EIGHT Beer and Austin Marathon Brew Up Partnership

Finish line festival to feature new beer brand

AUSTIN, Texas, February 9, 2023 –The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k and EIGHT Beer have signed a partnership agreement making it the Official Beer of the event.  This inaugural agreement means that EIGHT will feature its low-calorie, low-carb light lager at the finish line festival’s beer garden and VIP for finishers aged 21 and up.  The Austin Marathon takes place in Austin, Texas on February 19, 2023.  

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Austin Marathon this year.  This month marks our first anniversary so getting to be a part of such an iconic event in our hometown is a great way to celebrate.  We’re looking forward to enjoying a cold EIGHT with all of the runners in the EIGHT beer garden. Cheers to the chase!” – Doug Campbell, EIGHT Co-CEO

EIGHT, founded by NFL legend and lifelong fitness enthusiast Troy Aikman is a light lager brewed with organic grains and no added adjuncts, fillers, or preservatives, 90 calories and 2.6g carbs per 12 oz serving.  EIGHT will be available to finishers and spectators in the EIGHT Beer Garden at the finish line festival and VIP area.  The EIGHT Beer Garden will provide runners and their friends and family a place to gather, relax and enjoy a cold EIGHT post-race.  EIGHT yard games and EIGHT branded swag will also be available in the post-race festivities.  

“Partnering with Austin-based EIGHT is the perfect pairing for the Austin Marathon,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events.  “It is going to be a blast.  We look forward to seeing racers celebrating their goals in style with some cold ones at the always fun EIGHT Beer Garden.”

In addition to the EIGHT Beer Garden, sampling will also be available at the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Health and Fitness expo at Palmer Events Center in Austin on February 17 from 1 PM to 7 PM and on Saturday, February 18 from 10 AM to 5 PM.  The expo is free and open to the public.  Online registration for the marathon, half marathon and 5k is currently available but the 26.2 mile and 5k distances are expected to sell out.

About EIGHT: NO SHORTCUTS. NO EXCUSES. EIGHT Elite Light Lager is a beer brewed for those who never settle. Founded by NFL legend and lifelong fitness enthusiast Troy Aikman, EIGHT is a clean, refreshing lager brewed with organic grains and no added adjuncts, fillers, or preservatives. Because we do one thing is how we do everything-whatever you’re after; cheers to the chase. Proudly based in Austin, TX, with a mission beyond the bar, EIGHT is committed to giving back 1% of all revenue to Texas-based causes that work tirelessly to make healthy living accessible to All.  Follow EIGHT @drinkEIGHTbeer on Instagram

GU Energy Labs and Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Fortify Partnership

The athlete nutrition company will fuel runners on course

AUSTIN, Texas, February 7, 2023 — The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k is excited to renew its years long partnership with GU Energy Labs.  The company will be the official Energy Gel and Energy Chew sponsor once again for the event, providing on-course nutrition for participants of the marathon and half marathon.  The Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k, owned and produced by High Five Events, takes place on February 19, 2023 in downtown Austin, Texas.

“GU Energy Labs is proud to be the official Energy Gel and Energy Chew Sponsor of the Austin Marathon!  We’re looking forward to fueling runners in the heart of Texas!” says Caroline Cueter, Sponsorship Coordinator.

GU will refuel participants at two on-course Energy Zones.  At miles 9 and 19 runners will select from the following gels and energy chew flavors: Lemon Sublime, Salted Watermelon (Caffeine), Vanilla Bean (Caffeine), and Orange Energy Chews.

“Having GU as a long time partner is special to us,”  said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events.  “Their name brand is synonymous with athlete nutrition and participants always appreciate having it on the marathon and half marathon course.”

Gu Energy Labs will be sampling its lineup in the Fleet Feet store at the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Health and Fitness expo at Palmer Events Center in Austin on February 17 from 1 PM to 7 PM and on Saturday, February 18 from 10 AM to 5 PM.  The expo is free and open to the public.  Online registration for the marathon, half marathon and 5k is currently available but the 26.2 mile and 5k distances are expected to sell out.

About GU Energy Labs:  GU Energy Labs strives to help athletes to reach their highest potential with products that deliver the right nutrients, in the right amounts, at the right time. Developed in collaboration with Olympians and age groupers alike, the GU nutrition matrix of Hydration, Energy and Recovery products has helped countless athletes achieve their dreams since its inception in 1993. Headquartered in Berkeley, GU Energy Labs produces all of its Energy Gels onsite with just the right blend of heart and science. Recommit to becoming your best athletic self, learn more about GU products, and discover how nutrition planning can help you get there at www.guenergy.com.

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4 Taper Tips: Focus on Controlling What You Can Control

Get to the start line ready to roll with these taper tips

The Taper. If you’re unfamiliar, tapering refers to the reduction in volume and intensity of your workouts leading to race day. You’ve been running for months, increasing your mileage, getting better and better. Your body is in training mode and it can be difficult to turn that off. Follow these taper tips to effectively utilize the extra time you now have. Continue to follow your training plan, implement these taper tips, and get to the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon start line ready to run your best

Take care of yourself

This is vital and something you should’ve been doing since you began training! However, it becomes even more important leading up to Feb. 16th. Your training has introduced more miles than normal, early wake-up calls, and a reduction in time for yourself. Tapering your miles means you’ll have more time for self-care. Spend an extra 30-60 minutes a day foam rolling and stretching. Schedule a massage. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep.

Dial-in your nutrition/hydration

Keep an eye on your calorie intake! You burned more calories during training than you will when you taper. Adjust accordingly so the pounds you shed during training stay off! Focus on a balanced diet of moderate carbs, quality protein, and healthy fats. Start hydrating NOW. You should drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Continue including electrolytes like you’ve done during training. Carry a tube of Nuun with you, pop a tablet into your reusable bottle, and make your water count! Make sure you try the on-course fuel, GU Energy Labs.

No new workouts

Just like nothing new on race day, no new workouts when tapering. This includes everything from a pick-up basketball game to lifting heavy weights at the gym. You don’t want to run the risk of spraining your ankle or pulling a muscle. Stick with what’s comfortable. If that’s running or cross-training (swimming, cycling, etc.), focus on less-intense and lower-volume workouts. 

Sidetrack yourself

An increase in your mileage could mean you’re behind on your favorite show. Maybe you haven’t read those new books you got for Christmas. Now’s the time to distract yourself from the fact that you aren’t running as much as you have been. Spend a couple of hours binging your favorite show. Grab that new book and read at your favorite park. If you find yourself getting antsy because you’re not moving, try to foam roll or stretch while watching your favorite show. Or try reading your book while riding a stationary bike.

Follow these taper tips so the taper doesn’t frustrate you or stress you out. The sudden addition of extra time and the feeling that you should be running can be confusing. Follow these taper tips and focus on controlling what you can control. What do you do to get to the start line ready to roll when you taper? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.