The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour will take place on Sunday, February 19, 2023. The event is USATF-sanctioned and certified and features some of the best views Austin has to offer. The course is well-supported with 22 aid stations, 26 bands, hundreds of amazing signs, and thousands of cheering spectators. Historically, temperatures in mid-February range from a high of 66 degrees to a low of 42 degrees. The event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world.

2023 ASCENSION SETON AUSTIN MARATHON & HALF ELITE FIELD

Hayden Cox

Austin, TX

How long have you been a runner?
10 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Have fun running in my new home city!

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Milkshakes!

Race day tip for other runners:
Relax, we do this for fun. No one really cares how fast we run.

Charlie Lawrence

Boulder, Colorado

How long have you been a runner?
18 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Win.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Cold beer.*

Race day tip for other runners:
Breakdown the race in to pieces do not think that you have to tackle one 13.1 or 26.2 segment.

Have your routine down in practice and follow the same thing on race day. That way you are used to it and won’t be caught off guard.

Joseph Whelan

Webster

How long have you been a runner?
20 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
WIN!

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Tacos and Beer

Race day tip for other runners:
If you feel good wait a lot longer.

Matthew Ferro

Austin, TX

  • Marathon PR
    N/A
    Half Marathon PR
    2:35

How long have you been a runner?
14 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
To run fast and have fun!

Your favorite post race celebration food:
A whole pizza loaded with veggies

Race day tip for other runners:
Fuel early and often throughout the race! This means drinking water and consuming your favorite electrolyte supplement before your body starts craving it. Don’t forget to practice your fuel plan in your training runs so you know what works best for you.

Charles Rono

Kenya

  • N/A
  • Marathon PR
    N/A
    Half Marathon PR
    1:09

How long have you been a runner?
6 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
N/A

Your favorite post race celebration food:
rais beans

Race day tip for other runners:
N/A

Fernanda Solis

México

  • Marathon PR
    2:52
    Half Marathon PR
    N/A

How long have you been a runner?
7 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Mejorar mi marca personal e intentar dar marca a juegos panamericanos

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Tacos

Race day tip for other runners:
Disfrutar la carrera, recordar que te has preparado a lo largo de semanas y hoy es el mejor día para dar todo de ti

Jonah Jones

Laramie, WY, USA

How long have you been a runner?
13 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
My goal is sub 73 minutes.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Culver’s Burgers and Custard! Yum!

Race day tip for other runners:
Waking up early and doing a 10 minute walk will help start your engine! Eating a normal breakfast and staying positive can have a strong effect on performance.

Nathaniel Milles

Austin, Texas, United States

How long have you been a runner?
20 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
1:15

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Dr. Pepper and a cheeseburger

Race day tip for other runners:
Race day is a celebration of your journey. Leave your worrries at home, and expect great outcomes.

Steven Grousnick

Niles, IL, USA

How long have you been a runner?
16 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Have fun and keep exposing myself to longer races. Learn patience.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Patrizi’s

Race day tip for other runners:
Stay positive, have fun, and at the end of the day it’s just running

Tyler Jermann

Saint Paul, Minnesota

How long have you been a runner?
18 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Run the Olympic trials qualifier in the half marathon of sub 63 minutes and finish top 3 in the race.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Normally opt for a burger but being down in Austin, may have to sub in some local BBQ.

Race day tip for other runners:
Don’t overthink the pace on your watch, trust your effort to pace yourself. Sometimes you’ll end up running faster than you think you can!

Erastus Mutua

Kenya

How long have you been a runner?
13 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
I need to run my personal best

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Rice ,meat and tea with milk,ugali

Race day tip for other runners:
I will be happy to participate with other runners around the world and austin city

Maria Rowe

Round Rock, TX, USA

How long have you been a runner?
2003

Your Goal for this year’s race:
sub 3:10

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Veracruz breakfast tacos

Race day tip for other runners:
Check the weather before the race and make a hydration plan. If you’re a heavy sweater, you may need to bring your own handheld flask with a sports drink help you stay hydrated.

Taylor Smith

Austin, TX

How long have you been a runner?
5 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Just be competitive. I haven’t either had the fitness or been in the right headspace to compete for a place in this type of distance before, but the main goal for this year is to go for top 10 and to just make good racing decisions for 13.1 miles.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
I’m not really that picky. I’m actually really bad at fueling during races and always get really horrible cramps afterwards, so really anything I can get down will be good enough.

Race day tip for other runners:
Stick to your own race! You’ve trained for this long enough to know your own strengths and weaknesses, so use those strengths to formulate a race plan and stick to it. It’ll be hard to do, but don’t get too excited off the line and stick to the plan.

Ridley Holmes

Austin, TX

How long have you been a runner?
6 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
1:14

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Fried chicken sandwiches and donuts.

Race day tip for other runners:
Don’t forget to drink electrolytes along with your water the day before! I like to do 1 serving of Nuun for every 80 ounces of water.

Dylan Stevens

Erie, PA United States

How long have you been a runner?
12 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
My goal is to improve upon my 7th place finish and time at last years half marathon. I’m going for a top 5 finish and running 69:00 or faster.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Mexican or Tex Mex. Maybe a milkshake from P Terrys. Oh, and some Lonestar of course.

Race day tip for other runners:
For nutrition and attire stick to what is familiar and don’t try anything new the night before or day of. The night before it’s also a good idea to eat some dessert bc your glycogen storage will be depleted. Trust me, it works. Have confidence in your training and know that being nervous is natural. Also don’t fret about poor sleep the night before, it’s common. The most important night of sleep is two nights before. For the race itself lean on the great crowd support, take in as much fluid as you can stomach, and don’t be afraid to take in some gels. Also, it’s hilly. So attack the downhills, but smartly and once you get to the top take 10 quick steps to get your pace back.

Erin Woodward

Conway, AR

How long have you been a runner?
12 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Sub 77 minutes! Mainly get a PR and meet some incredible people!

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Burger and fries!

Race day tip for other runners:
Think about all the workouts and runs that have gotten you this far, and lean into those when the race gets hard. Enjoy the process!

Cameron Beckett

Little Rock, AR, USA

How long have you been a runner?
13 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
I’d like to hit a 1:07 – 1:08 Half Marathon as part of my build for Boston in April!

Your favorite post race celebration food:
I could eat pizza for every meal, but especially after a race.

Race day tip for other runners:
Don’t try anything new on race day! Wear shoes you’ve trained in, eat and drink what you’re used to drinking, and stretch/warm up the way you have throughout your training cycle.

Keili Dorn

Hawaii

How long have you been a runner?
10 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Race a smooth consistent pace and finish with a smile on my face.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Donuts!

Race day tip for other runners:
Hydrate smart!

Megan Taylor

Originally Austin, TX, USA; Currently residing in Cave Springs, AR, USA

How long have you been a runner?
5 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
To run my best half marathon yet! It’s not been my strongest race up to this point, but I am excited for another opportunity to test my mind and body.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Beer and french fries!!!

Race day tip for other runners:
Be confident in what you have chosen to do, even if it’s a little risky. This is running-you can afford to take a chance on yourself here, and it’s going to be worth it!

Sarah Jackson

Austin, TX

  • Marathon PR
    2:40
    Half Marathon PR
    N/A

How long have you been a runner?
28 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
My goal for this years race is to place top three in the women’s field.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
A big stack of pancakes paired with a mimosa 😉

Race day tip for other runners:
My race day tip would be to soak up the energy from the crowd! There’s an amazing cheer section as you cross the South 1st Street bridge and so many other sections of the course. I can always count on the support from friends, family and spectators to provide an extra level of energy needed to get through the tough miles!

Brendan Gregg

West Sacramento

  • Marathon PR
    N/A
    Half Marathon PR
    1:03

How long have you been a runner?
20 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
I last raced in Austin over ten years ago way back in college on the track, so the goal I’m most excited about is just having fun hitting the road, racing hard and experiencing the city from a new perspective. In terms of results-oriented goals, I’m aiming for victory and hoping to start my 2023 racing season off in winning fashion.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Tacos. (I think I’ll be in the right city for that, right?)

Race day tip for other runners:
Make sure to get to the start line early and leave yourself plenty of time to do all the warm up and pre-race prep that you need without rushing. Keeping things low-stress before the race lets you fully focus on getting the most out of yourself once the gun goes off!

Becki Spellman

Galloway Ohio USA

How long have you been a runner?
27 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
I want to see where I am and run under 1:20. This is my first race of the season and I am excited to run Austin

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Oh man, I really like nachos and tacos! So Texas is a great place to be…queso…yes please!

Race day tip for other runners:
Race smart the first few miles and enjoy getting to race in this awesome event!

Sierra Snyder Elcock

Austin, TX

  • N/A
  • Marathon PR
    N/A
    Half Marathon PR
    1:25

How long have you been a runner?
25 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Have Fun!! Run Fast! Be a light and encouragement to those around me!

Your favorite post race celebration food:
pancakes

Race day tip for other runners:
Smile and thank a volunteer. Things don’t hurt as much when you are smiling and grateful

Allison Macsas

Austin, TX

How long have you been a runner?
24 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
My goal with every race is to run a smart race, give it everything I’ve got and stay as close to the front as I possibly can! That, and remember to smile and enjoy the ride, no matter how much it might hurt in the moment.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
I eat pretty clean most of the time, but a bacon cheeseburger and a hoppy IPA is the only thing that does it for me after a marathon!

Race day tip for other runners:
Ease into this course! Too many runners push too hard on the initial climb down Congress; 26 miles is a long way, and if you stay conservative on the front end you’ll be much more likely to have happy legs on the back half.

Seth Funderburg

Orlando, Florida . USA

  • Marathon PR
    N/A
    Half Marathon PR
    1:13

How long have you been a runner?
20 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Austin Half has this energy about it. The goal is to get in a good field and really start to push up the pace. See if we can get some momentum rolling early this Spring season.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
oh man, beer me.

Race day tip for other runners:
good or bad… find something to celebrate in your race. Anything at all! Could be smiling, remembering your gel, or just having a good finish line photo. I think we forget how to celebrate when were caught in a long season of chasing numbers.

George Onyancha

Grand Prairie

  • N/A
  • Marathon PR
    2:09
    Half Marathon PR
    N/A

How long have you been a runner?
20 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
A NEW COURSE RECORD

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Beef and Rice

Race day tip for other runners:
Spare enough time for warm up and focus on your race goals.

Damaris Areba

Grand Prairie

  • N/A
  • Marathon PR
    2:35
    Half Marathon PR
    N/A

How long have you been a runner?
13 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Win the race in which i ran into 2nd place last year

Your favorite post race celebration food:
chicken and rice

Race day tip for other runners:
Keep moving and be happy

Alex Ekesa

Hoover

  • N/A
  • Marathon PR
    2:21
    Half Marathon PR
    N/A

How long have you been a runner?
25 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
To run my best ever PB as a master.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pasta and chicken

Race day tip for other runners:
Let your reason be your biggest motivation.

Joshua Sutterfield

San Antonio, TX USA

How long have you been a runner?
17 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Would love to run a PR but more importantly would love to compete for a top 10 finish.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pizza and fries with a cold beer.

Race day tip for other runners:
Take a minute every few miles to soak in the experience. In 30 years you are not going to care about splits, you will just remember how awesome the day was.

Adam Waldum

Austin, TX

How long have you been a runner?
16 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
To compete and place in the top 5 in the half marathon field.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Breakfast at Proud Mary, or a full stack of pancakes.

Race day tip for other runners:
Stay patient up the hills to the 5k mark, and make sure you save some for Enfield!

Devon Yanko

Howard, CO

How long have you been a runner?
20 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Run as fast as I can

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Burger and sweet potato fries

Race day tip for other runners:
Stay calm and trust your training

Ryan Martin

Tampa, FL, USA

How long have you been a runner?
32 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Finish. Empty tank = full cup

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Donuts. Or a nice, French or Italian puff pastry. These are also among my favorite pre race celebration foods. BUT since we’re in Austin, I’ll probably go for BBQ and/or Tacos (in addition to the donuts)

Race day tip for other runners:
Smile! Also make sure to stay hydrated… and breath! If it’s hot, I usually go 1 on (the body) and 1 in (the body). One of the reasons we sweat is to cool the body, so by getting water ON + IN, you’re saving some of the work 🙂

Ryan Wojdyla

Austin, TX

  • Marathon PR
    2:29
    Half Marathon PR
    N/A

How long have you been a runner?
17 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
A PR from last year’s time, so faster than 2:29

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pizza or a sandwich of some kind

Race day tip for other runners:
Eat a well balanced meal before the race and don’t get too nervous.

Jeffrey Stein

Austin, TX

  • N/A
  • Marathon PR
    2:18
    Half Marathon PR
    N/A

How long have you been a runner?
10 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
Crossing the finish-line with nothing left in the tank.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Knaffeh (heavenly Palestinian pastry).

Race day tip for other runners:
Don’t start racing until mile 5.

Thomas George

Salt Lake City

  • N/A
  • Marathon PR
    2:22
    Half Marathon PR
    N/A

How long have you been a runner?
5 years

Your Goal for this year’s race:
My goal is to run a 1:09 half.

Your favorite post race celebration food:
Pizza

Race day tip for other runners:
You’ve put in the work, go out and have fun—and don’t forget to thank the volunteers!

Carlos Jamieson

Denver, Colorado, United States

  • N/A
  • Marathon PR
    231.07
    Half Marathon PR
    104.29

How long have you been a runner?
N/A

Your Goal for this year’s race:
N/A

Your favorite post race celebration food:
N/A

Race day tip for other runners:
N/A

Jenny Hitchings

Sacramento

How long have you been a runner?
N/A

Your Goal for this year’s race:
N/A

Your favorite post race celebration food:
N/A

Race day tip for other runners:
N/A

Eyob alemu Woldegeiorgis

Addis Ababa Ethiopia

How long have you been a runner?
N/A

Your Goal for this year’s race:
N/A

Your favorite post race celebration food:
N/A

Race day tip for other runners:
N/A

Bryant Byrd

Gunnison

How long have you been a runner?
N/A

Your Goal for this year’s race:
N/A

Your favorite post race celebration food:
N/A

Race day tip for other runners:
N/A