Sara Bryant, Statesman Senior Director Marketing & Content Initiatives
Registration Now Open for the 49th Annual Statesman Capitol 10,000
Austin, TX —Registration is open for the 49th Annual Statesman Capitol 10,000, Austin’s annual rite of spring, scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026. Approaching its 50th year, the Cap10K is the largest 10K in Texas and one of the nation’s premier road races, drawing more than 24,000 participants each year. This year’s presenting sponsor is Baylor Scott & White Health, who has been a proud supporter of the event for 10 years.
Register Early and Save
Entry fees for the 2026 Cap10K start at $45 through September 14, 2025, and will gradually increase to a maximum of $80 the week before the race. The next price increase to $50 begins on Monday, September 15, 2025, giving participants the weekend to register at the lowest rate. A full schedule of fee increases is available at cap10k.com/2025-fee-schedule.
A New Chapter in Race Leadership
This year marks the first Cap10K under Race Director Chris Thibert, who brings more than 20 years of experience and a lifelong connection to the event. A native Austinite, Thibert ran his first Cap10K as a 10-year-old in 1984 and has carried that passion into his career leading community events.
“Having grown up with the Cap10K, stepping into this role is both humbling and exciting,” Thibert said. “This race has always reflected the energy and pride of Austin, and I’m honored to help carry that tradition forward.”
The Statesman also extends its gratitude to Jeff Simecek, who served as race director for many years and helped grow the Cap10K into one of the nation’s top road races.
Beneficiary and Community Impact
For 2026, the Cap10K will support Sustainable Food Center (SFC). Based in Austin, SFC works to strengthen the local food system by operating farmers’ markets, providing nutrition education, and helping small farmers thrive.
Events Leading Up to Race Day
Race weekend kicks off with the Cap10K Health & Fitness Expo on April 10–11, 2026, at the Palmer Events Center. Leading up to race day, the Coffee House 10K Sunrise Tour (January–April) offers Saturday morning training runs that pair local routes with Austin coffee shops.
On April 12, the race will start on the Congress Avenue Bridge and finish at Vic Mathias Shores, where runners and spectators will enjoy the Finish Line Festival featuring live music, local food vendors, kids’ activities, and free massages. The Cap10K continues to be a tradition that has brought Austinites together for nearly five decades.
The Statesman Capitol 10,000 (Cap10K) is the largest 10K in Texas and among the nation’s top five 10K road races. Founded in 1978, the Cap10K has become Austin’s annual rite of spring, bringing together elite athletes, casual runners, and families for nearly five decades of community, fitness, and Austin pride.
The Austin American-Statesman is Central Texas’s leading source for trusted news and storytelling. Through award-winning journalism and community initiatives, the Statesman is committed to informing, inspiring, and strengthening the region it serves.
For 50 years, Sustainable Food Center (SFC) has been on a mission to improve access to fresh, nutritious food for all Texans. Our mission weaves together efforts to improve the health, land, and livelihoods of Texas communities by addressing food security holistically to build a sustainable food future for all. We accomplish this mission by designing programs and building partnerships across the Texas food system.