deplete—especially if you’re running hard or pushing for a PR. When glycogen runs low, fatigue spikes, pace drops, and “the wall” shows up fast.

Fueling during the race helps:

  • Sustain energy levels
  • Delay muscle fatigue
  • Improve focus and mood
  • Maintain consistent pacing

When to Fuel During the Race

A good rule of thumb: start fueling early and fuel consistently. Don’t wait until you feel tired.

⏱️ General Timing Guidelines

  • First fuel: Around 30–40 minutes into the race
  • Then every: 30–45 minutes after that

For most runners, this means 1–3 energy gels during the half marathon, depending on pace, size, and personal needs.

Pro tip: If you’re aiming for a faster time, earlier fueling becomes even more important.

What to Eat: Energy Gels

Energy gels are the most popular race-day fuel for a reason—they’re quick, portable, and easy to digest when used correctly.

What to Look for in a Gel

  • 20–25g of carbohydrates per serving
  • Simple sugars for fast absorption
  • Optional caffeine if you’ve trained with it

We’re excited to share that BPN (Bare Performance Nutrition)—our official fuel and hydration sponsor—will be on course with Go Gels (caffeinated & non-caffeinated), providing runners with a reliable, race-tested energy source to keep you moving mile after mile.

Hydration: Don’t Forget the Fluids

Fuel and hydration work best together. Taking gels without fluids can lead to stomach issues or slow absorption.

Hydration Tips

  • Take small sips of water at aid stations
  • Pair gels with water—not sports drink—unless you’ve trained otherwise
  • Drink to thirst, but don’t skip fluids entirely

BPN will also be providing electrolytes on course, helping replace sodium and minerals lost through sweat—especially important if race morning is warm or humid.

Electrolytes: The Unsung Hero

Electrolytes help regulate muscle function and prevent cramping. Even during a half marathon, sodium loss can impact performance.

You may benefit from electrolytes if you:

  • Sweat heavily
  • Notice salt stains on clothing
  • Tend to cramp late in races

Taking advantage of the on-course BPN electrolyte offerings can help keep your system balanced and your stride strong.

Avoiding the Wall: Smart Fueling Strategies

To keep your energy steady through the final miles:

  • Fuel before you feel low
  • Stick to a schedule, not hunger cues
  • Slow briefly at aid stations to fuel properly
  • Stay calm—missed fuel can often be corrected with the next station

Consistency is key. A few seconds spent fueling can save minutes later.

Practice Makes Confident

Your fueling plan should feel as familiar as your race shoes. Use long runs to:

  • Practice gel timing
  • Test hydration amounts
  • Learn what your stomach tolerates at race pace

Confidence on race day comes from repetition.

Final Thoughts

Fueling well is one of the simplest ways to improve your race-day performance. With a clear plan—and support from BPN Go Gels and electrolytes on course—you’ll be set up to run strong, stay focused, and finish the Spurs Austin International Half feeling proud of every mile.

Train smart. Fuel early. Finish strong.

See you on the course!

 

Spurs Austin International Half Welcomes Runners From Across the Globe for Its 32nd Annual Event

Over 6,000 participants set to take on Austin’s iconic “Downhill to Downtown” course

The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly known as the 3M Half Marathon, will host over 6,000 participants from 50 states and 21 countries on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Marking its 32nd annual event, the race enters a new era with the Spurs as its title sponsor, bringing together two iconic Texas brands rooted in community, performance, and pride. Runners will experience the popular 13.1-mile net downhill route from North Austin to the downtown finish line along the famed “Downhill to Downtown” course. 

The 2026 Spurs Austin International Half will showcase a premier elite field, attracting top-level competitors to one of the fastest courses in the region. A $10,000 prize purse, split between the top male and female finishers, underscores the event’s growing stature and commitment to high-caliber competition, further solidifying its place among the leading half marathons in Texas.

The pre-race activities begin with the Expo and Packet Pick-Up at the Palmer Events Center. The Expo is free and open to the public and will be open on Friday, January 16, from 1 PM to 7 PM, and Saturday, January 17, from 10 AM to 5 PM. The Expo features a curated list of more than 25 exhibitors, showcasing the latest in running, fitness, health, and local Austin brands. Registered participants will also receive their fully sublimated event shirts and swag bags, including a commemorative patch and an event running hat.

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 7:30 AM, individual participants and two-person relay teams will take on the fast “Downhill to Downtown” course, featuring a 300-foot drop in elevation from the start at Gateway Shopping Center. Runners will be supported along the way with BPN electrolytes and BPN Go Gels, along with motivation provided by 10 live local bands throughout the course.  

The culmination of the event is the Spurs Austin International Half Finish Line Festival, designed to celebrate participant accomplishments. Finishers will receive a spinning medal to commemorate their effort and are encouraged to ring the official PR Gong to acknowledge Personal Records. The festival features recovery snacks including H-E-B favorites, post-race hydration, and the Meanwhile Beer Garden for participants aged 21 and over. Food trucks will also be on-site as the festival welcomes sponsors, exhibitors, and the local community to celebrate the spirit of the event.

“The Spurs Austin International Half has become a destination event, drawing runners from nearly every state and from countries around the world,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of the event. “We’re proud to begin our first year with the Spurs as title sponsor, a partnership rooted in shared values of performance, pride, and community. “

Registration for the 2026 Spurs Austin International Half is still open. Runners interested in joining this iconic Austin tradition can sign up by visiting the official event website.

 

About Spurs Austin International Half 

The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon, is one of Texas’ fastest and most exciting 13.1-mile events. Established in 1995, it features a net-downhill course that winds through Austin’s most iconic neighborhoods and finishes downtown. Runners enjoy a high-energy experience with live music, enthusiastic spectators, and top-tier course support. With PR potential, great swag, and an unbeatable Austin spirit, this event welcomes runners of all levels. Learn more at AustinInternationalHalf.com.

Spurs Austin International Half Turns Up the Volume with 10 Bands on Course

Runners will experience Austin’s music Scene from start to finish

The Spurs Austin International Half is bringing the sound of Austin to the streets on Sunday, January 18, delivering an elevated race-day experience with live music at every mile. Formerly known as the 3M Half Marathon, the event continues its evolution with a finalized on-course entertainment lineup featuring 10 local bands along the 13.1-mile point-to-point route.

From north Austin to the finish near the Texas State Capitol, runners will be energized by an eclectic mix of musical styles that reflect the city’s deep cultural roots and reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. Each mile marker will offer a new soundtrack, designed to motivate runners and create a festival-like atmosphere throughout the race.

“Live music has always been part of the DNA of this event,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “By placing bands throughout the course, we’re giving runners something to look forward to at every mile, whether it’s a drumbeat that pushes them uphill or a familiar tune that carries them to the finish. It’s a uniquely Austin experience you won’t find anywhere else.”

The 2026 on-course entertainment lineup includes: Austin Taiko (Japanese drumming), Everett Wren (fiddle), Inside Out Steel Band (steel drum), Kupira Marimba (Zimbabwean marimba), Austin Thaalam (Indian drumming), Nathan Harlan ( Acoustic Guitar), Shirley Johnson (accordion), Woode Wood (guitar and harmonica), Stove Top Rangers (banjo, string bass, guitar), and Brian MacLeod.

The Spurs Austin International Half is known as one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country, featuring a predominantly downhill, point-to-point route with a 306-foot net elevation drop. Registration is currently open for runners looking to combine speed, scenery, and sound on race day.Participants can register on the website.

 

About Spurs Austin International Half 

The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon, is one of Texas’ fastest and most exciting 13.1-mile events. Established in 1995, it features a net-downhill course that winds through Austin’s most iconic neighborhoods and finishes downtown. Runners enjoy a high-energy experience with live music, enthusiastic spectators, and top-tier course support. With PR potential, great swag, and an unbeatable Austin spirit, this event welcomes runners of all levels. Learn more at AustinInternationalHalf.com.