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Course Highlights
The Moonlight Margarita Run departs from Auditorium Shores at 8:00 PM, sending thousands of runners into downtown Austin under the stars. The 5K course travels along Cesar Chavez Boulevard beside Lady Bird Lake and the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, loops around near MoPac, and returns to Auditorium Shores for the legendary finish line fiesta. City lights reflect off the water, the Austin skyline glows, and the warm June air gives the run an electric, festive energy unlike any daytime race.
Race Details
The 2026 Moonlight Margarita Run takes place Thursday, June 4, with a shotgun start at 8:00 PM. Runners should arrive by 7:00 PM for pre-run stretching and programming at 7:45 PM. Registration includes the event shirt, race bib, entry to the Lady Bird Soda Finish Line Party, two complimentary Maudie’s Tex-Mex margaritas, and Tex-Mex snacks. Runners must be 21+ to receive alcoholic beverages. There is no on-site packet pickup — all packets must be collected at The Trail Conservancy office before race day.
Why Runners Love It
The Moonlight Margarita Run has been an Austin institution for over two decades, drawing participants who range from competitive runners chasing the $100 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card for top overall finishers to costume-wearing social runners who come purely for the vibes. The post-race party at Auditorium Shores — with multiple margarita bars, a Maudie’s nacho bar, live music, and the shimmering backdrop of Lady Bird Lake — is widely regarded as one of the best finish line experiences in Texas.
The Cause
All registration fees benefit The Trail Conservancy, the nonprofit steward of the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake. The Trail Conservancy’s mission to protect, enhance, and connect Austin’s beloved 10-mile urban trail is funded in large part by events like this run. Participating means contributing to the preservation of the trail you’re running on.
Register
Registration opens February 20th at thetrailconservancy.org. Spots fill fast — this race has been a sellout in past years.
Austin, Texas United States
Course Highlights
The Moonlight Margarita Run departs from Auditorium Shores at 8:00 PM, sending thousands of runners into downtown Austin under the stars. The 5K course travels along Cesar Chavez Boulevard beside Lady Bird Lake and the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, loops around near MoPac, and returns to Auditorium Shores for the legendary finish line fiesta. City lights reflect off the water, the Austin skyline glows, and the warm June air gives the run an electric, festive energy unlike any daytime race.
Race Details
The 2026 Moonlight Margarita Run takes place Thursday, June 4, with a shotgun start at 8:00 PM. Runners should arrive by 7:00 PM for pre-run stretching and programming at 7:45 PM. Registration includes the event shirt, race bib, entry to the Lady Bird Soda Finish Line Party, two complimentary Maudie’s Tex-Mex margaritas, and Tex-Mex snacks. Runners must be 21+ to receive alcoholic beverages. There is no on-site packet pickup — all packets must be collected at The Trail Conservancy office before race day.
Why Runners Love It
The Moonlight Margarita Run has been an Austin institution for over two decades, drawing participants who range from competitive runners chasing the $100 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card for top overall finishers to costume-wearing social runners who come purely for the vibes. The post-race party at Auditorium Shores — with multiple margarita bars, a Maudie’s nacho bar, live music, and the shimmering backdrop of Lady Bird Lake — is widely regarded as one of the best finish line experiences in Texas.
The Cause
All registration fees benefit The Trail Conservancy, the nonprofit steward of the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake. The Trail Conservancy’s mission to protect, enhance, and connect Austin’s beloved 10-mile urban trail is funded in large part by events like this run. Participating means contributing to the preservation of the trail you’re running on.
Register
Registration opens February 20th at thetrailconservancy.org. Spots fill fast — this race has been a sellout in past years.