High Five Events Moves Up 310 Spots on 2020 Inc 5000 List

Placement on 2020 Inc 5000 list is 310 spots higher than 2019

Inc. magazine revealed that High Five Events is ranked 1853 on its 2020 Inc 5000 list with an impressive growth rate of 229 percent. That represents a jump of 310 spots from the 2019 rankings. High Five Events debuted on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list at 2163. The 2020 Inc 5000 list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment – its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“Since our first triathlon in 2003, we’ve strived to produce top-notch, large-scale events, better the communities in which we live and work, and support the community of athletes we serve,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re proud to return to the 2020 Inc 5000 list and will continue to focus on enhancing our events, like the 30th annual Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour on February 14, 2021.”

The list’s aggregate revenue in 2019 was $209 billion

Not only have the companies on the 2020 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list shows staggering growth compared with prior lists. The 2020 Inc. 5000 achieved an incredible three-year average growth of more than 500 percent and a median rate of 165 percent. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $209 billion in 2019, accounting for more than 1 million jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000 can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 come from nearly every realm of business,” said Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “From health and software to media and hospitality, the 2020 list proves that no matter the sector, incredible growth is based on the foundations of tenacity and opportunism.”

High Five Events is also owned by Jack Murray and Dan Carroll. Beginning with the launch of a single triathlon in 2003, High Five Events has grown to become one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States. High Five Events is a community-centric company based in Austin, Texas. Their staff has more than 100 years’ combined experience organizing large events across different venue types in a variety of locations. The 18-year-old company owns and produces the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, CapTex Tri presented by Life Time Fitness, Rookie Triathlon, Jack’s Generic Triathlon, and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. They also produce 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour and Cap10K.

Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon Introduce Run Austin Virtual Series

All six events in the Run Austin Virtual Series will have a unique distance and an Austin theme

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour and 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour joined forces to create the Run Austin Virtual Series. Everyone is invited to participate in the 6-month-long virtual series. The Run Austin Virtual Series begins this month with the Wildflower 1 Mile. The series will continue in August with the Armadillo 5K and build up to a 10-miler in December.

Image of female runner during the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. Image announces the Run Austin Virtual Series, a 6-event series where the events increase in distance every month.“The Run Austin Virtual Series is a great way for all runners to hold themselves accountable as they prepare to run Austin’s streets in 2021,” said Leo Manzano, Olympic silver medalist and Austin Marathon Celebrity Ambassador. “Even those who aren’t registered can participate and use the monthly events as goals. Plus, they’re starting with my favorite distance!”

Run Austin perks

Participants of the Run Austin Virtual Series will receive themed downloadable personalized bibs, digital finisher medals, and finisher certificates. Participants will also enjoy fun extras like an online finisher photo booth and virtual reality filters for social media. Registration is open for each of the events for $18. Free entry to the entire six-event series, a $108 value,  is available to participants of the 2021 3M Half Marathon or the 2021 Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. New distances will be launched at the beginning of the month. Limited-edition merchandise customized for each event will be available for purchase throughout the series.

“We’re excited to launch the Run Austin Virtual Series and introduce this virtual opportunity to the running community,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “The six events are milestones in the runner’s journey to their ultimate goals, the Austin Marathon or 3M Half Marathon finish lines.”

Austin’s flagship running event, the Austin Marathon, will celebrate its 30th anniversary on February 14th. It 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. Registration is currently open.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. It will celebrate its 27th year running on January 17th. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running. The 13.1-mile course showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. Participants start in north Austin and finish near the Texas State Capitol. Many participants set their 13.1-mile PR because of the 300’ net elevation drop. Registration is currently open.

30th Annual Austin Marathon Registration Opens June 1st

Run Austin’s streets on Valentine’s Day and celebrate your accomplishments at the 30th annual Austin Marathon

Registration for the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour officially opens Monday, June 1st. Every year, thousands travel to Austin to run the city’s streets. They soak up the amazing atmosphere and enjoy live music and delicious food. Participants earn finisher medal belt buckles, receive an Under Armour shirt, and celebrate at the 3-block-long finish line festival. Those who register before Friday, June 5th, will receive a free customized nameplate for their belt buckle finisher medal. The 30th annual Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 14, 2021.

Image of the start of the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. Registration for the 30th annual Austin Marathon opens on June 1st.“The energy and positivity you experience running the Austin Half Marathon is unlike any other race,” said London Brazil, who is training for her third Austin Half Marathon in as many years. “From the thousands cheering for you to the inspiring runners from around the world – this is a race I will make sure to never miss!”

Run The Live Music Capital of the World

On course, participants will enjoy 22 fully stocked aid stations with Nuun, two GU Energy Labs Nutrition Zones, and thousands of cheering spectators. Live music is placed strategically throughout the course to showcase The Live Music Capital of the World to participants and spectators alike. When runners cross the finish line, they can celebrate at a three-block-long party. It will feature the Under Armour recovery zone and the popular Oskar Blues beer garden. There will also be local food trucks, two Jumbotrons displaying FloTrack’s live coverage, and hours of live music.

Image of a group of five runners representing different Austin running groups before the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. Registration for the 30th annual Austin Marathon opens on June 1st.

Everyone can continue their celebration at one of several Official Austin Marathon after-parties. Finishers of the Austin Marathon will receive a custom finisher’s shirt. The marathon will feature 34 Austin pacers and professional race-day photography from FinisherPix. 

“We’re excited for the 30th anniversary of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and have some big plans for Austin Marathon week,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “The Austin Marathon is more than just a run; it’s an unforgettable experience and a celebration that continues well after participants cross the finish line.”

The initial pricing structure follows: Austin Marathon ($109), Austin Half Marathon ($90), KXAN Simple Health 5K benefitting Paramount Theatre ($35). Participants can register for any distance and the Austin Marathon VIP Experience beginning June 1st.

World records set at 2020 Austin Marathon

Image of the Austin skyline as runners cross the Congress Avenue Bridge during the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. Registration for the 30th annual Austin Marathon opens on June 1st.

Earlier this year, Austin’s premier running event featured more than 16,000 participants from all 50 states and 36 countries. Two world records were set at the Austin Marathon. Vicar David Peters, of Pflugerville, Texas, ran the world’s fastest marathon in a cassock. He completed the marathon in 4:06:49. Drake Muyinza set the other world record. He ran the world’s longest fashion runway on the streets of Austin and changed outfits every four miles. Austin Gives Miles presented by The Moody Foundation raised $702,500 for 25 Central Texas nonprofits.

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.

Austin Marathon Invites Runners to Free Global Running Day Virtual 5K

The Austin Marathon’s free Global Running Day Virtual 5K will celebrate the sport we all love: running

Image of runners running during the 2019 free Global Running Day event on the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin with the Texas State Capitol in the background.

Runners finishing Austin’s free 2019 Global Running Day event. Credit – Ed Sparks.

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour invites runners from around the world to register for the free Global Running Day Virtual 5K. This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate the sport we love and the entire running community. You can run with anyone from anywhere during the free Global Running Day Virtual 5K! Invite friends, family, neighbors, and your running group to join you. Plus, finishers could win some sweet prizes! Registration is open until Wednesday, June 3rd.

“I’m hyped that the Austin Marathon is offering a virtual 5K to celebrate Global Running Day,” said Will von Rosenberg, who attended last year’s Global Running Day event in Austin. “It was great to see the Austin running community come together at last year’s event. I’m ready to run the Global Running Day Virtual 5K with runners from around the world!”

Global Running Day Virtual 5K perks

Virtual Race Medal - Global Running day Virtual 5K Participants of the free Global Running Day Virtual 5K can submit their 5K results at any time between May 20th and June 4th. Every participant will receive:

  • Customizable, downloadable bib that can be printed at home
  • Limited-edition 2020 Global Running Day digital finisher medal
  • Official digital finisher’s certificate
  • Exclusive race discounts
  • Access to limited Global Running Day merch
  • Automatic entry into the giveaway to win 1 of 5 grand prizes including entry to the 2021 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K + VIP Experience

“I’m delighted to celebrate Global Running Day with the Austin Marathon! Their 30th anniversary will be the North American leg of my attempt to be the first 6-time cancer survivor to run a marathon on every continent,” said Jonathan Acott, who will participate from London. “After 6 cancers, running is the way I manage both my mental and physical health. It gives me the time I need to manage my emotions but also to celebrate my body and what it’s been through and can still do.”

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. Registration opens on June 1st.