Avid runners begin marathon trek

AUSTIN (KXAN) - An estimated 20,000 runners and 30,000 spectators will be packing the streets in the heart of the city for the annual Austin Marathon on Sunday.

Several road closures have been put in place for the event, with some streets being closed down as early as Friday evening. Those shutdowns will take place near the start and finish lines.

More stretches of road in the downtown area, including Congress Ave., will be closed starting at 4 a.m. on Saturday.

Click the links below for a list of scheduled road closures and course maps:

• Full list of road closures
• Downtown closure map with shutdown start times
• Course map
• Race results
   

The race, which begins at 7 a.m. on Sunday, will start at Congress Ave. and 16th Street. The race will finish at Congress Ave. and 10th Street.

Most race day closures will start at 6 a.m. Roads along the route will open on a rolling basis once the last runner passes.

Roads that will not be affected by the marathon route include Lamar Blvd. and Red River for north and southbound travelers. East and westbound alternatives include 38th and 45th streets.

More information regarding race weekend traffic can be found on the Austin Marathon's 'course' page .

Information for runners and spectators

• The course is gently rolling and shaded. It consists of long straightaways and has 28 turns, with 90 percent of the race taking place on asphalt.
   
• Aid stations will be provided for runners approximately every mile along the course. Restrooms and medical teams will also be available at each station.
   
• More than 30 Austin bands will be lined along the course to help keep runners motivated throughout the event. Spectators also commonly line the streets in neighborhoods to cheer on the participants.
   
• Digital clocks will be displayed every five kilometers along both the marathon and half-marathon course. The time displayed will be the gun time. Mile markers will also line both routes throughout the race.
   
• Several vantage points have been designated for good viewing of the marathon. Find which spot or spots to best watch the race from all along the route.