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.

Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Offers Official Sponsorship Opportunities

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Elevate your brand with alignment to the running social event of the year

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k is actively pursuing official sponsorships from companies interested in aligning their brand with the sport’s running social event of the year. The 2023 Austin Marathon boasted an impressive collective of 80,000 individuals, including participants, volunteers, and race-day spectators. It generated an economic impact of over $60 million for the vibrant City of Austin and garnered online impressions that reached into the millions. Official sponsorships with the Austin Marathon offer companies a unique opportunity to boost brand recognition and strengthen their position in the local and global health and fitness community. The Austin Marathon is owned and produced by High Five Events.

Drew Hays of the Austin Sports Commission stated that, “The Austin Marathon has solidified its status as a key event in Austin by making a significant economic contribution, leaving a global imprint, and effectively highlighting the city’s remarkable character.” He further emphasized that, “the continued expansion in 2023 and the projected growth in 2024 opens up new avenues for businesses to enhance their brand visibility not only in Austin but also within the global endurance community.”

Official sponsors can utilize corporate social responsibility benefits like large-scale volunteer opportunities, increased employee health and wellness through event participation, and enhanced community engagement both pre-race and race weekend.

Official sponsors of the Austin Marathon can benefit from being associated with

  • A world-class sporting event
  • Thousands of runners, spectators and volunteers from all 50 states and 38 countries
  • FloTrack’s world-class live broadcast of the Austin Marathon with millions of views
  • Raising almost $650k for nonprofits in 2023
  • An exciting Elite Athlete Program focused on showcasing the sport’s top athletes
  • The support of the Austin Sports Commission
  • Austin, Texas – The Live Music Capital of the World
  • A 4-block-long finish line festival complete with beer garden, recovery tent, live music, and more

“The Austin Marathon’s remarkable growth and community support have been paralleled with heightened sponsorship engagement,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Brands are seizing this opportunity to engage with their target audience and associate with an event of global stature that extends its impact far beyond the confines of race day.”

The 33rd annual Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Austin, Texas. Earlier this year, Austin’s premier running event featured more than 18,000 participants from all 50 states and 38 countries. Sponsorship and partnership inquiries can be sent directly to Megan Frausto at sponsorship@highfiveevents.com.

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: The Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k will celebrate its 33rd year running in Austin, Texas on Feb. 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. The event is owned and produced by High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States.

2024 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Opens Elite Athlete Program

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$20,000 prize purse for Austin Marathon Winners

High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, is accepting applications from elite runners for the 2024 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. Returning for its seventh year, the Elite Athlete Program creates a competitive field of elite male and female runners while discovering emerging talent, pushing the entire talent pool to reach Olympic standards. 

Runners accepted to the 2024 Austin Marathon  Elite Athlete Field will compete for a $20,000 prize purse that will be divided amongst the top five male and female finishers. 

“We had a distinct vision for the Elite Athlete Program during its relaunch four years ago,” remarked Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Since then, we’ve witnessed the competition intensify, impressive advancements in overall times, the emergence of Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers, and the spotlight truly illuminating talent as they seize the opportunity to showcase their skills on the vibrant streets of Austin.”

George Onyancha (02:16:32) won the 2023 Austin Marathon and hit the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials Standard. Brendan Gregg (01:04:45) and Allie Kieffer (01:16:49.0) took first in the Austin Half Marathon. Damaris Areba, Austin Marathon female champ, ran a 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials Standard qualifying time of 02:36:48.

Athletes accepted into the Elite Athlete Field must meet the program’s standards. Those that meet standards will receive a comped entry to the Austin Marathon or Half Marathon and to the 3M Half Marathon. Marathon elites are also eligible for standards bonuses. The deadline to apply for the Elite Athlete Program will be on December 31, 2023. 

To be eligible for prize money, athletes must be accepted into the Elite Full Marathon Athlete Program. All athletes are subject to random drug testing pre and post-race. Read more about program details, including eligibility standards, here. Interested athletes and coaches with questions can contact elites@youraustinmarathon.com.

In 2024, the Austin Marathon will proudly celebrate its 33rd year in the capital of Texas. This premier running event draws participants from every U.S. state and over 30 countries worldwide. The convenience of start and finish locations with the proximity to downtown hotels and dining, creates an ideal running weekend. The captivating finish line against the backdrop of the iconic Texas State Capitol truly makes the Austin Marathon special. 

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: The Austin Marathon® will celebrate its 33rd year running in Austin on Feb. 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.