The 49th Annual Statesman Cap10K returns on April 12, 2026! Prepare for race day with runner’s resources such as course maps, elevation charts, and much more.
10K Race Course
Statesman Capitol 10,000
10 kilometers or 6.2 miles
USA Track & Field Certified: TX17032LAB (2017)
Use RunGo’s free app for a guided tour of the race course with audible turn and route instructions.
The Statesman Capitol 10,000: Austin’s Iconic Spring Tradition
The Capitol 10,000 isn’t just a race—it’s Austin’s oldest annual running tradition and a beloved rite of spring for Texans and visitors from across the country. Every year, just after sunrise, thousands of runners gather on the Congress Avenue Bridge overlooking Lady Bird Lake, ready to celebrate 46 years of Cap10K history.
As anticipation builds, news helicopters and drones buzz overhead, waiting for the signal everyone’s listening for—the starting horn. The Austin Fire Department raises a massive three‑story American flag from a ladder truck, pointing runners toward the starting line. Organized in paced waves, runners surge through the starting truss of Texas’ largest 10K race, eyes locked on the State Capitol rising proudly in the distance.
Downtown Energy & Live Music Vibes
Heading straight up iconic Congress Avenue, runners pass the legendary Paramount Theatre, one of many spots featuring live music along the course. True to Austin’s title as the Live Music Capital of the World, bands and musicians line the route, keeping runners moving to the rhythm of the city.
Early Miles Through the Heart of Austin
Just after mile one, runners pass the newly renovated Waterloo Neighborhood Park & Amphitheater. The first water station arrives just in time before the course swings onto 15th Street and introduces its first set of rolling hills.
With its wide six‑lane stretch, 15th Street gives runners plenty of room while offering views of two Austin icons:
- The University of Texas Tower, rising boldly six blocks away
- The historic Moonlight Tower #6, made famous in Dazed and Confused
King & Queen of the Hill Challenge
As runners approach the 3K mark, anticipation grows for the King & Queen of the Hill climb. After cresting the hill at mile two, a rewarding downhill opens up—perfect for recovery and an iconic Cap10K photo opportunity.
Looking back from Enfield Road, runners see a breathtaking wave of participants stretching over the hill—a visual made legendary during the 1985 “Pepto Bismol pink” race shirt year.
Historic Clarksville & Cruising Into the Halfway Point
The course narrows as it enters the historic Clarksville Neighborhood, home of the 500‑year‑old Treaty Oak and the second aid station. Just past the 4K mark lies the highest point on the course—119 feet above the starting line.
At the 5K (mile three) halfway point, official timers instantly upload split times to each runner’s profile. A booming high school horn ensemble echoes under the MoPac Expressway, pushing runners forward.
Tarrytown Tunes & a Confidence‑Boosting Downhill
Turning onto Winsted Lane, the course tightens again, winding through the Tarrytown neighborhood. A local band sends high‑energy hits from a hilltop patio as runners climb a short set of hills. The largest aid station awaits at the top, followed by a rejuvenating downhill stretch.
Lake Austin Views & Mile Four Momentum
Two quick turns send runners down toward the river as they reach mile four. At the popular training spot known as The Rock at Town Lake, runners hit familiar ground from their Cap10K prep runs.
A flat stretch around Austin High School gives runners a chance to pick up the pace. Local clubs often train here, sharpening their speed just like race day.
Wildflowers, River Views & the Final Push
Runners glide onto West Cesar Chavez along the river, passing spring wildflowers and the 8K mark, the final aid station, and mile five.
They dip under the Lamar Boulevard Bridge as spectators cheer from the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge above. At kilometer nine, the striking Block 185 skyscraper—often described as a sail catching wind—signals the home stretch.
A few blocks later, runners sweep onto the South First Street Bridge, encouraged by a drum and bugle corps fueling the final kilometer.
Finish Line Festival Awaits!
Crossing the bridge, runners feel the excitement building as they overlook the vibrant Finish Line Festival on Vic Mathias Shores. With mile six complete, they make the final turn onto West Riverside Drive, where the course widens to a four‑lane park road leading to dual finish lines.
The race announcer’s voice pulls runners through the final meters before they cross the finish, receive their water and official finisher’s medal, and reunite with friends and family to celebrate Austin’s biggest running tradition.
