The 2025 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Shines a Spotlight on Service Industry Professionals

Registration initiative aims to support the community from service line to finish line

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K, announces 2025 to be the Year of Service Industry Appreciation. This initiative shines a spotlight on the city’s food and beverage workers, acknowledging their vital role in crafting Austin’s rich culinary landscape and vibrant culture. The 2025 event is set to take place on President’s Day Weekend, February 14-16 in downtown Austin, Texas.

In a gesture of gratitude and recognition, the Austin Marathon is offering a special 50% discount on registration fees for the food and beverage industry employees, encouraging them to step from the service line to the start line. They can select from the three distances of 26.2 miles, 13.1 miles and 5k. This initiative follows the tradition of celebrating various community pillars, such as teachers, nurses, and public servants in previous years, highlighting the marathon’s commitment to inclusivity and community support.

Philip Speer, Culinary Director/Operating Partner at Assembly Hospitality and Founder of Comedor Run Club, a space for those in the restaurant business to connect over health habits, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative: “The Austin Marathon’s commitment to the food and beverage professional this year is a remarkable acknowledgment of our hardworking community. It’s an opportunity for those of us dedicated to providing hospitality to others to unite, celebrate, and challenge ourselves in a different arena. We are thrilled to lace up and hit the pavement, showcasing the strength and spirit of Austin’s hospitality professionals.”

“This year, we’re proud to dedicate the race to those who serve our community day in and day out,” explains Tina Teich, Marketing Manager of High Five Events. “ It’s an opportunity for us to give back, offering a moment in the spotlight to these hardworking professionals.”

Registration is now open with application processing starting March 1st. Eligible participants are encouraged to register early, as discounts are subject to availability and will be processed on a rolling basis. To qualify, employees must provide proof of current employment at qualifying establishments within Travis County. Accepted applicants will receive a discount code via email for online registration at YourAustinMarathon.com.  More information on the application process can be found here.

 

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1992, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 50 countries. With a course that spans every quadrant of this dynamic city, offering a festive atmosphere with live music throughout, the marathon culminates in a vibrant finisher party. The event also serves as a powerful force for good, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for various non-profit organizations. The Austin Marathon elevates Presidents Day weekend into a grand showcase of athleticism and community spirit, making it a bucket-list event for athletes, enthusiasts, and supporters from all over the world.

About High Five Events: High Five Events is the parent company of the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k, 3M Half Marathon, CapTex Triathlon and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. With over 150 years of combined experience, the High Five Events team specializes in organizing large-scale events across diverse venues, solidifying their presence on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in 2019 and 2020.

Run Austin® Kickoff Week Celebrates the Spirit of Running in the State Capital

Austin Marathon® and 3M Half Marathon bring together runners for training, fun & prizes

Austin, TX – September 1, 2023 – The countdown to the highly anticipated Ascension Seton Austin Marathon® and 3M Half Marathon has officially begun with the announcement of Run Austin® Kickoff Week. Set to take place from September 5th to September 12th, 2023, this week-long event promises a dynamic fusion of fitness, camaraderie, and prizes that will ignite the spirit of running within the Austin community.

Run Austin Kickoff Week is an annual tradition that brings together seasoned runners, aspiring athletes, and running enthusiasts to celebrate the upcoming Austin Marathon (February 18, 2024) and 3M Half Marathon (January 21, 2024). With a focus on promoting health, wellness, and an active lifestyle, this week-long series of events is the perfect platform for participants to gear up for the main races.

Throughout the week, runners of all levels are invited to partake in various run groups that embody the essence of the Austin running scene. Over 23 group runs are scheduled to take place during the week with groups spread throughout the city and surrounding areas. The week-long running festivities come to a close with a group run followed by a post-run happy hour.

In addition to group runs, one of the highlights of the week is the chance to win exciting prizes. Every day during Run Austin Kickoff Week, participants will have the opportunity to enter their name for a range of running-related prizes from sponsors, including top-tier running gear, nutrition, and a grand prize valued at over $2,000. This element of anticipation and reward adds an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling lineup of events.

“We’re excited to launch Run Austin Kickoff Week, a celebration that embodies the very essence of the Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events, the producers of both running events. “This week is about more than just training and preparation; it’s a chance for runners to come together, support one another, and share their passion for the sport. We can’t wait to see the energy and camaraderie that will unfold during this exciting week.”

“We’re thrilled to support Run Austin Kickoff Week, as the Austin running community begins to build mileage in the hope of crushing their 2024 race goals. As The Official Running Store of High Five Events, Fleet Feet Austin is honored to once again partner with the 3M Half Marathon and Austin Marathon to curate memorable experiences for participants. We hope Austin is ready for another inspiring race (and successful) race season, and we look forward to hosting the community at large,” stated Ari Perez, Operating partner Fleet Feet Austin.

For a detailed schedule of events and more information about Run Austin Kickoff Week, please visit the official event website at http://werunaustin.com/.

About Run Austin® Kickoff Week:  Run Austin Kickoff Week is a week-long series of events dedicated to celebrating the upcoming Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon. Focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle, camaraderie, and skill-building, the event offers a range of activities, run groups, and prize opportunities for runners of all levels. Participants can engage with the Austin running community, enhance their training, and prepare for the main races in the months ahead.

About the Austin Marathon® and 3M Half Marathon:  The Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon are annual running events held in Austin, Texas, attracting participants from around the world. Known for their scenic routes, enthusiastic crowd support, and commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, these races are a staple in the Austin community’s calendar. The events provide runners with a unique opportunity to challenge themselves, achieve personal milestones, and experience the vibrant spirit of Austin. Both events are owned and operated by Austin based High Five Events.

Austin Marathon Donates over $600,000 to Charity

Thrilling news! Ascension Seton Austin Marathon reveals the impressive sum raised for 2023’s selected charities through Austin Marathon Gives, presented by the Moody Foundation. Learn more about this impactful initiative.

High Five Events Moves Up 310 Spots on 2020 Inc 5000 List

Placement on 2020 Inc 5000 list is 310 spots higher than 2019

Inc. magazine revealed that High Five Events is ranked 1853 on its 2020 Inc 5000 list with an impressive growth rate of 229 percent. That represents a jump of 310 spots from the 2019 rankings. High Five Events debuted on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list at 2163. The 2020 Inc 5000 list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment – its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“Since our first triathlon in 2003, we’ve strived to produce top-notch, large-scale events, better the communities in which we live and work, and support the community of athletes we serve,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re proud to return to the 2020 Inc 5000 list and will continue to focus on enhancing our events, like the 30th annual Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour on February 14, 2021.”

The list’s aggregate revenue in 2019 was $209 billion

Not only have the companies on the 2020 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list shows staggering growth compared with prior lists. The 2020 Inc. 5000 achieved an incredible three-year average growth of more than 500 percent and a median rate of 165 percent. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $209 billion in 2019, accounting for more than 1 million jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000 can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 come from nearly every realm of business,” said Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “From health and software to media and hospitality, the 2020 list proves that no matter the sector, incredible growth is based on the foundations of tenacity and opportunism.”

High Five Events is also owned by Jack Murray and Dan Carroll. Beginning with the launch of a single triathlon in 2003, High Five Events has grown to become one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States. High Five Events is a community-centric company based in Austin, Texas. Their staff has more than 100 years’ combined experience organizing large events across different venue types in a variety of locations. The 18-year-old company owns and produces the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, CapTex Tri presented by Life Time Fitness, Rookie Triathlon, Jack’s Generic Triathlon, and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. They also produce 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour and Cap10K.