Who should participate in Zilker Relays?
Anyone who wants to combine a fun sprint/run/jog/stroll around Zilker Park with great friends, Tacodeli, Real Ale beer, and live music! All faces and all paces are encouraged to join us in celebrating the Austin running community.
Do I need to find all 3 of my teammates?
Yes. Team captains are responsible for filling their teams. All teams are required to have 4 runners to participate. Runners may run for more than one team, but must pay an additional entry fee to do so.
Can children participate in the Zilker Relays?
If they can make it 2.5 miles on their own! If they're not quite ready for the full relay leg, we have a Kid's Dash for children 13 and younger. Note that this route is an out and back so our young participants can run any distance they’d like.
Are dogs allowed on the course?
No. For the safety of all race participants (and pups!), dogs are not allowed on the course or near the exchange zone, though leashed and well-behaved pets are more than welcome to join in rest of the festivities
Are bikes or scooters allowed on the course?
No. Bicycles, scooters, or any other wheeled or motorized modes of transportation are not allowed on the course. The only exception to this rule is the official bike leads, who are authorized to be on the course to ensure the smooth running of the race.
However, we are committed to inclusivity and making accommodations for all participants. Exceptions will be made for any athletes who require the use of wheeled devices. If you need such an accommodation, please contact our race coordinator at races@austinrunners.org prior to race day to make the necessary arrangements.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a safe and fair race environment for all participants. Note that any bikes, scooters, or other devices that are not previously approved will be asked to get off the course.
Will there be photographers at Zilker?
Yes! As always, we’ll have a talented team roaming around the festival area and the course to capture all of the excitement. Please do note that unofficial photographers will not be allowed on the course. This is a safety issue for our runners so this year we will have specific "Spectator Zones" at key places on the course.
What is included in my registration?
We provide chip timing using a relay baton, an awesome Zilker Relays t-shirt, Tacodeli dinner plate, and drinks at the finish line for all race participants.
Can family and friends hang out and support me?
Heck yes! We encourage it! The beer is free to all (who are 21+) and is NOT a condition of your entry. If friends/family would like to eat, they can purchase a meal ticket prior to the event. No onsite sales available for meal tickets.
Are the Zilker Relays associated with a charity?
Yes! Since the merger of Marathon Kids and Austin Runners Club, all ARC races support Marathon Kids. We believe in getting kids excited about running and supporting the next generation of runners. All registered teams are encouraged to fundraise for Marathon Kids this year through our race platform partner, Race Roster. The team that raises the most money will be presented with the “Running with Purpose” award!
Do I need to buy a meal ticket if I'm on a team?
No. Your race entry gets you full access to the race, the dinner, the after-party and all other race amenities. Beer is not part of the race amenities, and is available for anyone of legal drinking age possessing a valid ID.
Are the Zilker Relays a timed event?
Yes. We provide chip timing using a relay baton. We also have a “Just for Fun” category!
When and where is packet pick-up?
Karavel Shoes is our official packet pick-up sponsor this year! We'll have 3 pick-up options at their store: Saturday 8/31 from 10am - 2pm, Sunday 9/1 from 11am-3pm, and Thursday 9/5 from 12pm - 7pm. There will be no race day packet pick-up this year.
What’s your refund policy?
The Zilker Relays has a NO REFUND policy. ENTRY FEES AND DONATIONS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE for any reason. This policy applies regardless of whether you become injured, have an unexpected business/family emergency, pregnancy, travel issues, weather cancellation, etc. There are NO exceptions. Any inquiry regarding this policy will be directed back to this statement.
What if I still have questions?
We’re happy to help you out! You can email races@austinrunners.org and we’ll get back to you ASAP.