Zilker Relays

How to run your fastest Zilker Relays ever

Labor Day is past and fall temperatures are still a few months away, but the true mark of the end of summer in Austin (at least for runners) is here: the Zilker Relays. The 10-mile, four-person relay race requires each teammate to run about 2.5 miles back and forth on the trail side of Zilker Park. Gun time is 6:30 p.m. in September in Austin, so the temperatures are always blazing hot and the hill up Stratford Drive will always surprise you — no matter how many Zilker loops you’ve run before race day.

The best part about Zilker Relays is how the whole running community shows up every year. It’s a chance to catch up after a busy summer, reconnect with old running buddies and meet some new ones, too.  I’ve been lucky enough to race on the winning team for the past two years in a row — let’s hope we make it three in a row this weekend for Bat City Track Club! Here’s what I’ve learned about how to run your best on Friday night.

1. Put your best runner first

The first leg is a horse race and the only true race, in my opinion — especially for a quick girls team. Everyone starts at the same time and it’s easier to pace yourself against the field. The race thins out pretty quickly as 2.5 miles is a fairly long distance and the latter legs turn into a solo tempo effort. Put your grinder on the anchor!

2. Bring your own water bottle

It’s going to be a high of 96 degrees on Friday evening — plan accordingly. And bless the weather gods that we somehow avoided another triple digit weekend. The race organizers will have water refill stations set up throughout the festival area, and you’ll need a refillable water bottle. There’s also free beer for participants after the race and a 15% off discount at Better Half after the race, so make sure to chug some electrolytes and you’ll thank yourself after your Saturday long run.

3. Pace yourself for the hill — and be prepared for hairpin turns

The race starts on Lou Neff Road and runners head a mile down towards Barton Springs Road before taking a hairpin turn and cruising back to Stratford Drive. Runners take another hairpin turn under Mopac and right when you think the race is almost over, there’s a sneaky surprise hill before you get to cruise home. This is where your race can be made or lost (at least for those finish line photos!) — try to conserve a little energy for the hill so you can sprint home, not hobble.

To practice the hairpin turns, try getting to Zilker early to warm up on the course. Add in a few hill strides to wake up your glutes, too — especially if you’re one of the later legs, you’ll have plenty of time to recover.

Once you’re racing, remember — short, quick strides up the hill! Look ahead, never at your feet and remember that, on the bright side, you get to run downhill again shortly.

Check out the full course map here.

4. Have fun!

After all, it’s just a relay race and who knows what 2.5 mile splits mean, anyway? Save the race day anxiety for your fall marathon and remember to have fun.