The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Unveils First Wave of Elite Runners for 2024

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Prize purse totals $20,000 for Marathon Distance

AUSTIN, Texas, December 15, 2023 — The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k is proud to announce the initial selection of elite athletes for the 2024 event. This long standing program aims to assemble a competitive field of top-tier male and female runners while also identifying emerging talents, elevating the overall standard of competition to Olympic levels. FloTrack’s live coverage will capture the intensity among elite marathoners and half marathoners, providing a spotlight on their performances. The 2024 Austin Marathon, owned and managed by High Five Events, is scheduled for February 18, 2024.

“The investments we’ve made into the Elite Athlete Program are beginning to bear fruit with the overall growth and several elites qualifying for the Olympic Marathon Trials,” remarked Emily Stevens, Athletes Services Manager for High Five Events. “The competition adds another layer of excitement to an already energetic Austin Marathon weekend.”

The initial round of elite athletes for the 2024 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon includes: 

 

Marathon Female Elites:

Returning 2021 Half Marathon Champion – Sophie Anders, Fort Collins, CO – Marathon PR: 2:45

Raychel Figurski, Wyoming, MI – PR: 2:49

Christine Ramsey-Hardy,l Austin, Texas – PR: 2:41

Leah Rotich, Coon Rapids, MN – PR: 2:42

 

Marathon Male Elites:

Anderson Chepkwony, Nakuru, Njoro, Kenya – PR: 2:29

Peter Ngetich Kericho, Rift Valley, Kenya – PR: 2:12

Brendan Sage St., Michael, MN – PR: 2:20

Denis Kiura, Grand Prairie, TX – PR: 2:13

 

Half Marathon Female Elites:

Lineth Chepkurui, Eldoret, Rift Valley, Kenya – Half Marathon PR: 1:11

 

Half Marathon Male Elites:

Ridley Holmes, Austin, TX – Marathon PR: 2:27

Eric Klein, Las Vegas, NV – Marathon PR: 2:29

Jordan West, Waco, TX – Marathon PR: 2:23

 

For 2024, the prize purse for the marathon elite field has been elevated to an impressive $20,000. While no prize money is allocated for the half marathon, elite runners can avail themselves of a complimentary entry if they meet the specified standards (refer to the guidelines below).

Applicants interested in joining the Elite Field must adhere to the following requirements:

  1. Submit the Elite Application before the December 31 deadline.
  2. Non-U.S. applicants must be represented by a Coach or Sponsor.
  3. Rolling applications accepted until December 31, 2023. Submissions received post-deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with athletes notified of their selection by a representative of The Austin Marathon.

All athletes, including those in the Elite Field, are subject to random pre- and post-race drug testing. Prize checks will be mailed post-race upon completion of the drug testing protocol. Only Full Marathon runners accepted into the Elite Field are eligible for prize money, and they are not eligible for age group awards. All prize money and elite field awards are based on gun time, not chip time.

For questions or additional information, please contact [email protected]. Please allow 7-10 business days for a response.

 

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1991, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 30 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.

Holiday Workout Bingo: Training for the Austin Marathon

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The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to infuse your Austin Marathon training with a festive twist than with a Holiday Workout Bingo! We’ve created a fun and motivating bingo card with a variety of workouts to keep you active and engaged during this joyful time of year. Let’s make your holiday fitness journey exciting and rewarding.

Holiday Workout Bingo Card:

Instructions:

  1. Download and print your Holiday Workout Bingo Card, or save it to your phone and share on your Instagram stories!
    • You can take a screen shot or right-click and save the image.
  2. Complete each workout on the card as you go about your holiday season.
  3. Cross off the workouts you’ve completed.
  4. Try to complete a row, column, or diagonal, and earn yourself a reward for your dedication!

Rewards:

Complete a row, column, or diagonal on your Holiday Workout Bingo Card, and reward yourself with a little holiday treat, whether it’s a cozy evening by the fire, a special dessert, or some extra time to relax and enjoy the season.

The Holiday Workout Bingo adds a touch of fun and motivation to your Austin Marathon training while allowing you to savor the holiday spirit. Share your progress and completed bingo cards on social media and tag us @austinmarathon to inspire others to stay active during the holiday season. Let’s make this a joyful and active journey towards the Austin Marathon finish line!

The 2024 Austin Marathon Invites Local Bands to Set the Rhythm for Race Day

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Local Bands Sought to Amplify the Live Music Experience for Runners

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, in collaboration with High Five Events, is calling on Austin’s vibrant music scene to enhance the runner’s journey by bringing the city’s unmistakable sound to the 26.2-mile course on Sunday, February 18, 2024.

For years, local musicians have been instrumental in infusing the marathon with the distinctive energy and diverse sounds that define The Live Music Capital of the World. As an ode to this cherished tradition, The Austin Marathon is excited to announce that this year, the event is seeking up to 30 local bands to showcase their unique musical stylings at key points along the course, entertaining participants and spectators alike.

“Music is an integral part of the Austin Marathon experience, and we’re thrilled to continue the tradition of live performances on the course,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Local bands bring a dynamic and eclectic mix that resonates with our runners, creating an unforgettable atmosphere on race day.”

Bands interested in becoming a part of this iconic event are encouraged to complete the submission form available on our website before December 15. Accepted bands will not only contribute to the unparalleled atmosphere of the Austin Marathon but will also be compensated for their performances.

The Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K, owned and produced by High Five Events, is a celebration of the city’s vibrant culture, athleticism, and, of course, its world-renowned live music scene. As the Austin Marathon welcomes participants from around the globe, they aim to highlight the very essence of Austin’s spirit – a fusion of athleticism and artistry.

Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this extraordinary event. Join the Austin Marathon in creating an unforgettable experience for our runners and spectators, showcasing why Austin is rightfully crowned The Live Music Capital of the World.

For more information and to submit your band for consideration, please visit https://youraustinmarathon.com/bands.

 

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1991, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 30 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.

Official Nonprofits Selected for 2024 Austin Marathon

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Marathon’s Philanthropic Program Continues Support of Local Charities

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon is excited to announce the full roster of charities selected for their 2024 Austin Marathon Gives program. Austin Marathon Gives is the Official Charity Program for the Austin Marathon®. Each non-profit will raise awareness for their mission and recruit runners to fundraise on their behalf while they train for the Austin Marathon, set to take place on Feb. 18, 2024.

This year, 28 nonprofits have been accepted out of numerous applications. The selected charities are as follows: Dell Children’s Medical Center, Austin Partners in Education, Odyssey School, Blue Dog Rescue, Autism Society of Texas, Ghisallo Cycling Initiative, Austin Achieve Public Schools, Austin Theatre Alliance – Paramount Theatres, Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas, Livestrong Foundation, Marathon Kids, Inc., Soccer Assist – Los Verdes, Sam’s Adventure Camp, Flatwater Foundation, Gazelle Foundation, GenerationSERVE, Back on My Feet, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Texas 4000, Operation Get Out, People’s Community Clinic, U. R. Our Hope, Austin Wildlife Rescue, Austin Angels, Camp Kesem UT, Austin Parks Foundation, Gray for Glioblastoma, and Upbring.

Runners interested in supporting any of the non-profits’ missions while they train can select the organization’s name during the registration process for their preferred distance.. The runner will be contacted by the non-profit with a welcome email, including more about their organization, how they will be supported during their training, and how they can create their fundraising page to begin fundraising.

Another way to support these charities is through volunteering at their official AMG volunteer position along the course on race day. This option along with the ability to register for any distance including the full marathon, half marathon, or 5K allows for more individuals to take part in the experience of the event while supporting their favorite Austin Marathon Gives charity. The program’s fundraising goal for 2024 is $500,000.

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: The Austin Marathon® will celebrate its 33rd year running in Austin on February 18, 2024. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. With start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, and within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, the Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Participants can register on the website and choose to run for their preferred nonprofit.