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Austin Marathon Named Champion of Economic Impact for Second Year

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Champion of Economic Impact designation stems from 2019 Austin Marathon’s $48.5 million economic impact

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour is proud to be named a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management. This is the second year in a row the Austin Marathon has received this designation. The Austin Marathon injected $48.5 million into the Austin economy during race weekend. That’s an $11 million (23 percent) increase from 2018. The Austin Marathon partnered with Dr. Ali Dadpay, Associate Professor of Finance at the Gupta College of Business at the University of Dallas. The 29th annual Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 16, 2020.

“Austin is known as a great place to live, to visit, and now — to run a marathon,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “The recognition highlights the impact the race on the economic health of the city as more runners are realizing there’s no better city in which to recover!”

The 2019 impact was an $11 million increase from 2018

Other large-market champions include 2019 NCAA Final Four, BMW Championship, and TCS New York City Marathon. Sports Destination Management is the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market. They announced the 2019 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism in a special feature in their November/December issue. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing more than $1.2 billion to the national economy over the past year. The issue’s cover photo, taken by renowned photographer Patrick Wong, features the legendary Austin Marathon start line with the iconic Texas State Capitol in the background. 

“The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour is exactly what we have in mind when we use the term, Champion of Economic Impact,” said Mary Helen Sprecher, Managing Editor, Sports Destination Management. “The Austin Marathon generates a sizeable benefit to the City of Austin and showcases partnerships between multiple agencies, all working together to create a world-class event.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas in 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open.

Our Favorite Coffee Spots, Part 1

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These 7 south Austin coffee shops take their game to another level

You can get a cup of coffee from just about anywhere these days. Read about our seven favorite south Austin coffee shops along Miles 1-6 of the Austin Marathon course and order like an Austinite! Whether you need a cup before going to work or you’re meeting friends after your long run, put these south Austin coffee shops on your radar! Check out our blog featuring these seven south Austin breakfast spots if you’re planning brunch after the Austin Marathon. South Austin lunch and dinner blogs coming soon!

Image of iconic i love you so much mural. Take a picture with it when you visit one of the south Austin coffee shops on our list, Jo's Coffee.

i love you so much mural outside Jo’s Coffee.

Jo’s Coffee (Mile 1)

Jo’s Coffee (1300 S. Congress Ave.) opens every day at 7:00 a.m. and a line quickly forms at this Austin staple. They’ve been serving folks since 1999. Order the Iced Turbo and enjoy their sweet signature beverage! If you don’t like that much sweet in your coffee, order the Belgian Bomber. It’s half Turbo, half cold brew. Jo’s Coffee is home to the world-famous “i love you so much” mural and one of Austin’s fastest-growing running groups, The Morning Jos. 

Image of Cosmic Coffee's outdoor space. Cosmic Coffee made our list of our favorite south Austin coffee shops.

Cosmic Coffee has plenty of outdoor space and is dog-friendly! Credit – Cosmic Coffee Facebook.

Cosmic Coffee (Mile 2.5)

The area around Cosmic Coffee (121 Pickle Rd.) has transformed massively since it opened in 2017. What was once an open lot now features waterfalls, a coy pond, a chicken coop, and tons of outdoor seating with shade trees. Add amazing coffee, three food trucks preparing delicious food, and the fact that Cosmic is also a beer garden and you have an oasis. The smooth Nitro Cold Brew (on tap) is a must!

Plaza Colombian Coffee (Mile 3)

One of the newer spots in town, Plaza Colombian Coffee (3842 S. Congress Ave.), is family-owned and brings the flavor of Colombia to Austin. They roast 100% Cafe de Colombia in-house and often feature live music. In a hurry? Hit up their drive-thru!

Image of Summer Moon coffee. Summer Moon made the list of our 6 favorite south Austin coffee shops.

Try a Summermoon or Wintermoon, your choice! Credit – Summer Moon Facebook.

Summer Moon Coffee (Mile 4)

Austin has many Summer Moon locations, but 3115 S. 1st St. is their original location. Before you try anything on the menu, you need to delight your tastebuds with a Summermoon (hot) or a Wintermoon (cold) depending on your preference. Their secret ingredient is moon milk. Don’t even think about asking for the recipe; it’s top secret. They opened in 2002 and began crafting their own custom roasts by 2004 in their built-from-scratch roaster. Pro tip: if the full moons are too sweet, order a 3/4, half, or 1/4 moon.

Bouldin Creek Cafe (Mile 5)

Bouldin Creek Cafe (1900 S. 1st St.) is another go-to south Austin coffee shop. But if you prefer to obtain your caffeine from tea, they offer 25 different hot tea options. If you need a quick fix to your hangover, order The Leveler (Guinness, espresso, and chocolate). Want to check out an Austin mural? Bouldin Creek Cafe is one block from the “Greetings from Austin” mural.

Image of the Greetings from Austin mural. Snap a picture when you visit 2 of the south Austin coffee shops on our list!

Swing by the Greetings from Austin mural when you visit Bouldin Creek Cafe or Once Over Coffee Bar.

Once Over Coffee Bar (Mile 5)

This little gem with a creekside deck has been serving south Austin since 2009. Once Over (2009 S. 1st St.) opens at 7:00 a.m. every day except Sunday (8:00 a.m.). You can’t go wrong with any beverage on their menu. Their food comes from various local spots, but they’re cool with your bringing food as long as you order a drink from them. Whatever you decide, make sure you end up on the deck!

7th Flag Coffee (Mile 5.25)

The modern and clean look of the converted house to coffee shop offers no distractions, with good coffee and pastries to boot. They’re dog-friendly and have a great outdoor spot for when the weather is nice. If you’re spectating near 7th Flag Coffee (1506 S. 1st St.) on race day swing by when they open at 8:00 a.m.

Our favorite south Austin coffee shops are unique in their own way, helping keep Austin weird. We love them for that and know you will too! Grab one of our recommendations the next time you’re in the neighborhood. Did your favorite south Austin coffee shop not make the list? Let us know what it is on Facebook or Twitter.

Austin Marathon and SPIbelt Continue 13-Year Partnership

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SPIbelt first launched at the 2007 Austin Marathon

Runner crosses 2019 Austin Half Marathon finish line wearing an American flag SPIbelt. SPIbelt returns as the Official Race Belt of the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon.The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon welcomes the return of SPIbelt as the Official Race Belt. They will partner with Austin Marathon for community activations, product giveaways, and race-week engagement. SPIbelt first launched their small personal item belt at the 2007 Austin Marathon. The 29th annual Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 16, 2020.

“Austin Marathon weekend is a time when runners from all over the world travel to Austin to celebrate running,” said Kim Overton, SPIbelt founder and owner. “We love partnering with the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and are proud of every runner who will toe the start line on February 16th.”

First launched at the 2007 Austin Marathon

SPIbelt, the leader in fitness accessories and creator of the original small personal item belt, was founded in 2006 by Austinite Kim Overton. Its bounce-free products are well-known within the endurance sports industry. They conveniently carry keys, bottles, gels, and your phone while on the go. SPIbelt and Austin Marathon will team up at community events to support the running community. Visit the SPIbelt booth at the Austin Marathon expo to see their entire range of accessories. They’ll also have the new 2020 color palette and the all-new Dual Pocket PRO. The Dual Pocket PRO is equipped with two larger pocket sizes for even more storage.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with SPIbelt and to see the growth of their company since their launch at the 2007 Austin Marathon,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their team brings extra energy to Austin Marathon weekend. It’s cool to see all the different SPIbelts cross the finish line.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas in 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open.

Austin Marathon Accepts First Round of Elite Runners

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First round of elite runners competing for $26,000 prize purse

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour introduces the first round of elite runners for 2020. This program, in its fourth year, creates a competitive field of elite male and female runners while discovering emerging talent, pushing the entire talent pool to reach Olympic standards. FloTrack’s live coverage highlights the competition amongst the elites, following male and female marathoners and half marathoners. The 29th annual Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 16, 2020.

“I’m thrilled to join the Elite Athlete Program at the Austin Marathon,” said Keri McEntee, who ran an Olympic Trials qualifying 2:41:19 at 2019 Grandma’s Marathon. “I’m excited to compete against other elite runners, see the city, and enjoy some warmer weather!”

The first round of 2020 Austin Marathoners include: 

  • Keri McEntee – female Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier – 2:41:19)
  • Daniel Bishop – male Elite Athlete Program (2018 St. George Marathon – 2:23:37)
  • Sarah Jackson – female Elite Field (2018 Austin Marathon – 2:58:41)
  • Adam Lazrus – male Elite Field (2018 Tunnel Lite Marathon – 2:37:31)
  • Valentyna Poltavska – female Elite Field (2019 Houston Marathon – 2:52:49)
  • Matt McCurdy – male Elite Field (2019 3M Half Marathon – 1:11:55)

The first round of 2020 Austin Half Marathoners include: 

  • Heidi Bock – female Elite Field (2019 Woodlands Half Marathon – 1:23:36)
  • Todd Mickey – male Elite Field (2019 Austin Half Marathon – 1:16:33)
  • Maura Tyrrell – female Elite Field (2nd place female, 2019 Myrtle Beach Half Marathon – 1:22:47)
  • Steve Purugganan – male Elite Field (2018 San Jose Half Marathon – 1:15:52)
  • Adam Moore – male Elite Field (2019 Ohio Cap City Half Marathon – 1:15:23)
  • Carolyn Menard – female Elite Field (2019 Urban Cow Half Marathon – 1:26:13)
  • Rebecca Marrou – female Elite Field (2018 Run the Alamo Half Marathon female champion – 1:24:18)
  • Julia Vegas – female Elite Field (2019 Austin Half Marathon – 1:26:28)

“The investments we’ve made into the Elite Athlete Program are beginning to bear fruit with the overall growth and several elites qualifying for the Olympic Marathon Trials,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “The competition adds another layer of excitement to an already energetic Austin Marathon weekend.”

The prize purse breakdown follows: $15,000 for the marathon, $5,000 for the half marathon, and $6,000 for the Manzano Mile presented by Dole. Runners not accepted into the Elite Athlete Program are still invited to run in the Elite Field. Runners that are not accepted to the Elite Athlete Program or the Elite Field are not eligible for prize money.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas in 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open.