2024 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Opens Elite Athlete Program

$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.

Run Austin® Kickoff Week Celebrates the Spirit of Running in the State Capital

Austin Marathon® and 3M Half Marathon bring together runners for training, fun & prizes

Austin, TX – September 1, 2023 – The countdown to the highly anticipated Ascension Seton Austin Marathon® and 3M Half Marathon has officially begun with the announcement of Run Austin® Kickoff Week. Set to take place from September 5th to September 12th, 2023, this week-long event promises a dynamic fusion of fitness, camaraderie, and prizes that will ignite the spirit of running within the Austin community.

Run Austin Kickoff Week is an annual tradition that brings together seasoned runners, aspiring athletes, and running enthusiasts to celebrate the upcoming Austin Marathon (February 18, 2024) and 3M Half Marathon (January 21, 2024). With a focus on promoting health, wellness, and an active lifestyle, this week-long series of events is the perfect platform for participants to gear up for the main races.

Throughout the week, runners of all levels are invited to partake in various run groups that embody the essence of the Austin running scene. Over 23 group runs are scheduled to take place during the week with groups spread throughout the city and surrounding areas. The week-long running festivities come to a close with a group run followed by a post-run happy hour.

In addition to group runs, one of the highlights of the week is the chance to win exciting prizes. Every day during Run Austin Kickoff Week, participants will have the opportunity to enter their name for a range of running-related prizes from sponsors, including top-tier running gear, nutrition, and a grand prize valued at over $2,000. This element of anticipation and reward adds an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling lineup of events.

“We’re excited to launch Run Austin Kickoff Week, a celebration that embodies the very essence of the Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events, the producers of both running events. “This week is about more than just training and preparation; it’s a chance for runners to come together, support one another, and share their passion for the sport. We can’t wait to see the energy and camaraderie that will unfold during this exciting week.”

“We’re thrilled to support Run Austin Kickoff Week, as the Austin running community begins to build mileage in the hope of crushing their 2024 race goals. As The Official Running Store of High Five Events, Fleet Feet Austin is honored to once again partner with the 3M Half Marathon and Austin Marathon to curate memorable experiences for participants. We hope Austin is ready for another inspiring race (and successful) race season, and we look forward to hosting the community at large,” stated Ari Perez, Operating partner Fleet Feet Austin.

For a detailed schedule of events and more information about Run Austin Kickoff Week, please visit the official event website at http://werunaustin.com/.

About Run Austin® Kickoff Week:  Run Austin Kickoff Week is a week-long series of events dedicated to celebrating the upcoming Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon. Focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle, camaraderie, and skill-building, the event offers a range of activities, run groups, and prize opportunities for runners of all levels. Participants can engage with the Austin running community, enhance their training, and prepare for the main races in the months ahead.

About the Austin Marathon® and 3M Half Marathon:  The Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon are annual running events held in Austin, Texas, attracting participants from around the world. Known for their scenic routes, enthusiastic crowd support, and commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, these races are a staple in the Austin community’s calendar. The events provide runners with a unique opportunity to challenge themselves, achieve personal milestones, and experience the vibrant spirit of Austin. Both events are owned and operated by Austin based High Five Events.

Austin Marathon Donates over $600,000 to Charity

Thrilling news! Ascension Seton Austin Marathon reveals the impressive sum raised for 2023’s selected charities through Austin Marathon Gives, presented by the Moody Foundation. Learn more about this impactful initiative.

Austin Marathon, Ascension Seton Agree to Title Sponsor Extension

Title sponsor extension is a result of significant growth since the original agreement in 2019

The Austin Marathon and Ascension Seton have agreed to a long-term title sponsor extension. The agreement will allow the collaboration to continue to grow, further benefiting the fitness community. In addition to growing secondary community events and expanding content creation opportunities, Ascension Seton will remain the Official Medical Provider. Since 2019, the collaboration has helped others establish healthier lifestyles, prevent avoidable injuries, and provide services for injured athletes to recover. The 30th annual Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 20, 2022.

Start line of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon.

“Ascension Seton is excited to establish a long-term collaboration with the High Five Events team in support of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon,” said Adam Bauman, Vice President of Orthopedics, Sports and Rehabilitation Services for Ascension Texas. “Over the past three years, our collaboration has helped encourage people to remain active in a way none of us anticipated due to the COVID pandemic. Ascension Seton remains committed to supporting our community and partners to ensure the Austin Marathon and other related events are sustainable well into the future.”

More than just a sponsor

As the Official Medical Provider, Ascension Seton doctors and nurses will staff the finish line medical tent and work with Travis County EMS on course. During race weekend, Team Ascension Seton will participate in all events, volunteer their time, and have a major presence at the Health and Fitness Expo. Outside of race weekend, they’ll continue to positively impact the local fitness community, providing knowledge and insight curated by Ascension Seton Sports Performance’s Dr. Jakob Allen.

“Our collaboration with Ascension Seton has grown over the years and significantly benefited the fitness community,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “With this extension we expect that trajectory to grow for the foreseeable future as we come up with new ideas and build new opportunities.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 30th year running in the capital of Texas in 2022. 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 and 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 next price increase is scheduled for Tuesday, November 30th.