This is the only official 10k I've done, so I don't have a basis for comparison. I live in Austin, train on hills, so this wasn't bad for me (neither is the Turkey Trot or the Austin Half). So, train for hills. Great atmosphere and lots of energy. read more

For 45 years the Statemans 10k has been run with the exception of the last 3 years from what I heard over the PA system. It's Texas's largest 10k and the nations' sixth largest. Driving to the event, parking is easily accessible due in part of the starting location on the south side of the river. After parking one walks (or run for the crazies who like to run BEFORE THE RUN) up to the starting line, looking down the barrel of the state capital with the capital building directly in front of you. It's actually very inspiring to say the least. I was out of the state for a bit so my training was laxed to the point I almost didn't want to run but sleep. However, I have a phrase that keeps me motivated, "excuses only affect my goals, negating my efforts." This event and the 17k or 21k participants, depending on which report one is to believe, looked like a sherbet pushup with all the orange run tshirts that was this years' theme. I would say they're ugly until you are inundated in a flood of orange then it became a source of pride and unity. What I really enjoyed about the run is not only do you have those serious runners who set course and personal records but those in costumes, moms pushing kids in strollers, all ages, ethnicities, sizes, and even Darth Vader was running, which I wondered if he would get hot then I remembered he seems to like heat... (ok nerd jokes are done). Anyways it's a beautiful site to behold with that many people come together for a good cause and to get exercise in an overcast 60 degree morning with an ever intensifying medium wind setting in. I ran the Austin 1/2 marathon and this course is almost the exact reverse of the course! I found this very amusing but it also meant I remembered a lot of the course, which is good and bad b/c of those darn hills! Another cool aspect of the race is every mile had bathrooms and water stations! Dear God thank you Texas for nailing this and thx to all the volunteers, police, etc for helping. There's a sort of confidence when knowing water is always available. Also, there were lots of bands, DJs, and community support cheering everyone on littered all throughout the course. As someone who's only been here for 9 months, this says something about Texans, they support each other! On a more depressing note, as I got ready to cross the STARTING line on S Congress Ave, the announcers pointed our attention to the leader which was on the adjacent S 1st street bridge, close to finishing. The winner in 6 miles beat me by almost 45 minutes! After finishing the race with a LOT of cheering, you're welcomed with a scenic view that can fully be appreciated by those who completed a difficult task. A participation medal is given out, the only participation medal that I endorse but in my 5 Texas races I've run so far, it's the smallest. In fact, I've noticed all my Texas running medals are dinky. I suppose everything in Texas isn't bigger? I'm being petty but come on... they can do better. I did notice they weren't passing out food, only water and I sure could have used a boost. That said there's tons of food and beverage tents so one could stand in line if that's your thing. My final note is some directions could have been nice. I walked the wrong way to get to my car only to be cut off by a racing barrier. I was in no rush so water under the proverbial Congress Avenue Bridge I suppose. All in all I enjoyed the community, the race and view during the race, the pride and everything that went into making this Sunday a day and run to remember. If you're wanting to try a race but aren't a runner, I encourage trying the 10k just to get the experience. Of course, some level of fitness is needed, but that is a good thing. I applaud all those who were involved. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! read more

Statesman Capitol 10K - Races & Competitions Near Me - Austin, Texas

Yay me! I got myself up before daylight on an April 2014 Sunday with a 60% chance of thunderstorms to head downtown and join 12 thousand other nuts to run the 37th annual Statesman Capitol 10K. Turnout seemed low this year because of the doom threatening weather, but the starting chute was still packed all the way down south Congress from the bridge to Riverside. It is definitely an inspiration to be in the crowd of fellow runners when the national anthem is sung and the starting signal beeps. Here are my tips for first-timers (as I was last year): -- Carpool with a buddy or two and have someone who is not doing the race commit to drop off and pick up so that you don't have to deal with parking. Sure, you can get there super early to snag a spot, but you'll save a lot of time and get some extra sleep the other way. -- Organize a team. The event is so much more fun when you're doing it with friends, plus there are usually costume contests and other fun stuff for groups. My favorite part about having a group is being able to match up with at least one partner who plans to go at my pace. We usually all meet up at a landmark just beyond the finish line and then head off to brunch (for which we've made reservations long before) to celebrate afterwards. -- Save your strength for Enfield. That hill (smack dab in the middle of the race) can be a monster if you are not uber fit. There are all fitness levels participating in the run, so if you need to walk, stick to the right and let the speedy ones get through. -- No need to carry water. There are stations at very comfortable intervals with friendly volunteers handing out cups to everyone with no wait. -- Do not put your number on your back; it belongs on your chest or abdomen. The race number is how you will be found in an emergency, and it's also how the photographers will tag your race photos so that you can pick them out online later. -- Enjoy the course! It's wonderful to tour some of downtown Austin and see the buildings in a way that's hard to appreciate from a car. The racers around you and the people cheering from the sidelines are phenomenal, and you're all in it together. If you're lucky, you'll see some runners with silver hair who have been in every single race since it began, and if you're like me, they will probably be outpacing you - now that's inspirational. --Do allow enough time to check out the health expo going on when you pick up your race packet on Friday or Saturday. There are lots of cool vendors and some free swag to take home. By the same token, plan to stick around for a while after the race on Sunday, as the party usually goes on until afternoon. Water, bananas, Cliff bars, and live music for everyone! --Read Alicia K's review for more excellent info. read more

I have to start this review out with saying I am so proud of myself. Most of my life I've said, "I don't run, my side hurts." I just have always hated to run. I had never been good at it, and I always wanted to vomit and was extremely winded after running half a lap. I would even skip running days when I paid for a fitness boot camp. The mile was my worst nightmare. Fast forward to last May. I had just turned 28 and wasn't very active and didn't want to pay for a gym membership because I wouldn't use it. I decided to download the C25K (Couch to 5K) app and slowly became a runner. I finished the C210K app shortly after then took a winter hiatus and returned to running earlier this year when I realized how fast the Cap10K would be coming up. A few friends had ran it the last few years and my main reason for running was I wanted one of those red HEB tech shirts. Silly but it got me interested so it worked. I signed up with my friend Kathryne B. who works for HEB and ordered my beloved red shirt. I had been running about 1-3 times a week for the last few months so I was slightly prepared but was super worried about the rain forecast. Thankfully I woke up that morning and no rain clouds were showing on my weather app. It was super foggy and humid out so that made it a little harder, but I managed to run the entire thing which I was determined to do. There were some big hills but also some nice downhills which made them easier. The race started at 8am for the elite waves and my wave (Group C) started at 8:15am. I couldn't tell you the exact route because I was so focused on continuing to run. I did notice a few of my surroundings - the Capitol, Enfield, and Austin High School. The last stretch was the hardest. The heat was getting to me and I felt like I was going to be sick but I really pushed through. I'd recommend trying to smile if you are able to because that's the location where they take the most pictures of you as well as a couple videos and I look like I'm in pain in mine Lol. Next year I'll try to smile or raise my arms or something energizing. Once you cross the finish line, there are people handing out waters, and you can walk to some vendor tents or the giant HEB tent to grab a banana and gatorade. After that I walked over to the computer tent where you could check your times but they weren't available yet. Funny thing is I made it into the newspaper while I was looking up my time. Got it later online though and it was 1:08:06! :oD I didn't really explore much else but I saw a giant massage tent (with a line) and a bouncy house, a merch tent and a ton of vendor tents. The cool thing about signing up with HEB employees is you get to go to the HEB VIP area. They had their own massage table, snack vendors, hot breakfast tacos, and a yogi helping us stretch out. The run went so fast and I wish I could do it over every weekend. I highly recommend it to anyone who's new to running but wants a challenge. read more

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Great run that's an Austin tradition since 1978! The race is well-organized sponsored by HEB for a great cause. I have run this race for the past three years with my school team. This run is for everyone--from those looking to win, dress silly, or just wanna have fun. There are entire families to parents and strollers to teenagers running the race. You have the option of a timed or untimed race. This year, the kids 1K run was on Saturday. This race is crowded, with 23,000 people running this year. The distance is just long enough to make the trek downtown and registration fees worthwhile, but short enough that your day is not completely shot. The run was very pleasant, with some uphill and lots downhill. There was plenty of live music and water stops along the way. The post-race swag was pretty good--bananas, energy bars, HEB brand sports drink, Coconut water, and Schlotzky's chips. Also, there are massages and other things that you can sign up for. If you are looking to run fast, I suggest you get to the very front of the line. I signed up for the 45-50min wave and found myself weaving in between walkers after the first 1/4mile. read more

I participated in the Statesman Capitol 10K for the second time yesterday, and again, I had a great time! In fact, I beat the time that I set last year!! The course is challenging but not CRAZY, and it is lined with spectators yelling and cheering... it's such a fun adrenaline rush. There are so many kinds of people running beside you... moms with strollers, people with dogs, kids, power walkers... people dressed as super heroes... in fact, I ran across a banana suit this year. If you want to try a race without committing to an actual half or full marathon, I think the 10K is a great option. It's not crazy expensive, you aren't pressured to run the whole thing, and it's a great way to look upon downtown Austin with a great variety of folks. read more

Congratulations on your 36th year, Capital 10K! This year, I hit my new PR. I am so proud of myself, especially since I've only gone running once in the past month. I didn't think I was going to do so well, especially with an injured hip, but I did it. I did it and I feel great! Congratulations to all the 17,000+ runners who crossed the finish line this year! You guys are awesome! I hope you got lots of snacks and water at the finish line and hopefully you took advantage of the free massages. (I know I did!) To Alec, the 9 year-old I saw racing ahead of me - you are amazing! Keep it up, kiddo!! Thank you, H-E-B, for being a fantastic sponsor and thank you, Austin-American Statesman, for hosting the run. I look forward to another 36 years. Next year, I'm definitely going to wear a tutu. read more

The Statesman Capitol 10K is a party because you have people from all walks of life participate in this race. You don't have to be an elite runner. People walk the 10K, run/walk it (which I actually did) or just sprint the whole thing. This race was important to me because a few years back, it was my first running race ever. I remember the days when I thought 6 miles was far. Then a couple of trail races (25K), half marathons and a marathon later here I am. An injury sidelined me and I felt this race was the only way I can get my confidence back into running. It felt good getting back to running. It was like a new me came back. Anyway, mile 2-4 are the hilly portions of the race. My suggestion is to do hill repeats. read more

You feel a part of a team, whether you come alone or with a group. Just enough changes to keep it interesting- hills, music, costumes, people cheering you on, new/old parts of Austin to look at that you just drive by other days, enough water stops and the chute at the end is kind of like, "wait, I thought I was done, where do I go now? Oh, yeah, party!" Freebies and more of a chance to see costumes and meet up with people, and to celebrate that you did it! I am in my 40's and sometimes get tired walking up stairs. But I have done this for four years now, and it makes me smile. Come early to find parking, and remember where you parked! read more

As far as road races go, this is a great one, which makes sense, given that it's the premiere 10k for the city. I've done it for the past two years, and will probably keep doing it as long they put it on. Registration: Relatively cheap, and the packet pickup is open the day or two before. Pretty standard stuff. The pickup also happens right in the middle of the fitness expo, which is neat-wish I'd had spare time to look around during that. Course: It's hard not to be biased, since I love the city. It's a relatively relaxing run, with a couple decent climbs right in the middle. Towards the end, it definitely tapers downward. The last mile seems pretty effortless, as you're close to the finish, but don't actually see it til the 6 mile marker. The fact that it *feels* like you're near the end for so long makes you finish strong for a long while. Setup: There's water stations seemingly every mile. They also have bands performing at various parts of the course. The sponsors put in lots of volunteers and there's fans cheering you on all the way through. (Hint: If you're not running and a course passes by, cheer people on at a race-it really helps!). The ending is pretty amazing tho-massage tables, vendors passing out free food and drinks and just a huge space to check in with everyone, get your scores and stick around for the awards. read more

A great run, up Congress, around the Capital, then through some beautiful neighborhoods ending up along the river, with lots of neighborhood support (rock bands, Handel's Messiah cranked up outside one of the churches, a couple folks offering beers to anyone interested). A huge array of people, 22, 477 in 2012, the 35th anniversary of this Dell Children's Medical Center fundraiser. Just an absolutely awesome group of people, lots of costumes. I see why this is the biggest 10k run in Texas, and the 5th biggest 10k in the US. read more

I really enjoyed this run. It was more enjoyable than the Austin half marathon, mainly because it was less painful. The hills weren't too bad and fortunately there were no big hills near the end of the run. Finding a parking spot was a bit difficult so I would plan for that next year. read more

I really enjoyed this race overall - fun race expo, organized parking, and beautiful course! After the race there were lots of booths with free giveaways. I was surprised there were some hills in the beginning, but the race provided an elevation map that I simply didn't look at very much prior to racing. However, I was surprised that there were no medals for finishing the race! read more

This is a great run and is well organized and supported. The course layout was great with a couple challenging hills for a beginner but it wasn't too rough. My only complaint was how crowded it is and that many walkers/fun runners start too far forward and really clog it up for everyone. read more