Austin's Zilker Relays celebrates 22 years with live music, beer, tacos

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Runners and walkers are lacing up again for the Zilker Relays this September. The relay is more than just a race.

“There’s nothing like it in town,” said Iram Leon, director of races and events for Austin Runners Club. “Whether you are fast or slow, everybody is in the same place. It’s a community run. All the teams start, finish, and mingle in a way that doesn’t happen at most races.”

The Zilker Relays is a 10-mile race for four-person teams. Each runner completes a 2.5-mile loop around Zilker Park on Lou Neff Road. Together, the team covers 10 miles.

“This Austin tradition has been around for 22 years,” Leon said.

Leon has helped with the race for several years, but this will be his first year serving as race director.

“You know, this is a good way to connect with people so you can make some new friends,” Leon said. “We have individual registration through SweatPals. We set up individuals on a team if they don’t have three other people to do a relay with.”

For this event, all you have to do is show up and be willing to run, jog, or walk more than two miles. After crossing the finish line, participants can celebrate at a big after-party in the park. They’ll enjoy tacos from Tacodeli, beer from Real Ale Brewing for those 21 and older, and of course, live music because this is Austin.

The relays take place on Friday, Sept. 5, and there’s still time to register.

“Because it’s on a Friday night, people are willing to come in a way that they wouldn’t for the same distance on a Saturday or Sunday morning, because they don’t have to wake up early,” Leon said.

Zilker Relays benefits Marathon Kids, a program that helps kids stay active through elementary school. This year, Marathon Kids is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

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