Events
The Star of Texas Marathon
50-Miler Ultra
Holiday Victory Half Marathon (non-USATF Masters competitors)
Holiday Victory 10k
Holiday Victory 5K
Pacer Registration (Marathon and Ultra Only)
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://fitfoundation.org/holiday-victory-marathon.
Place
Spicewood, TX US 78669
USATF Masters Half Marathon Championship Registration
If you are competing in the USATF Masters Half Marathon Championship, please register through the official USATF portal:
👉 https://usatf.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/159269/home
Description
HOLIDAY VICTORY LAP Ultra (50M, 50K)
Boston Qualifying Marathon,
Half-Marathon, 10K & 5K
USATF Master's Half Marathon Championships
December 14th at 8:00 AM | Pace Bend Park
A winter running celebration with stunning lake views and Boston Marathon qualification potential!
BOSTON QUALIFIER ALERT!
This is a USATF-certified marathon course: Certification code: TX25015LAB. Course specifically designed with Boston qualification in mind! Our 1.64-mile loop format allows runners to master the course with each lap, creating the perfect opportunity to strategically pace your way to a BQ time.
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Strategic Loop Design
1.64 miles per loop (16 loops for full marathon, 8 for half)
100% Paved Surface
Smooth, consistent running conditions for optimal performance
Minimal Elevation
Perfect Pacing Opportunity
Learn the course quickly and optimize your speed on every section
Personal Aid Station
Set up your nutrition exactly how you want it and access it every 1.64 miles
COURSE DETAILS
The paved course features moderate climbs and gentle descents. This balanced profile prevents the quad fatigue of excessive downhill courses while providing enough variety to engage different muscle groups.
BOSTON QUALIFICATION ADVANTAGE
Our unique loop course format offers strategic benefits for Boston hopefuls! The marathon course is USATF-certified (certification code: TX25015LAB) and a Boston Marathon qualifier — carefully designed to help runners achieve qualifying times. The loop format lets you become intimately familiar with every turn and elevation change.
By your third lap, you'll know exactly where to push and where to conserve energy - a strategic advantage for hitting your Boston Marathon qualification attempt!
EVENT FEATURES
Accurate splits and finish times for all participants
Track your progress every lap to perfect your pacing
Your supporters can cheer you on multiple times without moving
Challenge coin and medal for all finishers
Advent Run to New Year Challenge and Winter Marathon Series
PACE REQUIREMENTS
The Star of Texas Marathon Challenge
Checkpoint Guidance for those aiming for a sub-4 goal:
- 9:45 AM: Complete at least 3 loops (4.65 miles)
- 10:30 AM: Complete at least 6 loops (9.3 miles)
- 11:15 AM: Complete at least 9 loops (13.95 miles)
- 12:00 PM: Complete at least 12 loops (18.6 miles)
- 12:30 PM: Complete at least 15 loops (23.25 miles)
- 1:00 PM: Complete all loops (26.2 miles)
Personal Pacers Welcome
Personal pacers are welcome at our Star of Texas Marathon event! For a nominal fee, pacers will receive park entry, insurance coverage, and an official PACER bib. Each registered runner may have only one pacer on course at any time, and pacers may join their runner after the first loop.
Our unique loop format creates the perfect environment for pacing support, allowing pacers to join or exit at the start/finish area and access personal aid stations alongside their runner.
Pacers must register in advance, sign the event waiver, and follow all race rules including wearing their designated bib at all times. For Boston Qualifier hopefuls, rest assured that our pacer policy complies with BAA requirements. Whether you need support for the full marathon or just those challenging final miles, our pacer-friendly course design offers the ideal setting for achieving your race day goals.
Half Marathon (8 loops)
Maintain 18:13/mile pace or faster (28:15 per loop) to finish before the cutoff
Checkpoint Guidance:
- 10:00 AM: Complete at least 2 loops (3.1 miles)
- 11:00 AM: Complete at least 4 loops (6.2 miles)
- 12:00 PM: Complete at least 6 loops (9.3 miles)
- 1:00 PM: Complete all loops (13.175 miles)
Special Provision: Marathon participants who complete at least 8 loops (half marathon distance) but don't finish the full marathon by the 3:00 PM cutoff will receive official half marathon recognition and their medal.
10K & 5K Distances
10K participants will complete four full loops of our scenic course, while 5K runners will conquer two loops - all finishers earn a commemorative medal.
READY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY VICTORY?
Join us at Pace Bend Park on December 14th for a unique loop course experience with Boston Qualifier potential!
USATF Masters Half Marathon Championships
Registration for the USATF Masters Half Marathon Championships is handled separately.
To register for the championship event, please click here.
2025 USATF Masters Half Marathon Championships
December 14, 2025 • 9:00 AM Start
Join us at the scenic Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis for the premier Masters athletics event in Central Texas. Experience championship racing with inclusive excellence and stunning lake views.
Register NowChampionship Details
Event Date
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Awards Ceremony: 1:00 PM
Location
Pace Bend Park
Kate's and Johnson Coves
2805 Pace Bend Rd N
Spicewood, TX 78669
45 minutes west of Austin
Championship
USATF Sanctioned
Official USATF Masters Half Marathon Championship
Age group awards: 40+
Course
USATF Certified
Scenic Lake Travis loop
Rolling hills with lake views
Professional timing & results
Championship HQ
Highland Lakes Conference Center
5902 Pace Bend Rd N
Spicewood, TX 78669
Packet pickup Saturday
Lodging available
♿ Inclusive Excellence
Accessibility Focused
Full ADA compliance
Inclusive participation welcome
Support for all abilities
Registration & Pricing
Early Bird Registration
July 2 - September 2, 2025
Regular Registration
September 3 - December 5, 2025
Late Registration
December 6 - December 13, 2025
What's Included in Your Registration
Championship T-Shirt
Commemorative shirt with USATF Masters branding
Finisher Medal
Official USATF Masters Championship finisher medal
Awards Ceremony
Age group awards celebration
$7,000 Prize Purse
Men's Overall Champion
First place male finisher
Women's Overall Champion
First place female finisher
Men's First Runner-Up
Second place male finisher
Women's First Runner-Up
Second place female finisher
Second Runner-Up
Men's and Women's (each)
Age Group Champions
10-year divisions: 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
Prize Money Eligibility
Prize money awarded to current USATF members with US citizenship. Winners will receive cash awards at the championship ceremony. Age divisions are based on athlete's age on race day.
Championship Weekend Schedule
Saturday, December 13
Packet Pickup
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Highland Lakes Conference Center
Activities Include:
• Packet pickup and race materials
• T-shirt size exchange if needed
• Course information and maps
• Meet fellow Masters athletes
• Final race instructions
Sunday, December 14
Championship Race Day
6:30 AM - Venue opens at Kate's and Johnson Coves
6:45 AM - 7:30 AM - Race Day packet pickup
8:30 AM - Final instructions
9:00 AM - Race start
1:00 PM - Awards ceremony
Venue & Accommodations
Pace Bend Park
Located on the scenic shores of Lake Travis, Pace Bend Park offers breathtaking views and a challenging yet rewarding course. The park features camping, restroom facilities, and easy access from Austin.
Highland Lakes Conference Center
Our championship headquarters offers on-site lodging, meeting facilities, dining options, and full ADA accessibility. Perfect for visiting athletes and families.
Getting There
Just 45 minutes west of Austin via Highway 71. Easy access to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Parking is available at Highland Lakes Conference Center.
Race Course
The start and finish are at Kate and Johnson's Coves, located close to the HLCC grounds. It is closer to the water, offering a more isolated and natural setting.
Facilities
Porta-potties and non-flushing primitive restrooms are available on both sides of the loop near the start/finish area.
December Weather
Perfect racing conditions with average December temperatures of 45-65°F. Mild Central Texas winter weather ideal for Masters athletes.
Other Nearby Accommodations
Hotels & Lodges (Within ~20–30 Minutes)
1. Lakeway Resort & Spa
101 Lakeway Dr, Lakeway, TX
~25 min drive from HLCC
lakewayresortandspa.com
2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Lakeway
15707 Oak Grove Blvd, Lakeway, TX
~20 min drive
ihg.com
3. Sonesta Bee Cave Austin Hill Country
12525 Bee Cave Pkwy, Bee Cave, TX
~30 min drive
sonesta.com
Race Day Strategy Guide
Star of Texas Marathon: Target Sub-4 Hour Run/Walk Strategy Guide (Race Time Limit is 6 hours)
Likely Race Conditions: December 12th at Pace Bend Park
Expected temps: 45°F - 65°F | Potential for cool morning conditions
Course Format
- 33 ft elevation gain per loop (561 ft total)
- First mile: 50 ft descent | Last 0.55 miles: 56 ft climb
- 100% paved surface
Target Pace: Run 4 minutes / Walk 1 minute
Loop-by-Loop Strategy
| Loop # | Time | Temp | Run/Walk Strategy | Hydration & Nutrition | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9:00 AM | 46°F | Run first 1.5 miles, establish rhythm | Water only | Cool morning - wear gloves/arm warmers that can be removed later |
| 2-3 | 9:25 AM | 48°F | Begin 4:1 run/walk pattern | Water + small carb intake | Focus on consistency, not speed - aim for 13-14 min loops |
| 4-5 | 9:55 AM | 51°F | Maintain 4:1 pattern | Electrolytes + carbs | First hour nutrition check - ~200 calories in |
| 6-7 | 10:25 AM | 54°F | 4:1 with strategic walking on inclines | Hydration focus | Course familiarity building - note landmarks for pacing |
| 8 | 10:55 AM | 57°F | HALFWAY POINT 4:1 pattern | Full nutrition break | Assess pace - should be ~1:55-2:00 at halfway |
| 9-10 | 11:15 AM | 60°F | 4:1 pattern with extended walking on hills | Electrolytes + carbs | May need to remove outer layer as temperature rises |
| 11-12 | 11:45 AM | 62°F | 3:1 pattern if needed (adjust as necessary) | Increased water intake | Mental focus - breaking remaining loops into segments |
| 13-14 | 12:10 PM | 64°F | Return to 4:1 for flat/downhill sections | Caffeine option | This is the "wall" zone - focus on form and efficiency |
| 15-16 | 12:35 PM | 65°F | 4:1 pattern with determined mindset | Simple carbs only | Less than 5K to go after loop 16! |
| 17 | 12:50 PM | 65°F | Push final loop | Celebration sip of water | Victory lap - maintain form to finish strong |
Pacing Guidance
- Middle Loops (4-12): Maintain consistent 13:45-14:00 loops
- Final Push (13-17): Aim for 14:15 or better per loop
Loop-Specific Strategies
Loops 1-4: Establishment Phase
- Implement 4:1 run/walk from the beginning (except first 1.5 miles)
- Focus on finding rhythm and memorizing course features
- Note ideal walking sections (typically on inclines)
Loops 5-8: Rhythm Phase
- Maintain even effort (not pace) on hills
- Walk the steepest 30-second sections of each climb
- Run the entire downhill and flat sections
- Hydrate and fuel consistently
Loops 9-12: Management Phase
- Adjust to 3:1 run/walk ratio if needed
- Focus on form efficiency
- Consider slightly longer walks on uphills
- Shorter, more powerful running intervals
Loops 13-16: Mental Toughness Phase
- Count down remaining loops
- Return to 4:1 pattern if possible
- Focus on runners ahead as "targets"
- Use the loop format to your advantage - familiar territory
Loop 17: Victory Lap
- Run as much as possible
- Celebrate the finish!
Nutrition Plan
| Pre-race: | Light breakfast 2-3 hours before start |
| During race: | 200-250 calories per hour |
| Hydration: | 16-20oz water per hour (adjust based on temperature) |
| Electrolytes: | Every other loop |
| Caffeine: | Consider at loop 13 for final push |
Temperature Management
- Mid-race (55-60°F): Perfect running temperature - shed layers as needed
- Final loops (60-65°F): Focus on hydration if temp rises
Mental Strategies for Loop Courses
- Segment Focus: Break the race into 4-loop chunks
- Landmark Timing: Time yourself between specific landmarks
- Familiar Territory: Use course familiarity to plan strategic moves
- Aid Station Rhythm: Create a routine at the single aid station
- Personal Gear Access: Take advantage of access to personal items every loop
Star of Texas Marathon - December 12th
This run/walk strategy is perfect for our unique loop course format at Pace Bend Park!
Course Map
Course Map
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Directions
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