Local Brewery to Host Beer Garden at Finish Line Festival
The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K announced today that Meanwhile Brewing Co. will serve as the Official Beer Sponsor for the 2026 race, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026. This partnership integrates the Austin-based brewery directly into the post-race celebration, providing well-deserved beverages for participants. Meanwhile Brewing Co. will host the Meanwhile Beer Garden at the downtown Finish Line Festival, enhancing the experience for thousands of runners, spectators, and volunteers.
The sponsorship emphasizes the Marathon’s continued dedication to collaborating with local Austin businesses to deliver an authentic race-day experience. As Official Beer Sponsor, Meanwhile Brewing Co. will provide a variety of its locally crafted beers, focusing on celebrating the endurance and community spirit inherent in the Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K events.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Meanwhile Brewing Co., a brewery that truly embodies Austin’s spirit of community and celebration,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of the Austin Marathon. “After months of training and 26.2 miles of effort, our runners deserve to celebrate with some of the best local beer Austin has to offer. Meanwhile’s commitment to bringing people together through great beer and community experiences makes them the perfect partner for our finish line celebration.”
The 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on February 15, 2026, following the two-day Health and Fitness expo at Palmer Events Center on February 13 and 14, 2026. The Finish Line Festival, which concludes the race activities, is open to the public and will feature music, food, and a Meanwhile Beer Garden following the completion of the race.
“As a brewery that calls Austin home, partnering with the city’s premier running event is a natural fit. We understand the dedication it takes to complete 26.2 miles, and we are honored to provide that well-deserved, celebratory first sip for thousands of runners and their support crews on February 15. It’s a celebration of endurance and the community that makes Austin special.”– Will Jaquiss, Founder of Meanwhile Brewing Co.
About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1992, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 50 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 Meanwhile Brewing Co.: Founded in 2020, Meanwhile Brewing Co. is a community hub for specialty beer, food and entertainment on 3.7 acres in southeast Austin. The passion project of founder and brewmaster Will Jaquiss, Meanwhile operates a 15-barrel, three-vessel brewhouse, producing a lineup of highly drinkable beers, including year-round canned offerings — the widely celebrated Meanwhile Pilsner, Meanwhile Secret Beach San Diego Style IPA and Tender Robot Hazy IPA — as well as a rotating selection of lagers, IPAs, seasonal brews and collaborations. More than just a brewery, Meanwhile is a gathering place. The grounds feature a thoughtfully designed taproom, a spacious beer garden, a stage and screen for live music and events, a regulation soccer pitch, sand volleyball courts, and a playground. A rotating selection of celebrated food trucks completes the experience, making Meanwhile a go-to destination for craft beer and community. Meanwhile Brewing Co. is one of Austin’s largest independent craft breweries. Its beers are distributed throughout Central Texas, from Georgetown to Buda, with expansion into San Antonio underway. For more information, visit www.meanwhilebeer.com or follow @meanwhilebeer on Instagram and Facebook.
How to Overcome Mid Training Blues
in Blog postTraining for a big event is an exciting journey, but it’s common to hit a slump in the middle. The initial excitement fades, the finish line still feels far away, and motivation can dip. If you’re experiencing the mid training blues, you’re not alone! Here are some practical tips to help you push through and reignite your passion for training.
1. Revisit Your “Why”
Remind yourself why you started this journey. Was it to achieve a personal goal, support a cause, or challenge yourself? Write down your reasons and keep them visible. Reconnecting with your purpose can provide a powerful boost when motivation wanes.
Doing the same workouts week after week can get monotonous. Try a new route, join a group run, or incorporate cross-training activities like cycling or swimming. Variety not only keeps things interesting but also helps prevent burnout and injuries.
Break your training plan into smaller, achievable milestones. Celebrate each mini-goal you reach, whether it’s a new distance, a faster pace, or simply sticking to your schedule for a week. These small wins add up and keep you moving forward.
Training with a friend or group can make a huge difference. Accountability partners provide encouragement, make workouts more enjoyable, and help you stay committed even on tough days.
Fatigue and soreness are normal, but persistent pain or exhaustion may be a sign to rest. Don’t be afraid to take a recovery day or adjust your plan. Rest is an essential part of progress.
Sometimes, all you need is a new soundtrack. Update your playlist or find an inspiring podcast to keep your mind engaged during workouts.
Take a few minutes each day to imagine crossing the finish line or achieving your goal. Visualization can boost confidence and remind you that your hard work will pay off.
Share your struggles with fellow athletes, friends, or online communities. Chances are, others have experienced the same feelings and can offer advice or encouragement.
Every athlete faces ups and downs. Some days will feel harder than others, but consistency is key. Trust the process and be kind to yourself.
The mid training blues are temporary. With a few adjustments and a renewed mindset, you’ll find your motivation again and finish your training strong. Keep going—you’re closer to your goal than you think!
H-E-B Named Official Grocery Store of the 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon
in Blog post, Press Release, SponsorshipThe Beloved Texas Retailer will Support Runners by Providing Nutritional Snack Bags
The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K announced that H-E-B has been designated the official Grocery Store of the 2026 event. The partnership formalizes H-E-B’s commitment to supporting the health and wellness of the Central Texas community and thousands of participants. This major annual endurance event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, celebrating its 35th anniversary throughout the streets of Austin, Texas.
As an official partner, H-E-B’s primary role will involve supplying post-race snack bags for all participants immediately following their finish line crossing. This crucial finish line support will offer necessary nutrition items designed to aid runners immediately following their 26.2-mile, 13.1-mile, or 3.1-mile efforts. The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon continues to be a premier running event, attracting tens of thousands of participants annually to the Texas capital.
This sponsorship highlights the Austin Marathon’s dedication to collaborating with strong, local brands that prioritize participant experience. The collaboration aims to elevate the finish line experience, reinforcing the event’s reputation for high-quality logistics and runner care.
“Partnering with H‑E‑B aligns the Austin Marathon with a Texas icon known for quality and community. From the finish line snack bag to race‑weekend touchpoints, H‑E‑B helps us care for runners when it matters most and strengthens what makes this event uniquely Austin.” – Megan Frausto, Partnership Manager
About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1992, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 50 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 H-E-B: H-E-B, with sales of more than $50 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 175,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.
Meanwhile Brewing Co. Named Official Beer of the 2026 Austin Marathon
in Blog postLocal Brewery to Host Beer Garden at Finish Line Festival
The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K announced today that Meanwhile Brewing Co. will serve as the Official Beer Sponsor for the 2026 race, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026. This partnership integrates the Austin-based brewery directly into the post-race celebration, providing well-deserved beverages for participants. Meanwhile Brewing Co. will host the Meanwhile Beer Garden at the downtown Finish Line Festival, enhancing the experience for thousands of runners, spectators, and volunteers.
The sponsorship emphasizes the Marathon’s continued dedication to collaborating with local Austin businesses to deliver an authentic race-day experience. As Official Beer Sponsor, Meanwhile Brewing Co. will provide a variety of its locally crafted beers, focusing on celebrating the endurance and community spirit inherent in the Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K events.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Meanwhile Brewing Co., a brewery that truly embodies Austin’s spirit of community and celebration,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of the Austin Marathon. “After months of training and 26.2 miles of effort, our runners deserve to celebrate with some of the best local beer Austin has to offer. Meanwhile’s commitment to bringing people together through great beer and community experiences makes them the perfect partner for our finish line celebration.”
The 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on February 15, 2026, following the two-day Health and Fitness expo at Palmer Events Center on February 13 and 14, 2026. The Finish Line Festival, which concludes the race activities, is open to the public and will feature music, food, and a Meanwhile Beer Garden following the completion of the race.
“As a brewery that calls Austin home, partnering with the city’s premier running event is a natural fit. We understand the dedication it takes to complete 26.2 miles, and we are honored to provide that well-deserved, celebratory first sip for thousands of runners and their support crews on February 15. It’s a celebration of endurance and the community that makes Austin special.”– Will Jaquiss, Founder of Meanwhile Brewing Co.
About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1992, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 50 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 Meanwhile Brewing Co.: Founded in 2020, Meanwhile Brewing Co. is a community hub for specialty beer, food and entertainment on 3.7 acres in southeast Austin. The passion project of founder and brewmaster Will Jaquiss, Meanwhile operates a 15-barrel, three-vessel brewhouse, producing a lineup of highly drinkable beers, including year-round canned offerings — the widely celebrated Meanwhile Pilsner, Meanwhile Secret Beach San Diego Style IPA and Tender Robot Hazy IPA — as well as a rotating selection of lagers, IPAs, seasonal brews and collaborations. More than just a brewery, Meanwhile is a gathering place. The grounds feature a thoughtfully designed taproom, a spacious beer garden, a stage and screen for live music and events, a regulation soccer pitch, sand volleyball courts, and a playground. A rotating selection of celebrated food trucks completes the experience, making Meanwhile a go-to destination for craft beer and community. Meanwhile Brewing Co. is one of Austin’s largest independent craft breweries. Its beers are distributed throughout Central Texas, from Georgetown to Buda, with expansion into San Antonio underway. For more information, visit www.meanwhilebeer.com or follow @meanwhilebeer on Instagram and Facebook.
Hydration Strategies for Long Runs & Hot Days (Even in Winter)
in Blog postStaying hydrated is crucial for marathon runners, whether you’re training in the sweltering summer or braving a chilly winter morning. Dehydration can sneak up on you, impacting your performance, recovery, and overall health. In this guide, we’ll cover the best hydration strategies for long runs and hot days, with tips that apply year-round—even when the weather is cold.
Why Hydration Matters for Marathon Runners
Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and transport nutrients for energy and recovery. During a marathon or long training run, your body loses fluids through sweat—even in winter. Failing to replace these fluids can lead to fatigue, cramps, and decreased performance.
Signs of Dehydration During Long Runs
If you notice any of these symptoms during your marathon training, it’s time to adjust your hydration plan.
Hydration Tips for Hot Weather Runs
Hydration Strategies for Winter Marathon Training
How to Create a Personalized Hydration Plan
Marathon Day Hydration Checklist
Hydration is a year-round priority for marathon runners. By following these strategies, you’ll be better prepared for long runs and race day—no matter the weather. Remember, every runner is different, so experiment during training to find your optimal hydration routine.