Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Archives

Austin Marathon, 3M Half Marathon Invite Elites to Austin for Final Trials Tune-Up

Elites are invited to run Austin’s streets for their final Olympic Marathon Trials tune-up

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour and 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour invite elite runners to Austin for a final Olympic Marathon Trials tune-up. 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers are invited to run one of Austin’s two most beloved half marathons, fine-tune race strategy, and finalize hydration/nutrition plans. The 3M Half Marathon takes place on January 19th, that’s 41 days before the Trials. The Austin Half Marathon takes place on February 16th, that’s 13 days before the Olympic Marathon Trials. The Austin Half Marathon offers prize money and FloTrack live-streams coverage of the entire event. High Five Events operates both events.

Austin Half Marathon – February 16th

“Winning the 2019 Austin Marathon was awesome and a moment I will not forget,” said Heather Lieberg, 2019 Austin Marathon female champ (2:42:27). “ I can’t wait to participate in the half marathon as a tune-up race for the Trials in Atlanta. I know it’ll be a confidence builder!”

Runners accepted to the 2020 Austin Marathon/Half Marathon Elite Athlete Program will compete for a $20,000 prize purse. The Austin Marathon prize purse will total $15,000 and award the top five male and female finishers. The Austin Half Marathon purse will total $5,000 and award the top three male and female finishers. Interested athletes can review the program’s standards and submit an application on the website. High Five Events. owns and produces Austin Marathon. James Ngandu (1:04:32) and Caroline Rotich (1:13:24) won the 2019 Austin Half Marathon.

3M Half Marathon – January 19th

“Austin Half Marathon is the perfect final tune-up heading to the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials because it simulates what Olympic hopefuls will run in Atlanta,” said Joey Whelan, 2018-19 Austin Marathon and 2018 3M Half Marathon champ. “3M Half Marathon provides a fast course where elites who might want a longer recovery period can test race-day strategies.”

The 3M Half Marathon, produced by High Five Events, boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 26th year running in 2020. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course that features a 300+ ft. elevation drop from start to finish. There is no official Elite Athlete Program nor is prize money awarded. Elites that wish to run must meet standards set forth by the Austin Marathon and email [email protected]. Michael “Slim” Morris (1:07:19) and Jessica Harper (1:14:23) won the 2019 3M Half Marathon.

Free 5K Training Plan for Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K

in Blog post

FREE 12-week 5K training plan to get you ready for Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K

Professional triathlete and coach Paul “Barny” Matthews constructed a free 5K training plan for 2020. Don’t worry, the plan will still get you ready for the 2021 Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K benefiting Paramount Theatre on February 14th! Whether you’re new to running or returning from a lengthy absence, download this free 12-week 5K training plan and toe the start line with confidence. Barny is the coach of Heather Lieberg, 2019 Austin Marathon female champ (2:42:27) and 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier.

Are you running the Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon? Download Barny’s free marathon or half marathon training plan today!

Register for the Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K!

Train for your 5K with a pro

Barny is a world-class triathlete, winning or placing at numerous IRONMANs and 70.3s. He broke onto the triathlon scene at the 2014 IRONMAN Asia Pacific Championship in Melbourne. The native Australian finished second in his home country with a time of 8:02:14. He ran the marathon portion of the triathlon (final portion) in 2:44:09! During the marathon, Barny averaged 6:26 min/mile after swimming 2.4 miles and cycling 112 miles! His coaching style provides athletes with a blend of training knowledge he’s learned first-hand. Barny also includes lessons he’s been taught from other world-class runners and triathletes. Barny lives in Austin, but coaches athletes around the world.

This downloadable plan is geared for runners who’ve just discovered running or are returning from a lengthy absence. You can customize this training plan yourself by adjusting the specific workouts and their days to fit your busy life.

Pro tip: when you have a rest day, take it!

Take your training to the next level and contact Matthews today for personalized coaching. Make sure you ask for his special Austin Marathon coaching rate! Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see where he’s training and join him for a workout.

Enter your email to download the KXAN Simple Health 5K training plan!

Austin Marathon Named Champion of Economic Impact for Second Year

in Press Release

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

in Blog post, Explore Austin

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.

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