Best Places to Spectate
While we want spectators throughout the course, we’ve located some of the best “cheer points” for you. With planning, you can easily hit multiple points in the course of the race. If you want to catch a runner at different points on the course or find out their projected pace, consult the maps and street closure information and make a plan.
Traffic Guide
- Assume you can’t cross the course: Crossing the half marathon course with a vehicle is extremely difficult, and should be avoided. The Austin Police Department will only allow crossings at major intersections, and only when there are no runners present.
- Park strategically: If your trip starts or ends near a section of the course, sometimes the best option may be to park on the more accessible side of the course and walk.
- Use MoPac, & I-35: These roads are unobstructed for northbound and southbound travel.
- Use Ben White Blvd. (Hwy 290) and US 183: These roads are unobstructed for eastbound and westbound travel.
- Use Google Maps & Waze: On race day, the best traffic information can be found on sites and apps like Google Maps (maps.google.com) and Waze (waze.com). The 3M Half Marathon street closures are submitted to these programs in advance, and they will display the closures and the associated traffic.
Track Your Runner Online
Watch your runner from the comfort of your couch – we won’t tell if you won’t. Tracking is available through the web browser or mobile app. Using the online tracking app is also a great way to make sure you can meet up with your athlete on course and have your pom-poms ready.
2024 Tracking
The (First) Downhill Stretch | Miles 4-8
As the runners find their stride in the first few miles, the Shoal Creek and Allandale neighborhoods are a perfect place to stake out and watch as runners get into their grooves. GU will have a GU Energy Zone set up along Great Northern Blvd. at Hunt Trail, near Mile 7. Plenty of parking on neighborhood streets make it easy to get in and out. Cheer runners on at the halfway point – encourage them that it’s (almost) all downhill from there!
On Cruise Control along 45th | Miles 9-10
The 45th Street stretch is a great place to catch the runners as they make their way into the final third leg of the race. Parking is available along the side streets of the Rosedale neighborhoods.
Fuel: Stinson’s Bistro, Upper Crust Bakery (Burnet at 45th Street), Starbucks (4400 N. Lamar)
Speedway | Mile 11
Run through the UT campus with the views of the UT tower and DKR stadium.
Fast Finish | Mile 12 – 13
Let’s keep the last .1 clear and cheer north of the finish line. You can then meet back up with your runner between 13th and 12th street.