Hardest Race In Austin? Have You Heard Of The Decker Challenge?

December is a time for good tidings, cheer and merry. 

It also means the return of The Decker Challenge, long considered one of the hardest races in Austin. 

The 48th annual half marathon is one of Austin’s oldest races and an iconic tradition that seems to always measure up to the moment. Held in East Austin, the 13.1-mile race whisks off runners into what becomes over an hour of pain and gain on the roads (for $5 off registration, use code austinfit5 on checkout). 

So, what’s there to know about the Decker Challenge this year? 

Don’t worry. We have you covered. 

What’s The Decker Challenge?

One of Austin’s oldest half marathons, the Decker Challenge brings hundreds of participants together for a 13.1-mile race in East Austin. There’s also a 5K option and a Marathon Kids mile. 

Hosted and organized by the Austin Runners Club, The Decker Challenge is part of a five-race Austin Distance Challenge series. For additional information on the ADC, learn more here. 

One added layer for 2026 is that the race will act as the Texas State Half Marathon Championship as part of the Road Runners Club of America. 

A runner tackles the hills during the 2026 Decker Challenge. Photo Credit: The Decker Challenge

When Is The Decker Challenge?

This year’s race takes place on December 13, 2026. The schedule includes the half marathon, 5K and Marathon Kids mile. 

There are two half marathon start times: an early gun at 7:30 and the official start at 8:00 a.m. The 5K begins at 8:15 a.m. while the Marathon Kids mile gets going at 8:45 a.m.

Where Is The Race?

The starting line begins at the Travis County Exposition Center, which can be found at 7311 Decker Lane. 

I’m New To Running. Can I Walk Sections Of The Race? 

Certainly. The Decker Challenge is equal opportunity. And quite honestly, the real test of character is getting up in the morning, getting out the door and on the start line. If you do that, you’re home free. 

A disclaimer is that there is a cut-off point of 12 p.m., so you would just need to finish the race before the roads are cleared then. 

Will I Have To Worry About Parking? 

You’re in luck. Ample parking is available on-site and just feet from the starting line. 

Where Can I Register? 

You can register for The Decker Challenge here. To get $5 off registration, use code austinfit5 on checkout.

Below are price points for each race: 

• Half Marathon: $105
• Deck The Halls 5K Fun Run: $45
• Marathon Kids Mile: $35

How Did The Race Go Last Year? 

While the Decker Challenge is known for its tough course, that didn’t prevent last year’s winners from absolutely rolling. 

Local legend Mark Pinales, the founder of Vertis Coaching and the creator and director of Track Night Austin, won last year’s half marathon in 1 hour, 15 minutes and 8 seconds–which is good for a pace of 5:44 per mile. 

Andrea Aguilar-Codina, on the other hand, clocked a winning time of 1:32:22 over the women’s race. She has since graduated from the University of Texas and gone on to become a Nike Run Club ambassador and pacer for a weekly run club in the city. She’s also an ambassador for this year’s Decker Challenge. 

Over 500 runners took part in the Decker Challenge races last year, including 15-year-old Braylon Fritsch, who won the 5K in 19:47. 

What’s The History Behind The Decker Challenge?

In 1978, the Austin Runners Club (which was just four years into its existence) was really the only game in town for runners in Central Texas. It became a gathering point for participants searching for training and chasing after times. 

That year, a number of runners organized an idea and targeted a route around Decker Lake in East Austin. The simplified version was this: one lap around the course would be known as a “Single Decker,” which tallied up to 11 miles. Two loops would net you a “Double Decker” and a cool 22 miles. 

Since the race was held in February, an added flourish was valentine hearts and candy for the winners. Runners drank beer and ate barbecue afterward. It was such a hit that the Austin Runners Club came back a year later and formalized the event, naming it the Decker Challenge. 

December’s race will mark 48 years running.

So What Should I Know About The Decker Challenge

For starters, you need to know that it won’t be easy. 

There are variations of the course, there are hills, and there is generally a sense of accomplishment when you finish this race. It’s been called “a beast of a course” for a lot of reasons. But this fact is the most important: because this race is held in December, you may have to combat cold, rain, or wind–all variables that go beyond just running the race itself. 

Be ready to tackle hills up front and then again in the back-half of the race. Early on, you’ll get your heart rate up. You’ll hit a rhythm after that. But just keep in mind: the hardest hill on the course hits you at mile 10.

A runner celebrates after finishing the Decker Challenge in 2026. Photo Credit: The Decker Challenge