ARC Decker Challenge
Austin, TX
- Half Marathon, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
In 1979, the Austin Runners Club organized a race on the roads around Decker Lake in east Austin. The Decker Challenge was born! The Decker Challenge course covers 13.1 miles of rural roadway on and surrounding the Travis County Expo Center grounds. The course is USATF-certified. Be prepared for rolling … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Dec 07):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 69 | 47 | 71 | 81 | 68 |
| L (°F) | 47 | 43 | 43 | 67 | 40 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Hilly, Hilly, Half Marathon in Austin
This is a small race with a decent production. The course has some HUGE hills, which makes for a rather challenging half marathon. The scenery is terrible. The course routes … MORE
This is a small race with a decent production. The course has some HUGE hills, which makes for a rather challenging half marathon. The scenery is terrible. The course routes through several miles of what appears to be an extended junk yard! There were mattresses, chairs, and debris of all types along the road from about mile 4 through mile 7. This race definitely does not attempt to show the pretty side of Austin! It is a runner’s race; a good way to challenge one’s abilities, but not a race for anyone who is looking for any “perks”.
45 years for good reason!
The annual Decker Challenge is one of the best organized events in the area, owing to its 45-year heritage in the Austin area. The course is punchy, the weather is … MORE
The annual Decker Challenge is one of the best organized events in the area, owing to its 45-year heritage in the Austin area. The course is punchy, the weather is always a challenge, and the start/finish is super easy to access. One of the best organized and executed local half marathons out there.
An Austin Requirement
This is a wonderful race! Out in the boonies, no one around, don't plan on crowd support to get over the hills! This is a very hilly course. Most claim … MORE
This is a wonderful race! Out in the boonies, no one around, don’t plan on crowd support to get over the hills! This is a very hilly course. Most claim the worst hill is around mile 9.5, I feel most of the hills could be considered just as bad. My least favorite is around mile 8. Wide open turn on to the highway frontage road and the wind is always terrible AND there is a huge, endless hill. The very best part is the start and finish. It is inside! No worries about the weather and there is ample parking. I’ve run this race 4 years now. No plans to stop!