Austin Marathon Set to Join Forces with KXAN

KXAN, the Austin-based NBC affiliate, to host FloTrack’s live race-day coverage

High Five Events introduces KXAN as the Official Media and News Coverage of the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour®. In addition to hosting FloTrack’s live coverage, KXAN will have an exclusive media zone and provide live shots and on-air talent on race day. The Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019.

“We’re proud to support the Austin Marathon through our station-wide initiative, Simple Health,” said Eric Lassberg, Vice President and General Manager of KXAN. “By highlighting all events during Austin Marathon weekend, including the Austin Marathon 5K, we hope to raise awareness for Central Texans on fun ways to be active within their community.”

KXAN is the Austin, Texas, NBC affiliate. They’re committed to providing Central Texans valuable and local news coverage through its in-depth, investigative brand. KXAN’s Simple Health is a new public service initiative. It’s focused on providing its viewers with healthy living and wellness tips across all KXAN platforms.

“We’re excited to work with KXAN and expand the Austin Marathon’s media footprint,” Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their involvement will expand beyond live coverage and stories as many of their staff will run on race day.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 28th year running in the capital of Texas in 2019. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations in the heart of downtown Austin puts participants and spectators near all the action and within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and shops. Finishing with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as your backdrop is icing on the cake for the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is open for all distances.

Austin Marathon Announces Fifth Round of Accepted Elite Runners

Fifth round of elite runners will compete during race weekend for a prize purse that totals $26,000

High Five Events is excited to announce the fifth round of accepted athletes for the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour®. Returning for its third year in a row, this opportunity creates a competitive field of elite male and female runners while discovering emerging talent, pushing the entire talent pool to reach Olympic standards. FloTrack’s live coverage highlights the competition amongst the elites, following male and female marathoners and half marathoners.

“After winning the Austin Marathon the past two years, I’m really excited to speed things up and take on the half marathon for the first time ever,” said Allison Macsas, who secured the Olympic Marathon Trials B standard at the 2018 Austin Marathon (2:43:11). “I think it’s important to regularly cycle through different race distances and the Austin Half Marathon will provide a fresh challenge with stiff competition.”

The fifth round of 2019 marathoners include:

  • Patrick Rizzo – male Elite Athlete Program (4x Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier)
  • Arturs Bareikis – male Elite Athlete Program (2nd place 2017 Madison Marathon – 2:23:14)
  • Khrystyna Bohomiahkova – female Elite Athlete Program (2:46:40 at 2018 Belfast City Marathon)
  • Mitchell Germann – male Elite Field (2018 Decker Challenge champion – 1:16:11)

The fifth round of 2019 half marathoners include:

  • Allison Macsas – female Elite Athlete Program (2017 – ‘18 Austin Marathon female champion – 2:43:11)
  • Julian Florez – male Elite Athlete Program (2nd place 2017 Victoria Half Marathon – 1:06:04)
  • Mike Lowe – female Elite Athlete Program (2nd place 2018 Shreveport Half Marathon – 1:04:54)
  • Kimi Reed – female Elite Athlete Program (1:14:43 at 2018 Bjorklund Half Marathon)
  • James Ngandu – male Elite Athlete Program (1:02:43 at 2018 Philadelphia Half Marathon)
  • Caroline Rotich – female Elite Athlete Program (1:10:34 at 2018 Boston Marathon)
  • Sipho Ngxongo – male Elite Field (2018 Koala Wellness Houston Half Marathon champ – 1:10:08)
  • Hope Hill – female Elite Field (2nd place 2018 Columbia Gorge Half Marathon – 1:24:06)
  • Alana Kopelson – female Elite Field (1:24:06 at 2018 NYC Half Marathon)
  • Kaitlyn Johnson – female Elite Field (1:20:10 at 2017 3M Half Marathon)
  • Kate Hails – female Elite Field (2:54:08 at 2015 Boston Marathon)
  • Fontaine Haskell – female Elite Field (1:23:35 at 2016 Tuscaloosa Half Marathon)
  • Ryan Taylor – male Elite Field (1:10:55 at 2018 Philadelphia Half Marathon)
  • Alex Dantzler – male Elite Field (1:20:01 at 2018 Decker Challenge)
  • Lindsey McDonald – female Elite Field (1:23:16 at 2016 Rock the Parkway Half Marathon)
  • Rebecca Marrou – female Elite Field (2018 Run the Alamo Half Marathon female champ – 1:24:18)
  • Tim Rackers – male Elite Field (1:06:46 at 2016 Dam to Dam Half Marathon)

The fifth round of 2019 Manzano Mile presented by Dole participants include:

  • Dana Mecke – female Elite Field (2018 Manzano Mile female champ – 4:47.08)
  • Jake Edwards – male Elite Field (3:58.26 at 2018 Westchester Mile)
  • Joshua Traynelis – male Elite Field (4:02.9 at 2016 UAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship)
  • Jessica Purtell –  female Elite Field (former Baylor track, 800m PR – 2:07)
  • Tansey Lystad –  female Elite Field (4:49.77 at 2017 Northwest Summer All-Comers Meet)
  • Jesse Chettle – male Elite Field (4:35 at 2017 Ad Astra Running Irish Mile)

The prize purse breakdown follows: $15,000 for the marathon, $5,000 for the half marathon, and $6,000 for the Manzano Mile presented by Dole. Runners not accepted into the Elite Athlete Program are still invited to run in the Elite Field.  Read about the first, second, third, and fourth round of accepted elite runners. The application process is closed.

Austin Marathon, Hilton Ink Partnership

Hilton to be extensively involved Austin Marathon weekend

Hilton will be the Preferred Hotel Partner for the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour®. In addition to being the Preferred Hotel Partner, the company will be the presenting sponsor for the “Hilton VIP Experience” near the Austin Marathon finish line. The Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Hilton to be extensively involved Austin Marathon weekend.

“The Austin Marathon is an amazing event that is so authentically Austin, and we are thrilled to join forces with High Five Events as the preferred hotel partner,” said Tiffany Lawson, director of destination marketing, Hilton. “In addition, the Hilton VIP Experience allows our guests the opportunity to really elevate their race experience to include all the warmth and hospitality Hilton is known for.” 

Hilton hotels of Austin represent 19 hotels across seven brands in the Hilton portfolio including Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and Homewood Suites by Hilton.

“We’re glad to have Hilton and their team on board for the 2019 Austin Marathon,” Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “With several downtown Austin hotel locations, participants can get a good night’s sleep close to the start and finish lines before chasing their goals on the streets of Austin.”

The Hilton VIP Experience

The Hilton VIP Experience at the finish line features views of the marathon and half marathon finish lines, Z’Tejas catered lunch, adult beverages, and live music. The pre-race VIP is next to the start line. It offers private restrooms, pre-race breakfast and drinks, and a separate gear bag check. Everyone who purchases the Austin Marathon VIP Experience will also receive 20% off exclusive Austin Marathon gear at the expo.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 28th year running in the capital of Texas in 2019. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations in the heart of downtown Austin puts participants and spectators near all the action and within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and shops. Finishing with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as your backdrop is icing on the cake for the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is open for all distances.

PROfile: Jameson Mora, 2019 Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Program

Jameson Mora is ready to run the streets of Austin with the Elite Athlete Program

Jameson Mora has been accepted to the Austin Marathon’s Elite Athlete Program. He will compete against other top runners for a prize purse that totals $26,000 on Feb. 17, 2019. Late in 2017, Mora qualified for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. He currently trains in Mammoth Lakes. Run with him on race day, cheer him on, or watch the FloTrack live stream on race day from anywhere in the world.

About Jameson Mora

Jameson is a not just a runner (Marathon PR – 2:15:44), he is a husband, father, and works full time. He has three kids and one more on the way! He loves his wife and appreciates that his family 100% supports his running. Jameson’s first race was a local 5K with his dad when he was 4 years old. He fell in love Jameson Mora will run in the Austin Marathon's Elite Athlete Program.with the sport immediately and has ran competitively ever since. Jameson graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He lives in Mammoth Lakes where he runs a family business. Jameson provides online running coaching and enjoys helping people attain their running goals. He has qualified for the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Trials Qualifier.

“After almost 30 years I’m as motivated as ever and think my best running is still to come.” – Mora

*Earned “B” standard for 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials at 2017 California International Marathon (2:17:33)

Training tip: Don’t get hung up on the perfect training plan or the details. It all about constancy.

Race day tip: In most races you should listen to your instincts, not in a marathon. Your instincts can be deceptive especially in the early stages. Stick to your game plan through 30k then race.

Social media: Facebook and Instagram

Website: jamesonmoracoaching.com