Tag Archive for: Ascension Seton Austin Marathon

30th Anniversary Giveaway: 30 Days of Limited-Edition ATX Shoes

Get active for 30 minutes a day and you could be a winner of a new pair of Limited Edition Under Armour Shoes.

Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle physically, mentally, and emotionally. That’s why you’ll find us running, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, swimming, practicing yoga or pilates, or working out every chance we get! Some days provide more time than others, but we always try to squeeze in at least 30 minutes. We’re starting the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon’s 30th anniversary party (February 14, 2021) a little early. We’ll give away at least one pair of limited-edition Under Armour HOVR Machina ATX shoes every day in April. Our 30th Anniversary Giveaway will begin on Wednesday, April 1st. We’ll randomly select and contact at least one winner everyday in April!

Image of the limited-edition Under Armour HOVR Machina ATX shoe in front of a multi-colored ATX sign. The Austin Marathon is giving away a pair of these shoes every day in April for their 30th Anniversary Giveaway!

Credit: Fleet Feet Austin.

How to enter

  1. Exercise or workout (as safely as possible) at least 30 minutes a day (yes, at home counts!)
  2. Record your workout on the MapMyRun or MapMyFitness apps (or a similar app)
  3. Take a screenshot of your recorded workout with the date and duration of workout showing (selfies are a bonus!)
  4. Follow and share your screenshot and shoe size with us on (you can share on all channels, but one channel will work):
    1. Facebook
    2. Twitter
    3. Instagram
  5. Use #30thAustinMarathon when posting
  6. We’ll randomly choose a winner the following day and contact them
  7. Best of luck!Screenshot of trail run map, distance, time, and date using Under Armour's MapMyFitness app. The Austin Marathon is giving away a pair of these shoes every day in April for their 30th Anniversary Giveaway!

Pro tip: put all those runs and workouts to good use when you join Under Armour’s Healthy at Home Challenge! Instead of prizes, they’ll donate $1 million to youth sport leagues. Make a difference from home!

Machina ATX

The limited-edition Under Armour HOVR Machina ATX shoes were created with the Greetings from Austin Mural in mind. They were a hit at the Austin Marathon expo, quickly selling out. We asked our Instagram followers if we should give some away and the resounding answer was, YES! So here’s your chance to win a pair during our 30th anniversary giveaway. Learn more about the limited-edition Under Armour HOVR Machina ATX shoes, how they sync seamlessly with Under Armour’s MapMyRun app, and provide real-time Form Coaching.

Pretty simple, right?! We know how good we feel after a workout. You know that feeling where you’re tired, but you feel good about what you’ve accomplished? Well we want to encourage you to get that feeling throughout April and possibly win a pair of limited-edition Under Armour HOVR Machina ATX shoes. Reminder the more days you exercise and share the greater your chances of winning!

Binge-Worthy Show Recommendations from the High Five Events Staff

This list of binge-worthy show recommendations has everyone covered

Image of Schitt's Creek promotional material. Schitt's Creek is on the High Five Events binge-worthy show recommendation list.

Emily’s favorite: Schitt’s Creek.

Looking for some new shows to watch? You’re in luck! The staff at High Five Events compiled their list of favorite binge-worthy show recommendations. You’re covered if you like drama, comedy, fantasy, or history. Fire up the next episode, settle in on the couch (after your run of course!), grab your favorite snack, and enjoy. Pro tip: these shows will also help pass the time if you’re following our long training run recovery timeline!

Laura

Grey’s Anatomy. It is particularly good to binge-watch because there are SO MANY SEASONS AND EPISODES! I also love it because of all the drama.

Emily

Schitt’s Creek. I haven’t watched a show that made me laugh as much as this one in a long time. The dysfunctional family members are all my spirit animals!  The costumes are fantastic. David’s sweaters, hello! The actors have so much chemistry with each other. The writing is so clever. It’s hard to turn it off. 

John

Image of Parks and Recreation promotional material. Parks and Recreation is on the High Five Events binge-worthy show recommendation list.

Joey’s favorite: Parks and Rec.

Top Gear. I like knowing how things work and this show is right up my alley. They travel the world testing whether or not cars actually do what their manufacturers claim. This show has been around since 2002, time to catch up!

Stacy

Image of The Office promotional material. The Office is on the High Five Events binge-worthy show recommendation list.

Caroline’s favorite: The Office.

Turn: Washington’s Spies. It’s about a farmer during the Revolutionary War who helps defeat the British by becoming a spy for General Washington. I tend to like period pieces and this one is only four seasons long so you can’t get too carried away. Add it to your Netflix watch list!

Joey

Parks and Recreation. I like seeing how the characters evolved over the seasons and how the inside jokes never got old. 

Dan

Brooklyn 99. This comedy follows around New York’s funniest police precinct. I like how light-hearted everything is and the unexpected chuckles when I least expect it. Brooklyn 99 won a Golden Globe Award for Best Comedy Series!

Jack

You. A local bookstore manager falls in love with a female writer. He does everything possible, including killing people, to get closer to her. The twists and turns of this show will keep you watching.

Scott’s favorite: Peaky Blinders.

Scott

Peaky Blinders. A gangster family epic set in Birmingham, England, in 1919, several months after the end of the First World War in November 1918. The story centers on the Peaky Blinders gang and their ambitious and highly cunning boss, Tommy Shelby. I like how good the wardrobe and settings are to the time period.

Megan

Dead to Me. The humor is dark, but it is funny. Also, it has a few plot twists that really get you. I am currently waiting for the second season to come out. 

Tina

Forensic Files. There are so many reasons to watch this documentary-style TV show. The main reason: every episode is thrilling and re-watchable! Experts gather and utilize every piece of evidence to prove that there is no “perfect crime.”

Image of Game of Thrones promotional material. Game of Thrones is on the High Five Events binge-worthy show recommendation list.

William’s favorite: Game of Thrones.

Caroline

The Office. I just started (re)binge-watching The Office. It’s good and easy to watch, so I can always count on it for a good laugh. One of my favorite parts of re-watching The Office is noticing similarities between characters in the show and the High Five Events team!

William

Game of Thrones. I held out for 4 seasons before I watched the first episode. Thought I’d be cool and “not watch that show.” Welp, watched Episode 1 and was immediately hooked. I also highly recommend reading the books!

As you can see, this list of binge-worthy show recommendations has it all! And there are enough of them to keep you busy for awhile. The hard part is figuring out where to start. Did your favorite not make our list? Let us know what your favorite binge-worthy show is on Facebook or Twitter.

March Running Playlist Additions – 10 Must-Add Songs

Spring clean your playlist with these March running playlist additions

You want music? We’ve got music! Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World and we are big music lovers. That’s why we’ve created this #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We share every song on Twitter. Follow us so you know what’s next. We’ve taken 10 of our recent additions and put them in this convenient blog. Listen to the playlist (100+ songs and counting) and refresh your music with these March running playlist additions. Learn how to protect your phone if the forecast calls for rain.

Hang Me Up to Dry – Cold War Kids

The base in this old-school Cold War Kids tune is perfect for getting you into a good rhythm on your next run. It’s also a good reminder for what you should do with your shirt after a summer run.

Superstition – Stevie Ray Vaughan

When you have the chance to put SVR on your playlist you do it. Especially when you have the chance to share the song on Friday the 13th!

Halle Berry – Lord Buffalo

Austin’s own Lord Buffalo released this single from their recently released album, Tohu Wa Bohu. It’s gritty and the energy it gives will make you grind when you need it most during your next run.

bad guy – Billie Eilish

You want energy? Eilish delivers with bad guy. We wouldn’t be mad if you just put this song on repeat for the duration of your run. Just don’t be surprised if you stop running begin dancing!

WHAT’S GOOD – Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator pushes boundaries. That’s what makes him and his music so enthralling, you never know what you’re going to get! WHAT’S GOOD is perfect for that next speed workout.

New Sensation – INXS

Runners of all abilities have experienced the runner’s high. It’s an amazing sensation, especially after you cross a finish line! Push yourself, change your goals, find a new finish line, and experience a new sens-a-tion!

Dirty Laundry – Don Henley

What’s one byproduct of running that no runner enjoys? Laundry. Pro tip: listen to this song on your recovery run or while you’re washing all your dirty running clothes!

Break on Through (To the Other Side) – The Doors

If you time this song just right, it’ll push you through a tough time during your run. Get over that hump, get in your groove, and crush the rest of your run. All you have to do is break on through to the other side!

Entrance Song – The Black Angels

We don’t know about you, but we like to have certain songs lined up that play right before we begin running. Similar to a baseball player walking to the batter’s box, this song by Austin’s own The Black Angels will get you ready for your run.

300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues – The White Stripes

Does your next workout call for intervals? Changing speeds can be difficult on a run, especially if you’re in the zone. But interval training is beneficial. And much easier when you add this back-and-forth tune from The White Stripes.

Utilize this March running playlist update before you take off for your next run. These 10 songs can pump you up, allow you to catch your breath, or help you focus on the warm-up/cool-down. However you incorporate music, just make sure you can still hear your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you! Is there something you do that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Race Weekend Creates Lifelong Memories for Thousands of Participants

Race weekend saw two proposals, two new world records, and thousands of goals met and PRs set

On Sunday, Feb. 16th, the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon demonstrated why it is considered one of the world’s top running events. More than 16,000 participants registered for the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. They traveled to Austin from all 50 states and 36 countries. Tens of thousands of spectators lined the Austin streets cheering on runners, waving hilarious signs, and providing endless energy. Everyone celebrated the day at the three-block-long finish line festival that showcased live music, beer garden, and local food trucks. The race weekend celebration continued well into the night at five Official Austin Marathon after-parties.

“Having the ring with me gave me an immense sense of purpose when pushing through the difficult moments in the race,” said Mark Pinales, who carried his now fiancée’s engagement ring with him for 26.2 miles. “I was scared of losing it but determined to finish as quickly as I could!”

World-class live broadcast

FloTrack’s live coverage followed the champions and the men’s and women’s elite fields for the marathon and half marathon. William Bertrand is the Austin Marathon champion (2:28:11). Kyle Allen (2:36:16) and Ryan Normand (2:37:45) rounded out the men’s marathon field. The male half marathoners finishing in the top three consisted of James Ngandu (1:04:26), Kevin Kochei (1:05:10), and Allen Sumrall (1:06:32).

Sarah Jackson is the Austin Marathon female champion (2:55:16). Elena Oslund (2:59:53) and Sara Striegel (3:08:51) finished the marathon second and third respectively. The top three female half marathon finishers were Allie Kieffer (1:14:29), Kathryn Fluehr (1:16:42), and Maura Tyrrell (1:20:39).

“After moving to Austin a year ago, I immediately knew I wanted to stay for a long time. Hearing so many friends cheer my name on the course yesterday, it felt like home,” said Kieffer, who ran the Austin Half Marathon as her final tune-up before the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. “ I’m thrilled to win and excited to represent Austin at the Olympic Marathon Trials!”

Two new world records

Vicar David Peters, of Pflugerville, Texas, ran the world’s fastest marathon in a cassock. He completed the marathon in 4:06:49. Peters beat the previous record of four hours and 16 minutes. The next world-record was set by Drake Muyinza. He ran the world’s longest fashion runway on the streets of Austin and changed outfits every four miles. The previous record was two miles. Both Guinness World Records are awaiting official verification. The 2020 course was designed to provide a better participant and spectator experience and allow enhanced traffic flow along the course. Participants finish with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as their backdrop. Tens of thousands of spectators cheered along Austin streets. Race-course highlights include two GU Energy Labs Energy Zones, live music, 22 aid stations with nuun performance.

“I commend the runners for the work they accomplished and I’m so thankful to all the volunteers and people who came out to support us,” said Muyinza, who crossed the finish line in 6:18:04. “It may not have been my PR, but in the end, we set our world record and successfully pulled off seven unique looks in 26.2 miles. I hope everyone enjoyed the show!”

Another successful race weekend

Fleet Feet Austin began race weekend with the Austin Marathon Shakeout Run on Friday, Feb. 14th. At the Austin Marathon Health and Fitness Expo, participants tested the industry’s latest products and chatted with the Austin Marathon Pacers. They purchased Official Under Armour + Austin Marathon gear at the Fleet Feet Store, including the limited-edition Austin UA HOVR Machina. The two-day Austin Marathon expo took place on Friday, Feb. 14th, and Saturday, Feb. 15th. Hundreds of children, families, and elites participated in the Manzano Mile presented by Dole Packaged Foods on Saturday, Feb. 15th. Thousands participated in the family-friendly Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K. It began after the Austin Marathon and Austin Half Marathon.

“Sunday was such an amazing day, from beginning to end,” said Sarah Escobedo, who finished her second marathon in 3:50:13. “I loved the energy from all the spectators and cheer zones along the way and continuing the celebration at one of the Official Austin Marathon after-parties.”

30th anniversary – Feb. 14, 2021

Registration is open for the Austin Marathon’s 30th anniversary, scheduled for Feb. 14, 2021. Special pricing is set at $99 for the marathon, $80 for the half marathon, and $35 for the KXAN Simple Health 5K. This amazing deal will be available until Thursday, Feb. 20th. Don’t miss your chance to Run Austin, the #1 city in America. 2020 participants can see their results on the Austin Marathon website and continue to share their memorable experiences on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Runners can expect their FinisherPix race day photos to be ready in 24-48 hours after the race.

The Austin Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made race weekend so special. They would also like to thank title sponsor Ascension Seton, Under Armour, The Moody Foundation, Camp Gladiator, GU Energy Labs, AfterShokz, Hilton of Austin, Fleet Feet Austin, Oskar Blues Brewery, KXAN, SPIbelt, Dole Packaged Foods, H-E-B, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Goodwill Central Texas, Alvies Boots, FloTrack, FinisherPix, Chameleon Cold-Brew, Austin Massage Company, Boy Scout Troop 49, nuun, the City of Austin, Austin Police Department, Department of Public Safety, CapMetro, and Travis County EMS.