Oct 18, 2026
$95.00
Register Now
Oct 18, 2026
$95.00
Register Now
Oct 18, 2026
$95.00
Register Now
Oct 18, 2026
$95.00
Register Now
Oct 18, 2026
$95.00
Register Now
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Welcome to the 2026–2027 Distance Challenge
We’re excited to welcome you to the Austin Distance Challenge and this inspiring five-race series. Whether you’re brand new or coming back for another season, the Distance Challenge is about community, personal growth, and celebrating every mile. Choose the track that fits your goals, take on five races across Austin, and we’ll be there to support you from the first starting line to the final finish.
Distance Challenge registration closes November 1, 2026.
What Makes the Distance Challenge Special
Track Options for Every Runner
Whether you’re chasing a marathon, building toward longer distances, or sticking with shorter races, the Distance Challenge offers Full, Half, Sprint, and Mixed Track options to fit your goals.
Your Shirt, Your Style
Choose between a short-sleeve tee or crop top, powered by our in-kind T-shirt sponsor, inKind.
Cool New Swag
Collect all six pieces of the unique Distance Challenge magnet, sponsored by Karavel Shoes, and wear your DC wristband, sponsored by We Are Blood, throughout the series.
Exclusive Discounts
Save on select races throughout the series with special Distance Challenge participant pricing.
DC Tent + Meetups
Look for the ARC Distance Challenge tent on race day for food, snacks, community, and more, plus pop-up meetups between races.
Coaching Perks
Training support from Mark Pinales and Vertis Coaching will help you start—and finish—strong.
Distance Challenge Leaderboard
Follow your results throughout the five-race series, with competitive leaderboard standings and recognition for Full, Half, and Sprint Track participants. Virtual results do not count toward leaderboard standings or competitive awards.
Finisher Rewards
Full/Half Track: Custom Distance Challenge finisher jacket
Sprint/Mixed Track: Special edition DC water bottle
And when all the miles are behind us, we’ll celebrate together at our end-of-season finisher party.
Distance Challenge Track Options
The Distance Challenge offers four track options so you can choose the challenge that best matches your goals.
Full Track
Complete the longest distance at each race and finish with the Austin Marathon:
Daisy Dash 10K
Run for the Water 10-Miler
Decker Challenge Half Marathon
Spurs Austin International Half Marathon
Austin Marathon
Half Track
Complete the longest distance at the first four races and finish with the Austin Half Marathon:
Daisy Dash 10K
Run for the Water 10-Miler
Decker Challenge Half Marathon
Spurs Austin International Half Marathon
Austin Half Marathon
Sprint Track
The Sprint Track is perfect for runners who want to be part of the Distance Challenge community while choosing shorter distances:
Daisy Dash 5K
Run for the Water 5K
Deck the Halls 5K
Spurs Austin International Half Marathon Relay — 6.55 miles
Austin Marathon 5K
Mixed Track
Mix and match eligible distances throughout the series, including virtual options when available.
2026–2027 Race Lineup and Exclusive Participant Pricing
As a Distance Challenge participant, you’ll have access to exclusive discounted pricing for select races in the series. These discounts are available for a limited time leading up to each event, so register early to lock in your savings.
Daisy Dash 5K & 10K — October 18, 2026
Special DC price: $40
Run for the Water 10-Miler & 5K — November 8, 2026
10-Miler: $85
5K: $55
Decker Challenge Half Marathon & 5K — December 13, 2026
Half Marathon: $80
Spurs Austin International Half & Relay — January 17, 2027
15% off the current registration price
Austin Marathon, Half & 5K — February 14, 2027
15% off the current registration price
You’ll receive a confirmation email after registering for the Distance Challenge with instructions for registering for each individual race.
Remember: Registering for the Distance Challenge does not automatically register you for the five individual races.
Race Day Perks: The DC Tent
The DC Tent is your race-day home base. Wear your We Are Blood DC wristband and stop by to:
Rest and recharge
Enjoy exclusive post-race snacks and drinks
Connect with fellow Distance Challenge participants
Personal item drop-off is available at the DC Tent for the first three races when the event does not offer an official bag drop. You may leave small personal items at the tent, but ARC cannot assume responsibility for unattended belongings.
Leaderboard & Friendly Competition
Your eligible in-person results will be tracked throughout the series and displayed on the Distance Challenge leaderboard. It’s a fun way to follow your progress, challenge yourself, and see how you stack up alongside fellow Distance Challenge participants.
Competitive leaderboard standings and awards are available for the Full, Half, and Sprint Tracks.
Virtual completions count toward completing your Distance Challenge but do not count toward leaderboard standings or competitive awards.
Finisher Rewards & Post-Season Party
Complete the requirements of your selected track and we’ll celebrate your accomplishment at the end of the season.
Full & Half Track
Participants who are registered for the Distance Challenge, registered for each of the five individual races, and complete the required distance at all five races will receive a custom Distance Challenge finisher jacket.
If an individual race offers an eligible virtual option, Full and Half Track participants may register for that virtual option, complete the required distance, and have it count toward earning their finisher jacket.
Sprint & Mixed Track
Participants who complete the requirements of their selected track will receive a special edition Distance Challenge water bottle.
Virtual completions may count toward completion and finisher rewards but are not eligible for leaderboard standings or competitive awards.
To wrap up the season, we’ll gather for a celebration honoring the miles, memories, and accomplishments of the entire Distance Challenge community.
Virtual Participation
We want you at the starting lines whenever possible, but life happens. If one of the individual races offers a virtual registration option, Distance Challenge participants may use that option toward completion of their track.
To receive credit for a virtual completion:
You must be registered for the Distance Challenge
You must be registered for the individual race and its eligible virtual option
You must complete the distance required for your Distance Challenge track
You must complete the virtual distance and submit your result within one week after race day
The virtual completion will count toward completing your Distance Challenge and earning your applicable finisher reward
Virtual results will not count toward leaderboard standings or competitive awards
Full and Half Track participants may use an eligible virtual completion and still earn their Distance Challenge finisher jacket, provided they meet all other requirements of their track.
Training Support from Vertis Coaching
We’re thrilled to partner with Vertis Coaching to support your Distance Challenge journey. Whether you’re running the Full, Half, or Sprint Track, Vertis will provide coaching guidelines and helpful tips to lead you through the season.
Led by head coach Mark Pinales, the Vertis team will start with expert training advice to help you build a solid base. As we get closer to the first race, you’ll receive more detailed guidance tailored to your selected track to help keep you confident and prepared.
The Mixed Track is a true choose-your-own-adventure experience, so structured coaching guidelines aren’t provided for this option.
No matter your experience level or goals, you’ll have support along the way.
Stay Connected
Before each race, we’ll keep you updated with:
Registration reminders
Key race information
Distance Challenge news and logistics
Registration for each race must be completed individually and on time to receive applicable discounted pricing and remain eligible for Distance Challenge finisher rewards.
Distance Challenge registration closes November 1, 2026.
