Deadline for Entries is December 31 with $20,000 prize purse on the line

High Five Events, the organization behind the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, is inviting elite runners to submit applications before December 31 for participation in the 2024 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon’s Elite Athlete Field. Celebrating its seventh consecutive year, the Elite Athlete Field is designed to assemble a competitive group of exceptional male and female runners, unearthing emerging talent and propelling the entire cohort toward Olympic standards. FloTrack will provide live coverage, spotlighting the intense competition among elite athletes and capturing their achievements throughout the event, showcased during the broadcast. Mark your calendars for the premier annual running event, scheduled for February 18, 2024.

Athletes qualifying for the Elite Athlete Field must meet specific program standards. Successful candidates will receive a complimentary entry into The Austin Marathon or Half Marathon. Competing in the 2024 Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Field offers the chance to vie for a generous $20,000 prize purse rewarding the top five male and female finishers in the marathon. 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 who plan to achieve a time of approximately 3:00 for women or 2:40 for men in the marathon category are encouraged to apply as elite runners. It’s important to note that age group runners surpassing registered elites in performance, despite achieving the best time, will not be eligible for prize money.

Emily Stevens, Athletes Services Manager for High Five Events, explains “We are encouraging runners to push their limits by becoming a part of the elite field at the 2024 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon. While the event will feature some of the swiftest competitors, we extend a special call to those of you prepared to elevate your performance to the next level.”

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 elites@youraustinmarathon.com. 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.