Austin Marathon 2015: Route, Course Map, Times, Event Details

The Austin Marathon has been a fixture for 24 years, and the rich tradition will continue Sunday as thousands of runners will compete in the Texas capital's official race.

While the Austin Half Marathon will be run at the same time, there is no question that most of the focus is on the 26.2-mile event in the heart of downtown Austin. It may not be viewed as one of the elite marathons in the United States, but the Austin Marathon has proven to be a spectacular event.

Ahead of Sunday's race, here is everything you need to know about the 2015 Austin Marathon, including when and where it will commence.

Date	Time (ET)
Sunday, Feb. 15	8 a.m.

There is plenty of intrigue surrounding the Austin Marathon on a yearly basis, but that is especially true in 2015. That is due largely to a change in the layout of the course.

According to YourAustinMarathon.com, race organizers have decided to proceed with a course that resembles what they utilized from 2007 through 2010.

As seen in this tweet (h/t YourAustinMarathon.com), the marathon will cover a lot of ground and allow those who are participating to enjoy the essence of the city:

One thing that is always somewhat concerning heading into a marathon is the weather. The residents of Austin don't have to deal with inclement weather too often, but there are times when it becomes a factor.

Luckily for the runners, the forecast looks quite favorable for Sunday. Per Chikage Windler of KEYE TV, sunny skies, middling temperatures and no precipitation are expected:

It figures to be a bit chilly when the festivities begin, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing when it comes to a marathon.

The conditions anticipated for Sunday should be much easier for the runners to compete in than the stifling heat that Austin is known for.

Even so, it will be paramount for competitors to take care of themselves during the race. That is especially true for inexperienced marathoners. The conditions may be ideal, but University Health Services sports medicine doctor Robin Merket stressed the importance of maintaining a sustainable pace, according to Ellen Airhart of The Daily Texan.

"It's best—especially if you haven't been a runner—to start very slowly," Merket said. "I can't tell you how many college students come in after the marathon and they've [only] trained for maybe two weeks."

In addition to that, runners must take steps to keep themselves hydrated. It is even more important than usual since Austin Marathon medical director Pierre Filardi has made it clear that intravenous fluids will not be available unless absolutely necessary, per Pam LeBlanc of Austin360.com.

"Our policy will be that we are not providing this service for those who just want an IV," Filardi said.

As long as the runners are mindful of expert advice and don't attempt to do anything beyond their means, though, there shouldn't be many issues to speak of at the 2015 Austin Marathon.

Everything is in place for a fantastic event, from the weather to the venue. The Austin Marathon never fails to disappoint, and the 2015 edition could prove to be the best one yet.

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