Opportunity for Local Businesses to Sponsor Aid Stations

Local businesses can sponsor aid stations to increase brand recognition and community engagement

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour invites local businesses to sponsor aid stations and join the 30th-anniversary festivities. This newly created opportunity costs nothing and includes local establishments and national businesses with an Austin presence. Operating one of 22 aid stations for more than 17,000 participants can increase a company’s brand recognition and community engagement. The 30th annual Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 20, 2022.

Group of Camp Gladiator coaches cheer for runners and hold signs. They were one of many local businesses to sponsor aid stations at a previous Austin Marathon. Learn more at https://youraustinmarathon.com/sponsor-aid-stations/“Operating an Austin Marathon aid station exemplifies what Blue Dog is all about and lets our community shine,” said Kathy Adaky, with Blue Dog Rescue, an official Austin Marathon Gives charity. “Runners love our inspirational signs and often take a break to pet the dogs, allowing them to destress and provide the motivation, energy, and drive needed to finish their race.”

Perks and benefits

Businesses are allowed to make the aid station their own while staying within event guidelines. They can even partner with one of Austin Marathon Gives presented by Moody Foundation’s Official Charities to deepen their impact. Additionally, this is a great opportunity for team-building and to show support for the endurance community. Businesses with runners can take their involvement a step further by creating a team. Team perks include team name on bib, advanced packet pick up, hotel room block opportunities, bulk pay, and more. For more information or questions please email [email protected] by Wednesday, December 1st.

“At Texas Drain Specialists, we’re members of the endurance community and excited to give back by sponsoring an Austin Marathon aid station,” said Julian Rangel, with Texas Drain Specialists. “Some of us will run on race day, but everyone else will bring the energy and make our aid station one that thousands of runners from all over the world will remember!”

Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. The start and finish locations are just a few blocks apart. They are within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line is in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. 

Excitedly Preparing to Run Their 30th Austin Marathon

2022 Austin Marathon Offers Free, Personalized Finisher Video

Free, personalized finisher video will include highlights of the event’s 30th anniversary

The 30th annual Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour will provide a free, personalized finisher video for all participants who cross the finish line on February 20, 2022. This video, valued at $19, is just the beginning of numerous amazing perks being put together to commemorate the anniversary. The commemorative video will be produced by FinisherPix. It’ll include finishers crossing the finish line and commemorative 30th-anniversary designs and footage.

“Runners are ready to create new memories on the streets of Austin and this free video will be a keepsake they’ll be proud to share,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re excitedly preparing to celebrate our 30th year of running Austin and building this event into one of the top experiences in the world!”

Celebrating 30 years

The marathon distance will return for the 2022 Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events. It was not part of the rescheduled 2021 event. This was based on the COVID-19 Mitigation Plan that allowed running to return to Austin earlier this year. Plans are also underway to bring back many elements that make the Austin Marathon one of the top event experiences in the world. This includes the full expo, expanded beer garden, live music at the finish line, and 3-block-long finish line festival.

“Austin Marathon is a beloved and well-known event that regularly provides a memorable experience for runners from all over the world,” said Robbie Little, Vice President, Event Services at Outside. “We’re excited to produce this video that we know will be seen by friends and family around the world.”

Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. The start and finish locations are just a few blocks apart. They are within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line is in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Pricing is currently $129 for the marathon, $109 for the half marathon, and $59 for the KXAN Simple Health 5K. Additional FinisherPix photo packages can be purchased at a discounted rate during the registration process.

Avoid these 6 Simple Training Mistakes and Stay on Track

Stay on track to achieve your goal when you avoid these simple training mistakes

Training for a marathon or half marathon is no simple task, especially if it’s your first time to run one of those distances. You can do this and we’re here for you every step of the way! For first-timers and veterans alike, there are 6 simple training mistakes to avoid. This will keep you on track with your training and help you maximize your runs and workouts. Life happens, we get it. Focus on what’s in your control. The more you do that, the better off you’ll be! That mindset and avoiding these 6 simple training mistakes will help you arrive at the start line healthy and ready to crush your goals. Download our helpful infographic for a daily reminder!

Failing to eat healthily and hydrate properly

You ask a lot of your body when you begin training for a marathon or half marathon. You have to take care of it by providing it with the fuel it needs to complete the tasks ahead. This could mean fewer sweets and junk food and more fruits and vegetables. Training also takes up more of your time, which could lead you to think you have less time to eat the right foods. Check out these healthy weeknight recipes that don’t take that long to prepare.

And don’t forget to hydrate. Hydration is energy for your muscles and can help prevent cramps. You should hydrate throughout the day to prepare for your next run or to replace the electrolytes lost during training. Make sure you know these 5 things about hydration and learn more about its benefits.

Running too far, too fast

Increasing your mileage during training too fast can put a lot of stress on your body. This can lead to injuries. For that reason, increase your training distances gradually. Start with a solid foundation of low miles and build from there. Depending on your fitness level, this base could be 1 mile or 5 miles. Some runners recommend the 10% rule, where mileage is increased by less than 10% each week. Follow this advice to increase your mileage, create a solid foundation, and grow from there.

Developing speed too soon

Build speed slowly and in a consistent way. Trying to run fast intervals at the beginning of the training program is likely going to put too much pressure on your body, which is not recommended. After you’ve built a solid base with your distance you’ll get more comfortable running. Now you can start incorporating things like running the last couple of miles of your workout slightly faster. Speedwork also uses muscles differently, which can help strengthen them. These 7 tips can help you increase your speed effectively.

Avoiding cross-training

Cycling is a form of cross-training that can help you improve as a runner. Credit – Scott Flathouse

Obviously, running is the main and most important part of training. However, if running is your only form of exercise during training, this can result in injuries or even burnout. It’s important to mix up your training with other activities such as strength training, swimming, cycling, or yoga. This helps balance your muscle groups, build strength, and increase flexibility. It also switches things up and keeps your training exciting. 

Skipping rest days

One might think that during training there is no time for rest. But there is! Increased running and exercise do not lead to an increase in preparation. Rest is just as important as running. It allows your body to repair itself and avoid overusing muscles, which can lead to injury. Make sure you follow a training plan that includes rest days. Pro tip: Be intentional about giving your body the rest it deserves. If you’re experiencing one of these 6 signs, you should take a day off from running.

Ignoring pain

It is normal for your muscles to be sore after your runs during training. However, pain is not normal. Pain that gets worse as your run progresses is an indication that something might be wrong. Usually, taking time off helps alleviate pain and prevents an injury from getting worse. However, if the pain doesn’t improve after some time off, seek professional help. Our friends at Ascension Seton Sports Performance can get you back on track or help keep you there in the first place! The more simple training mistakes you make, the higher your chance for injury.

Your training plan is meant to gradually get you to your goal. There will be bumps in the road. Every runner will tell you that. But if you avoid these simple training mistakes you’ll make your journey that much easier. Include cross-training, take advantage of your rest days, and provide your body with the fuel it needs.