The scorching hot sun is no match for Austin's fitness community. Even in the dead of summer there are athletic events to keep you active and counteract those poolside mimosas. Here are five upcoming races you don't want to miss.
May 27: Life Time Tri CapTex
Wait! Don't turn your back on this race just because it's on Memorial Day. You'll cross the finish line well before the barbecues begin. The Life Time Tri CapTex, formerly the CapTexTri, will be held on Monday, May 27 at Auditorium Shores offering a beautiful swim, run and bike course through downtown Austin.
The event — the largest triathlon in the state — is perfect for pros and newcomers offering sprint, international and First Tri distances. If you're not the least bit ready for a full triathlon, grab two of your friends and knock out a sprint or international distance relay.
In addition to getting a killer workout, there's a big 'ole finish line festival with music, beer and samples galore. Plus, everyone at your Memorial Day boat party will think you're Hercules when you tell them you knocked out a triathlon.
June 13: Maudie's Moonlight Margarita Run and Gala
The Maudie's Moonlight Margarita Run and Gala benefiting the Town Lake Trail Foundation is an Austin tradition. Unlike most races, this 5K is on a Thursday evening and kicks off by the trail at sunset to the sounds of Mariachis.
But don't be fooled by the start time, this race is hot as hell. You'll sweat so much during the run that the mere smell of tequila will leave you tipsy. The free flowing margaritas, music and Tex-Mex food at the finish line gala make for a great party. The race is 21+ and taking Friday off from work is a good idea.
June 15: AFM Fittest
There's this misconception that Austin Fit Magazine's Fittest challenge at Camp Mabry is for dudes that look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. The truth is, anyone who isn't a total couch potato but is curious about their fitness level will enjoy this community-wide challenge.
The whole point of the event is to get people thinking about health. All you have to do is a series of fitness tests that measure strength, endurance, balance, speed, precision, agility and power.
If it still sounds intimidating, you can grab friends for the team competition or drag your children along and make them take on a few challenges as well. If you do happen to be among the 10 Fittest, you'll be featured in the August 2013 issue of Austin Fit Magazine. Who knows. Maybe you are Austin's Fittest!
June 22: Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5k
Tarzan, half-naked people, ballerinas and a ton of superheroes are just a few of the characters you'll run into at the Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5k at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.
The race, which started 11 years ago, is dedicated to showcasing Austin's one-of-a-kind weirdness. You probably won't beat your personal record (it's hard to dressed as a banana) but you'll definitely have the most fun you've ever had at a race. Plus, it all ends with a rockin' festival with music, kid activities for the little weirdos in your life and a ton of food, drinks and wackiness.
July 14: Couples Triathlon
I don't think anyone has ever divorced as a result of the Couples Triathlon, but I can't guarantee that it won't happen. The Couples Triathlon is a sprint distance triathlon (800 meter swim, 11.2 mile bike, and 3.2 mile run) at Decker Lake. You sign up as a team and are placed in a division based on your cumulative age. (Bet you're wishing you dated someone a little older now.)
You complete the race individually but are scored together. The idea is to support each other, so leave your pride at home and bite your tongue when your feel compelled to yell at your partner for running like turtle. While some couples are actual couples, it's not a requirement. Grab any willing and able body and get to training.
The Life Time Tri CapTex will be held on Monday, May 27.
One of the weekend's major talking points was the addition of the new Paddock Hospitality track at the top of Turn 1. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Although he is not in contention for a repeat championship, Lando Norris remains a crowd favorite. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Kimi Antonelli led from the start, never losing placement as he claimed his ninth win of the season. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
It was hard to get a moment with Paddock star the Ferrari Pope, who posed for pictures all weekend. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Kimi Antonelli greeted the Grandstand before boarding the trailer ahead of the Driver's Parade on Sunday. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Lily Zneimer stopped for a quick portrait before heading into the McLaren garage to support her boyfriend, driver Oscar Piastri.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Michael Dell made their way to the McLaren garage just before the qualifying round on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
It takes a well-oiled machine of a team to win races. No drama, just fist bumps and good communication. Oh, and a fast car.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
COTA's new attraction is the theme park, aptly named COTALand. Clearly, the jury remains out on the spectacle. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
It's not uncommon to see fans lined up outside of the Paddock as they wait for their favorite drivers and teams to head out for the day. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Last year's US Grand Prix winner, Max Verstappen, finished third this year after starting second on the grid. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Alpine's pit crew got their warm-ups done shortly before race start on Sunday. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
"All we talk about are tires and batteries in this sport. (They're the) stars of the show," said Nic Cameron of Leeds, New York. Mercedes engineers stacked used tires from the qualifying session to send off for analysis.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Interior designer and Miss Jamaica Universe 1994 Angelie Spencer was on site to support her favorite team, Ferrari. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Having Cadillac driver and fan favorite Checo Perez back on the grid has been great for the US Grand Prix, as thousands of Mexicans come to Austin to watch their countryman race. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
It's no surprise who fashion influencer Aimee Kelly supports.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Although Antonelli took home the winner’s trophy, he did not clinch the driver’s championship as some had hoped. He needed teammate George Russell to fall to 9th and ex-Mercedes world champion Lewis Hamilton to finish in 5th. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
The Mercedes garage was full of adrenaline as they waited for Antonelli to arrive at parc fermé and take the traditional plunge into the hands of his crew.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
The championship is all but Antonelli’s, with one hand firmly on the grip of the trophy. He is expected to complete his first-ever world championship this weekend in Mexico.Photo by Daniel Cavazos