Avoiding Downtown

The full list of downtown street closures as Austin Marathon runs into town

Expect downtown street closures this weekend.

Courtesy of Austin Marathon / Facebook

If you're planning to get around downtown this weekend, expect to run (get it?) into street closures across the city. Between water main breaks, Mardi Gras celebrations and the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, some key arteries will be shut down beginning on Friday, February 13 and remaining closed throughout the weekend.

City scheduled street closures
San Antonio Street between West Second and West Third streets
Friday, February 13 through Tuesday, February 17

East Sixth Street between Brazos Street and I-35 Frontage Road
Saturday, February 14. Austin police will be closing East Sixth Street in preparation of Mardi Gras festivities.

Austin Marathon and Half Marathon closures
The starting gun for the Austin Marathon & Half Marathon blasts at 7 am on Sunday, February 15 at Second Street and Congress Avenue, and will run throughout the day as thousands of runners take to city streets. A map of the full route can be found here, and drivers should expect closures and delays around the city.

East Ninth Street between Brazos Street and Congress Avenue
Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15 at 6 pm

Congress Avenue between Fifth and Eleventh streets
Saturday, February 14 at 4 am through Sunday at 6 pm. Please note that intersections at Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and 11th streets will remain open prior to race.

Congress Avenue between Cesar Chavez and Fourth streets
Saturday, February 14 at 4 am through Sunday at 6 pm. Please note that the intersections at Cesar Chavez, Second and Third streets will remain open prior to race.

Cesar Chavez through Fourth streets between Brazosand Colorado streets
Sunday, February 15 from 4-10 am

Fifth Street through 11th Street between Brazosand Colorado streets
Sunday, February 15 from 4 am-6 pm

For a full list of street closures, head to the Downtown Austin Alliance.

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Don't Sweat It

New outdoor gym equipment gives Austin's workouts a boost alongside Town Lake

Photo provided by The Trail Conservancy, taken by Thao Nguyen

Local resident Ryan Purcell couldn't resist testing out the new equipment along Ladybird Lake.

For outdoor fitness fans, a new workout zone by Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake to locals) promises to be Austin's hottest gym. (Literally. Sorry.)

The Trail Conservancy, which manages and develops the Ann and Roy Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake, unveiled new equipment at Butler Shores this week including pull-up bars, climbing ropes, and suspension trainers for comprehensive waterfront cross-training.

Photo provided by The Trail Conservancy, taken by Thao Nguyen

Local resident Ryan Purcell couldn't resist testing out the new equipment along Ladybird Lake.

The brand-new exercise equipment focuses on bodyweight and calisthenics training. With more 100 potential exercise combinations, it caters to all levels and abilities. Visitors can take advantage of the full-body workout stations for a wide range of strength and conditioning routines.

Like a large jungle gym, the rack is designed in modular blocks and combined on-location, so users will need to be smart about sharing the space. It may be a little difficult for some users to figure out the unconventional setup, but illustrations on the side give ideas for different movements.

The workout zone was designed by KOMPAN Sport & Fitness, a Danish recreation company that emulates indoor gym equipment in outdoor community spaces. This versatile rig looks natural for an outdoor space, but some of the company's other contributions, like stationary bikes and ellipticals are surprising to see outside. So far, though, none of these appear on the Austin trail.

This particular project has been years in the making, with development starting back in 2020. It advances the Trail Conservancy's ongoing mission to upgrade amenities along the beloved hike-and-bike trail surrounding Lady Bird Lake, thanks to backing from partners like Tito’s Handmade Vodka and dedicated Austin residents.

A community celebration on Saturday, September 23, from 9-11 am will inaugurate the new space with live musical performances by Teatro Vivo and Tambor y Baile, and a "bootcamp." Fitness demonstrations will get users oriented on how to best use the equipment. Tito's will join with free branded merch for community members 21 years or older.

To find the new equipment, type "Butler Shores" into Google Maps, or follow the trail along the south bank of Lady Bird Lake until you are just west of Lamar Boulevard, next to the ZACH Theatre. More information about the Trail Conservancy is available at thetrailconservancy.org.

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