After years of planning, the inaugural San Antonio Marathon weekend is finally sprinting into action Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 7. While runners have been training for months, the rest of us could use a primer on road closures, where to watch, and where to park.

What is the San Antonio Marathon?
The inaugural event, owned and operated by local sports commission San Antonio Sports, is the city’s first citywide race since the international Rock ‘n’ Roll running series pulled out of San Antonio in 2024. It includes three races — a 5K, a half-marathon, and a full marathon, as well as an expo and finish line parties.

“This marathon has been years in the making, driven by a belief that San Antonio deserves a signature running event that reflects the spirit of our community,” says San Antonio Sports CEO Jenny Carnes via a release. “We’re proud that this race [was] created by San Antonio, for San Antonio, and we can’t wait to welcome runners from across the city, across Texas, and from all 50 states and 25 countries.”

Weekend schedule
Friday, December 5

• Noon-7 pm: San Antonio Marathon Expo at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
• 7 pm: SATX 5K start line at East Market Street
• 6-9 pm: Start Line Village and Finish Line Fiesta at Hemisfair

Saturday, December 6

• 9 am-5 pm: San Antonio Marathon Expo at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Sunday, December 7

• 7:15 am: San Antonio Marathon and Half Marathon start line at Main Plaza
• 8 am-4 pm: Finish Line Fiesta at Hemisfair Park

Road closures
The full marathon route runs through several San Antonio neighborhoods, including Olmos Park, Monte Vista, Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Southtown, and downtown. Streets will begin closing at 5 am on Friday.

Planners have released a handy guide to help locals navigate around the race and also recommend checking into the Waze app before hitting the road. All roads are expected to reopen no later than Sunday afternoon.

Where to park
The Alamodome is opening up lots B and C for free parking on Sunday starting at 5 am, but organizers say race fans should consider using rideshare apps like Lyft or Uber or consider public transport like VIA. San Antonio Sports warned spectators to be especially vigilant of “no parking” zones.

Where to watch
Well-wishers can send off the 5K competitors at Hemisfair and marathoners at Main Plaza, then congratulate them at the finish line at Hemisfair for all races.

San Antonio Sports has designated the following spots as prime spectator zones:

• King William Park
• La Villita
• Travis Park
• University of the Incarnate Word Campus
• Pearl
• Landa Park Library
• The Alamo

In addition, people who love along the route are encouraged to join in the fun with decorations and refuel stations.

Essential apps

• San Antonio Marathon App: Allows friends and family to track loved ones in real time.
• Rally: Enables the runner’s inner circle to record inspirational voice messages that can be played whenever racers need a second wind.