Oct 19 - 15, 2026
Registration Closed 11/08/2025
Oct 19 - 15, 2026
Registration Closed 11/08/2025
Oct 19 - 15, 2026
Registration Closed 11/08/2025
Oct 19 - 15, 2026
Registration Closed 11/08/2025
Oct 19 - 15, 2026
Registration Closed 11/14/2025
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We’re excited you’re considering joining the Austin Runners Club for this inspiring 5-race series. Whether you're new or returning, this season is all about community, personal growth, and celebrating every mile. We're honored to support you from the first starting line to the final finish.
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 new shirt selections from including a short sleeve tee or a crop top to run in style
Cool New Swag – Collect all 6 pieces of a unique cut-out magnet as proof you dared the distance
Wristband– We will be providing the wristbands giving you access to all the race day perks
Exclusive Discounts – Save on every race in the series
Tent Access + Meetups – A dedicated ARC tent at races providing food, snacks, and more, plus pop-up community meetups between races
Coaching Perks – Training support from Mark Pinales & Vertis Coaching ensuring you start AND finish strong
Live Leaderboard Tracking – Half & Full Track finishers get their race results tracked across all 5 events
Full/Half Track finishers (in-person at all 5 races): Custom finisher jacket
Sprint/Mixed Track finishers: Special edition DC water bottle
Distance Challenge Track Options
Designed for runners of all levels, the Distance Challenge offers four track options to match your goals:
Full Track – Complete the longest distance at each race and finish with the Austin Marathon. Daisy Dash 10K Run, Run for the Water 10 Mile Run, Decker Challenge Half Marathon, Spurs Austin International Half Marathon, and finish with the Austin Full Marathon.
Half Track – Complete the longest distance for the first 4 races and finish with the Austin Half Marathon. Daisy Dash 10K Run, Run for the Water 10 Mile Run, Decker Challenge Half Marathon, Spurs Austin International Half Marathon, and finish with the Austin Half Marathon.
Sprint Track – Featuring four 5K’s and the Spurs Austin International Half Relay, the Sprint Track is perfect for runners who want to be part of the Distance Challenge community while choosing a distance that fits their goals. Daisy Dash 5K, Run for the Water 5K, Deck the Halls 5K Run, Spurs Austin International Half Marathon Relay Run, and finish with the Austin Marathon 5K Run.
Mixed Track – Combine in-person and virtual races and mix and match distances
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 be sure to 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
Special DC price: $??
Decker Challenge (Half & 5K) – December 13, 2026
Half: $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 will receive emails before each race with registration instructions, event details, and all the info you need to stay on track.
Race Day Perks: The DC Tent
The DC Tent is your exclusive home base on race day. After your race, swing by to:
Rest and recharge
Enjoy exclusive post-race snacks and drinks
Connect with fellow Distance Challenge participants
If a race doesn’t offer an official bag drop, you’re welcome to leave small personal items at the tent. While we do our best to keep an eye on things, we can’t assume responsibility for any unattended belongings.
Leaderboard & Friendly Competition
If you’re signed up for the Half or Full Track, your results will be tracked across all five races and displayed on a live leaderboard. It’s a great way to stay motivated, challenge yourself, and have some fun competing with your fellow DC participants.
Finisher Rewards & Post-Season Party
We love celebrating your dedication. At the end of the series:
Full and Half Track finishers (who complete all five races in person at their selected distance) will receive a custom Distance Challenge finisher jacket.
Mixed and Sprint Track finishers (who complete a mix of in-person and virtual races or opt for shorter distances) will receive a special edition DC water bottle.
To wrap up the season, we’ll gather for a festive celebration to honor your milestones, memories, and accomplishments.
Virtual Participation (Mixed Track Option)
This season is focused on in-person events, but if a race offers a virtual option and you need to use it, no problem. Just forward your registration confirmation, and your race will count toward the Mixed Track category of the Challenge.
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, Vertis will provide coaching guidelines and helpful tips to lead you through the season. The Mixed Track is a true choose-your-own-adventure experience, with over 70 possible race combinations, so coaching guidelines aren’t provided for this option.
Led by head coach Mark Pinales, the Vertis team will start by sharing expert summer training advice to help you build a solid base. As we get closer to the first race, you’ll receive more detailed plans to match your selected track and keep you feeling confident and prepared.
No matter your experience level or goals, you’ll have guidance every step of the way.
Stay Connected
Before each race, we’ll keep you updated with:
Registration reminders
Key race information
Distance Challenge news and logistics
Remember: registration for each race must be completed individually and on time to receive your discounted pricing and stay eligible for finisher rewards.
