Why Austin is a Runner’s Paradise
As thousands of runners lace up their shoes for today’s Spurs Austin Half Marathon, they’re participating in a tradition that defines the city’s identity. Austin has cultivated one of the most vibrant running communities in the United States, with races that transform the streets into celebrations of endurance, community, and the city’s famous “Keep Austin Weird” spirit.
TODAY’S SPURS AUSTIN INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON ROUTE
The running season in Austin kicks into high gear each January and February, when mild temperatures create ideal conditions for distance running. The Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, typically held in mid-February, stands as the city’s flagship race, drawing over 18,000 participants from around the world. Runners wind through downtown, across Lady Bird Lake, and past iconic landmarks, experiencing the city’s eclectic neighborhoods at ground level.
But Austin’s race calendar extends far beyond the traditional marathon distance. The Capitol 10K, one of the largest 10K races in Texas, attracts more than 20,000 runners each spring. Meanwhile, countless 5Ks support local causes throughout the year, from the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning to themed runs that embrace Austin’s quirky culture.
What makes Austin’s running scene truly special isn’t just the number of races, but the community that surrounds them.
Local running clubs like Rogue Running and Gilbert’s Gazelles create tight-knit groups where beginners train alongside seasoned marathoners. The city’s extensive trail system, including the beloved Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake, provides scenic training grounds year-round.
The economic impact is substantial too. These races inject millions of dollars into the local economy as out-of-town runners book hotels, dine at restaurants, and explore what Austin has to offer. More importantly, they reinforce Austin’s reputation as a city that values outdoor recreation, fitness, and community engagement.
Whether you’re chasing a personal record at the Austin Marathon, jogging through the Decker Challenge Trail Race, or participating in a costume-clad fun run, Austin offers something for every type of runner. As today’s half marathon participants cross the finish line, they join a legacy that continues to grow, one stride at a time.
The City of Austin opened its cold weather shelters last night.
Austin is opening up its cold weather shelter.
— Vinny Martorano (@VinnyMartorano) January 18, 2026
People are lining up for a warm place to sleep tonight. Temperatures are expected to fall close to freezing tonight.@cbsaustin pic.twitter.com/zBJhm9gIUg
The forecasted temperature threshold for opening shelters in 34 degrees. Tonight’s overnight low is expected to be in the mid-30s, so a decision from city officials will be made sometime later today.
An early morning crash on 183 closed down the roadway.
Saturday, a collision on Camino Real in Williamson County injured one person.
ICE activity continued in Central Texas yesterday. Arrests were seen being made in the parking lot of Cabela’s in Buda.
On Highway 290 in Elgin there are reports of several abandoned trucks following arrests.
A protest was held at Kyle City Hall Saturday after ICE arrests in recent days in Hays County.
Masked operations dragging law abiding neighbors out of their homes is unfair, unjust, and un-American. Just as criminals must be held accountable, those ICE agents, who provoke violence and brutalize immigrants, must be held accountable. They have no “absolute immunity” for… pic.twitter.com/GIZjY3IKHY
— Lloyd Doggett (@RepLloydDoggett) January 17, 2026
A Uhland man was arrested on multiple counts of burglary of vehicles.
PODCAST
Nearly two years after a car barreled through an Austin emergency room, hitting and injuring a couple and their two young children, and the family is finally getting some closure. This week on Inside the Investigation, Investigative Reporter Matt Grant shares a major update for the family: a settlement with the hospital.
(Episode from January 17, 2026)
Williamson County Commissioners approved a measure to authorize the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) to apply for a traffic-safety grant from the Texas Department of Transportation.
Hundreds of dog and cat owners took advantage of free rabies vaccines and free microchipping offered on Saturday morning near Wimberley.
Mustang Ridge authorities responded to a brush fire in the 12000 block of Aquaplex Drive Saturday.
WEATHER
SATURDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
Emergency calls placed during the catastrophic flood in the Texas Hill Country on July 4 shed light on disaster preparedness in Kerr County and at the all-girls summer camp, where 27 died. Camp Mystic’s operators are facing multiple wrongful death lawsuits as it prepares to reopen later this year. The families see the lawsuits as an avenue toward accountability for a preventable tragedy, while the camp faces an existential threat over what its leaders argue was an unpredictable weather event. (Houston Public Media)
Texas hospitals accumulated more than $1 billion in healthcare costs for illegal immigrants during fiscal year 2025, the first year the state began tracking the figures. The data, compiled by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and obtained by Texas Scorecard. (Texas Scorecard)
The Trump administration is seeking to deport two men who provided accounts of the January 3 death of Geraldo Lunas Campos at a Texas detention camp that differed from the Department of Homeland Security’s description of the incident. (Washington Post)
A beloved athletic director and head football coach at Celina Independent School District announced his retirement this week as district officials cleared him and other employees of wrongdoing in a sexual abuse case involving his son. (Texas Tribune)
The Winnsboro ISD school board met on Saturday and unanimously decided to place superintendent Aaron Nation on leave after he was arrested on Monday. Nation was arrested on Monday along with former Winnsboro ISD superintendent Brian Wilcox and former teacher Ashley Wilcox for allegedly neglecting to report child abuse and attempting to hide related allegations of child abuse involving educators and students.
Texas recently became the first state to purchase bitcoin, through an ETF, as part of funding its own version of a state-level bitcoin strategic reserve. (CNBC)
H-E-B opened its first new store of the year on Jan. 7 in San Antonio, part of statewide expansion efforts as the company responds to rapid population growth in both established and emerging markets. (Austin American-Statesman)
Prices for townhomes and condominiums in Texas dropped in 2025 compared with a year before, even as rents increased, offering investors a chance to cash in—if they act quickly. (Realtor.com)
San Antonio City Council on Thursday unanimously approved a $30 million bid to purchase an old federal building and two parking lots at Hemisfair as part of the broader, yet scaled-back, Project Marvel sports and entertainment district.
A Transportation Security Administration enforcement case stemming from an incident at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is raising broader concerns about how TSA handles allegations involving bodily searches, medical accommodations, retaliation, and the right to a hearing—particularly when those allegations include claims of sexual and physical assault. (Texas Reporter)
Less than three weeks before parents can start applying for vouchers, and new numbers indicate parents might not have as much “choice” as lawmakers originally thought. Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who oversees the voucher program, revealed the numbers to WFAA anchor Dia Wall in an exclusive interview. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, she unveils the figures to the Jasons over a pint at the Manhattan Project Beer Company.
The State of Texas v. Adrian Gonzales.
The former Uvalde School District police officer on trial.
(Episode from January 17, 2026)
What happens in communities where people’s access to their officials, whether through network or time constraints, is limited? Who upholds accountability?
(Episode from January 15, 2026)
SPORTS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: The excitement of defeating Vanderbilt and Alabama last week was eroded by a loss at the hands of Texas A&M last night at Moody Center.
Rashaun Agee posted a double-double, and Texas A&M beat Texas 74-70 on Saturday.
A big win for the Red Raiders Saturday.
Texas Tech delivered a clinic on both ends of the floor in the game’s final nine minutes after falling behind by nine points and rolled to an 84-71 victory to snap BYU’s 13-game winning streak and 12-game conference regular-season winning streak. (Yahoo! Sports)
ON THE SCHEDULE
NBA: Klay Thompson scored all 23 of his points in the first half, including the 17,000th of his career, and six Mavericks scored in double figures in a 138-120 win over Utah on Saturday night as Dallas completed a two-game sweep of the Jazz.
Dallas and Utah have played three times in 10 days. Utah won at home on January 8, 114-112. Dallas won 144-122 on Thursday. (Yahoo! Sports)
Add it to the resume ✅ Congrats to Klay Thompson for reaching 17k career points!@Modelousa // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/Y9cW88fVCL
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 18, 2026
Anthony Edwards returned to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ lineup after missing the team’s past two games with a right foot injury. He scored a career-high 55 points in a superstar showdown with Victor Wembanyama. But the San Antonio Spurs held on for a 126-123 win at Frost Bank Center on Saturday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
ON THE SCHEDULE
The Spurs, Mavericks and Rockets all play today.
NFL: This afternoon, the Houston Texans play in New England for a spot in the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos.
NHL: The struggling Dallas Stars host Tampa Bay today.
Let’s head to the San Antonio Zoo.
