In 1979, the Austin Runners Club organized a race on the roads around Decker Lake in east Austin. The Decker Challenge was born! 

Today, the Decker Challenge Half Marathon presented by Next Level Urgent Care is one of the longest-running races in Austin. On December 13, 2026, we'll be celebrating our 48th annual event! All finishers receive a long-sleeve technical fabric T-shirt, and a highly coveted Decker Challenge finisher's medal.

What’s New This Year
The Decker Challenge tradition continues — but this year, we’re turning up the magic.

Color-Changing Finisher Medal
Every Half Marathon finisher will earn a special edition medal that changes color in sunlight. It’s bold, eye-catching, and unlike anything you’ve seen before — the perfect reward for conquering Austin’s most challenging course.

The Deck the Halls 5K will once again support the Housing Authority of Travis County.

HATC is a government housing agency funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Since 1975, we’ve provided housing assistance and supportive services to low-income families across Travis County.

This 5K Fun Run & Walk raises funds to empower HATC residents — parents and children — pursuing higher education, vocational training, or skill-building opportunities to help them become more self-sufficient.

Race day schedule:

8:00AM - Decker Challenge Half Marathon Start

8:15AM - Deck the Halls 5K Fun Run & Walk Start

12:00PM - Decker Challenge Half Marathon course closes