ATX Run Tours

ATX Run Tours presents

Run the Live Music Capital of the World

ACL IS BACK! And that means FREE guided running tours through Austin’s historic city center, exploring the music and culture behind it all. We run at a conversational pace with lots of stops to make sure everyone has a great time!

Pick your date See the routes
A group of runners on an ATX Run Tours pilot run, jogging through the gates of the Texas Capitol grounds with the downtown skyline behind them

Weather update: our Oct 3 and 4 tours moved to next weekend. New dates: October 10th and 11th at 8:30am. Don't worry, we'll be done before ACL!

RSVP free

Two Routes, Choose Your Adventure!

Saturday routes reveal the culture behind Austin’s live music scene. Sunday routes tell the story of Austin’s most stunning landmarks. All tours start at Fareground, 111 Congress Ave.

Registered for Oct 3 or 4? Bad weather moved those tours to Oct 10 and 11. Check your email for your new date. If it doesn’t work for you, cancel your RSVP on Luma so someone on the waitlist can take your spot.

  1. SaturdayOct 10

    The Live Music Route New

    Willie, the Armadillo, Stevie Ray, Antone’s and Red River.

    Meet 8:30 AM, ~3.7 miles, 10-12 min/mi pace

    RSVP free

  2. SundayOct 11

    The Capitol Route

    Congress Avenue, the pink granite Capitol and the UT Tower.

    Meet 8:30 AM, ~3.6 miles, 10-12 min/mi pace.

    RSVP free

Tours are capped at 20 people so we can provide runners with the best experience possible! If a tour is full, please join the waitlist!

The routes

Each route is a loop with six stops, about half a mile apart. Each stop will be an opportunity to take pictures and hear stories about the landmarks around you!

The Live Music Route

Saturday, Oct 10

About 3.7 miles, flat, with one bridge each way. Back by 9:30 AM.

Schematic map of the Live Music Route: from Fareground west to the Willie Nelson statue, across the First Street bridge to the Armadillo site and Stevie Ray Vaughan statue, along the lake to Congress Avenue, north to Sixth Street, east to Red River, and back to Fareground. Lady Bird Lake 8th6th5th3rd2nd / Willie Nelson BlvdCesar ChavezRiversideBarton Springs LavacaS 1st StCongressBrazosRed River ★ 1 2 3 4 5 6 Start / finishAntone’s today
Schematic, not to scale.
  1. Willie Nelson statueHow a 1974 TV pilot taped at UT got Austin’s music onto PBS stations nationwide.
  2. Armadillo World Headquarters siteThe old National Guard armory where hippies and rednecks shared one dance floor.
  3. Stevie Ray Vaughan MemorialThe statue is standing still, but the shadow rocks on forever
  4. Vulcan Gas Company, 316 CongressAustin’s first psychedelic club, and the artist living inside it who started drawing armadillos.
  5. The original Antone’s, 6th and BrazosThe home of the blues, and why it has moved five times.
  6. Red River Cultural DistrictThe small clubs where bands play before they make the festival poster.
  7. Finale at FaregroundThe Zilker Park connection, and where to hear live music tonight.

The Capitol Route

Sunday, Oct 11

About 3.6 miles. Uphill on Congress, downhill all the way home. Back by 9:15 AM.

Schematic map of the Capitol Route: from Fareground north up Congress Avenue to the Capitol, west on 15th, north on Lavaca to UT, through the South Mall to the Tower, south on Speedway to the Bullock Museum, and back down Congress to Fareground. Lady Bird Lake Cesar Chavez11th15thMLK21st / University Ave LavacaCongressSpeedway Capitol 1 2 3 4 5 Start / finish, stop 6UT Tower
Schematic, not to scale.
  1. FaregroundEdwin Waller’s 1839 street grid, and the avenue the whole route follows.
  2. Texas CapitolPink granite, and the land deal that paid for the building.
  3. Littlefield FountainA sculptor who wouldn’t let go. Also our group photo.
  4. UT TowerHow oil money built a university, and a quiet moment of history.
  5. Congress and MLKThe Bullock, the Blanton and a 17th-century shipwreck in a museum.
  6. Back at FaregroundHow the loop ties together, and where to watch the Congress Avenue bats tonight.

How it works

The pace
Conversational, around 11 to 12 minutes per mile. We stop several times and make sure nobody is left behind.
The stops
Six of them, roughly every half mile, about five minutes each. You’ll catch your breath before every story.
The timing
Meet at 8:30 AM, start running at 8:45, and finish by about 9:15 to 9:30. That leaves plenty of time before the festival gates open.
Where to meet
Fareground, 111 Congress Ave, at Congress and Cesar Chavez. Parking and restroom details provided in advance!
What to bring
Water, your phone, and running shoes! Be ready to feel like a tourist again!
The price
Free. If you enjoyed it, a $20 donation keeps the tours running. How to donate.

ATX Run Tours in Action

You can be the face of the next ATX Run Tour!

The pilot group lined up on the south steps of the Texas Capitol
The guide running at the front of the group on a downtown sidewalk
A runner laughing while seated at the edge of Littlefield Fountain
The guide briefing the group on the plaza before the run
The group gathered in front of the Capitol entrance
A smiling runner during a stop on the UT campus
Ayush, founder of ATX Run Tours, talking to the group with a megaphone in hand

Your guide

I was born and raised in Austin, and I’ve been a part of the Austin running community for the last three years. Every runner I’ve met has had 3 things in common: They love running, they adore Austin, and they can't wait to hear more about this amazing place they call home.

ATX Run Tours is for them, and for visitors who would rather see a city at running pace than through a bus window.

Ayush, founder and guide

Questions

Do I need to be a fast runner?

No. We run at a conversational pace, take plenty of breaks, and ensure everyone is having a great time!

Is this part of ACL Fest?

No. ATX Run Tours is independent and isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by the Austin City Limits Music Festival. We scheduled these tours for festival weekends because the city is full of people who love music.

What if it’s hot or storming?

We run in heat and carry extra water. If there’s lightning or severe weather, we’ll shorten or cancel the tour and message everyone beforehand.

Can I bring my kids or my dog?

Runners 16 and older are welcome; anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian running along. We love our little pups, and yes, they deserve to see Austin too!

Will I be photographed?

Probably. A photographer may run with us and photos may appear on our Instagram. If you’d rather not be posted, tell us at check-in and we’ll make sure you’re not.

Is there a waiver?

Yes. You’ll agree to a short liability waiver when you register.

Can I book a private tour?

Yes. Bachelor and bachelorette parties, team outings, run clubs and visiting families can book either route on a date that works for them. Email us with your group size and dates.