FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin Marathon Unveils 2009 Course
Popular loop course remains; small changes accommodate
neighborhoods, changing cityscape

AUSTIN, Texas - (January 20, 2009) - After incorporating input from race
participants and the city's residents, the 2009 Austin Marathon and Half
Marathon course is official. Race organizers focused on maintaining the
integrity of the course by keeping the race in the central city and giving
runners a tour of Austin's most scenic neighborhoods, while easing
community concerns about major traffic roadblocks. This year's event is
Sunday, February 15.

Changes to last year's course are as follows:
* Start Line moved from 200 Block of Congress Avenue to Congress Avenue
Bridge
* Finish Line moved to 900 Block of Congress Avenue
* Krebs Lane and Ft. McGruder Lane used for southern turnaround instead of
Lightsey Road
* Runners cross from Jackson Avenue to Bull Creek Road at 39th Street
instead of 41st Street
* Duval Street used instead of Red River Street between miles 22 and 24
* University of Texas campus removed from route

"This year's improvements assure the race is enjoyable and exciting for
both participants and the Austin community," said Race Director John
Conley. "We concentrate on providing the challenging and unique course that
runners expect when they choose to run this marathon."

The 2009 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon registration continues to follow
the growth trends of the past several years. Registration for both races is
up more than 12 percent compared to numbers from the record-setting,
sold-out 2008 race. For more race information, go to: AustinMarathon.com

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