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2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Registration Opens June 1st

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2020 Austin Marathon prepares for runners from around the world

Registration for the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour® officially opens Saturday, June 1st. The 29th Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2020, in Austin, Texas. Earlier this year, Austin’s premier running event featured more than 16,000 participants from all 50 states and 38 countries. Planning for 2020 began months ago so participants can chase their PR, meet their goals, and celebrate at the three-block-long finish line festival in front of the Texas State Capitol on February 16, 2020.

“We’re proud to share the City of Austin with participants from all over the world and provide them with an experience that lives with them forever,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Vigorous planning has been underway since the final participant crossed the finish line and we can’t wait to share the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon with the world!”

2020 Austin Marathon perks

Those who register before the first price increase on Monday, June 10th, will receive a free customized nameplate for their finisher medal. Finishers of the Austin Marathon will receive a custom Under Armour long sleeve finisher’s shirt. On course, participants will enjoy 22 fully stocked aid stations, two fuel zones, thousands of cheering spectators, and live music. When runners cross the finish line, they can celebrate at a three-block-long party that will feature the Under Armour recovery zone, a beer garden, local food trucks, Jumbotrons displaying FloTrack’s live coverage, and hours of live music.

Giving back

Austin Gives Miles aims to surpass the $1,187,000 raised for 36 Central Texas nonprofits in 2019. A search is underway to replace Lance Armstrong as Charity Chaser and carry his momentum into 2020. The Charity Chaser will begin the marathon as the final participant and earn money for every marathoner they pass. For the fourth year in a row, AGM was the recipient of a generous matching grant from The Moody Foundation.

Elites

The Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Program will return for 2020. The application process will open during the summer. Joey Whelan (2:17:03) successfully defended his title as Austin Marathon champion. Heather Lieberg (2:42:27) claimed the female crown as the Austin Marathon female champion. Both athletes easily hit the Olympic Marathon Trials B standard. James Ngandu (1:04:32) and Caroline Rotich (1:13:24) were the male and female half marathon champions. All the action was streamed live through the Austin Marathon’s continued partnership with FloTrack.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas on February 16, 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.

The initial pricing structure follows: Austin Marathon ($109), Austin Half Marathon ($89), Austin Marathon 5K benefitting Paramount Theatre ($39). Participants can register for any distance and the Austin Marathon VIP Experience beginning June 1st.

5 Reasons to Run 26.2 Miles

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There are many reasons to run 26.2 miles in Austin, here are 5

Why run 26.2 miles? Because you can! So many people think that a marathon is beyond their capabilities, but people of all shapes, ages, and abilities have successfully run 26.2 miles. Registering for the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour, training over the next few months, and crossing the finish line on Feb. 16, 2020, will show you that you can tackle almost anything if you put your mind to it.

1. 2020 finisher shirts!

In addition to all the other perks, like belt buckle finisher medals, all 26.2 finishers will receive a custom, long-sleeve Under Armour finisher shirt. This design will be unique for 2020, make sure you add it to your collection.

2. Self-confidence boost

Once you complete a marathon, other challenges you face will be easier in comparison. That feeling when you cross the finish line will give you an amazing confidence boost that you can carry for the rest of the year.

3. Raise money for charity

Austin Gives Miles charities and their runners raised more than $1 million in 2019! You can be a part of the journey to try and increase that number for 2020. To run the 26.2 miles is a tremendous achievement, but to do it for charity makes it doubly rewarding.

4. See Austin like never before

Whether you have lived in Austin your entire life or are visiting for the first time, there is no better way to experience it than by running the Austin Marathon. Experiencing the streets with no stoplights as you explore the different neighborhoods and iconic landmarks will make you love Austin even more.

5. Improve your fitness

Yes, you can improve your fitness without running a marathon. But having a race on the calendar will give you the motivation to keep working on your fitness goals. Running is great cardio and requires little to no equipment to get started.

So what are you waiting for? Register now and tell your friends you are training for the 2020 Austin Marathon. Who knows, maybe a few of them will join you on your journey!

 

Austin Marathon Provides Lasting Memories for Thousands

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Thousands celebrate their Austin Marathon accomplishments at massive finish line festival

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon was the epicenter of the running world on Sunday, February 17th, showcasing one of the world’s top marathons. More than 16,000 participants registered for the Austin Marathon, Austin Half Marathon, and 5K. They traveled to Austin from all 50 states and 38 countries. Tens of thousands of spectators lined the Austin streets cheering on runners, waving hilarious signs, and providing endless energy. Joey Whelan (2:17:03) successfully defended his title as Austin Marathon champion. Austin Marathon female champion Heather Lieberg, who has already qualified for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials, ran a B standard qualifying 2:42:27.

“I’m grateful I was able to run the Austin Marathon and earn my second victory in as many years,” said Whelan, who bested his 2018 Austin Marathon winning time by four minutes and 34 seconds. “I appreciate the people of Austin for remembering me from last year and cheering for me and the other thousands of runners.”

FloTrack’s live coverage followed the champions and the men’s and women’s elite fields for the marathon and half marathon. Jameson Mora (2:20:21) and Will Christian (2:22:59) rounded out the men’s marathon field. The male half marathoners finishing in the top three consisted of James Ngandu (1:04:32), Gonzalo Parra Perez (1:05:36), and Austinite Mike Lowe (1:06:36).

“The Austin Marathon was all I thought it was going to be and more,” said Lieberg. “Such a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and despite a few personal hurdles, I was able to pull off a win;  thank you Austin!”

Anita Perez of San Antonio (2:47:56) and Khrystyna Bohomiahkova of Ukraine (2:49:05) finished the marathon second and third respectively. The top three female half marathon finishers were Caroline Rotich (1:13:24), Nicole Roberts (1:16:16), and Sarah Pease (1:16:24).

Aid stations hydrated runners with nuun performance, Gatorade handed out gels and chews at two fuel zones, and runners celebrated with friends and family at the three-block-long finish line festival. When runners crossed the finish line, they were treated to a huge party that consisted of the Under Armour recovery zone, Oskar Blues Austin beer garden featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka, food trucks, Jumbotron displaying FloTrack live coverage, and hours of live music.

Sunday was a picturesque day in Austin, helping thousands of runners achieve their goals and earn PRs. Participants consisted of first-timers and veterans pushing towards their respective finish lines.

“Crossing that finish line came with a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from excitement, pride, relief, and exhaustion as I was laughing and crying all at the same time,” said Carly Bormann, who finished in 4:18:02, earning an 80 minute and 49 second PR. “It was a moment that I was just grateful to share with so many amazing people who helped get me to that point.”

Lance Armstrong, Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser, was the final participant to cross the Austin Marathon start line. He earned money for 28 Central Texas nonprofits for every marathoner he passed. Armstrong began 22 minutes after the ringing of the start gong. He finished in 3:02:13 and passed all but 59 marathoners. Armstrong’s efforts have pushed Austin Gives Miles past their $1 million fundraising goal. Contributions can be made through the end of February.

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 the race so special. They would also like to thank title sponsor Ascension Seton, Under Armour, Camp Gladiator, Hilton of Austin, nuun hydration, Fleet Feet Austin, Oskar Blues Brewery, KXAN, woom bikes USA, SPIbelt, Dole, Z’Tejas, H-E-B, Gatorade, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Carvana, Life by Spot, Goodwill Central Texas, Alvies Boots, FloTrack, FinisherPix, Austin Massage Company, Boy Scout Troop 49, the City of Austin, Austin Police Department, Department of Public Safety, CapMetro, and Travis County EMS.

Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Continues Expansion Beyond Race Day

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Growth continues beyond race day for Austin Marathon

High Five Events continues to grow the footprint of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour® beyond race day. The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented several screenings of an award-winning documentary, is involved with several Under Armour runs and demos with the community, and added numerous new partnerships, activations, and race-weekend events. Nearly 16,000 runners from all 50 states and 35 countries will run the 28th annual Austin Marathon on Sunday, Feb. 17th.

“Our associates have been energized by this partnership. We have more than 350 Ascension Seton associates running in the various races and 80 medical team members supporting this weekend,” said Adam Bauman, vice president of business development at Ascension Seton. “I am excited how this partnership has woven Ascension Seton into the fabric of the Austin running community.”

Austin Marathon race week actually began on Friday, Feb. 8th, when the Austin Marathon presented several screenings of Skid Row Marathon, an award-winning documentary. There were two Q&As with the producers, Gabi and Mark Hayes, and one of the inspirations of the film, Judge Craig Mitchell. Under Armour will keep the party going during race week, demoing their HOVR shoe line at group runs hosted by various Austin running clubs. Their activations will culminate in the UA HOVR Shakeout Run on Friday, Feb. 15th. There are several official post-race parties where runners can keep the good times rolling after the finish line festival.

The two-day Austin Marathon Health & Fitness Expo (Feb. 15th – 16th) will feature more than 100 vendors, Official Austin Marathon Under Armour gear, and interactive activations. Some of these include: the Austin Marathon’s 1972 Winnebago, Ascension Seton’s sport medicine van, Carvana’s DeLorean, several photo booths, Mr. Peanut and the Planter’s NUTmobile, and various food samplings. Participants can get stretched, a quick massage, or taped for race day at several locations. They can also meet the Austin Marathon pace team and watch the course preview on the Jumbotron.

“The collective buzz during Austin Marathon race week has us excited to support numerous community engagements alongside some of the most influential groups in town,” said Ari Perez, Fleet Feet Austin’s Operating Partner. “The Eastside Beer Runners, RAW Running, and the UA HOVR Shakeout Run will offer runners opportunities to further connect with the community, all culminating in the weekend’s expo, races, and post-race fun.”

Saturday, Feb. 16th, is once again highlighted by the Manzano Mile presented by Dole, named for Leo Manzano, Austin Marathon Ambassador and Olympic silver medalist. Elites will race for a $6,000 prize purse, children will run in the Future Milers of America heat, and families will complete the untimed mile together. Also on Saturday is the newly added Raise Riders Family Bicycle Weekend. The inaugural event is presented by woom bikes USA and Buddy Pegs Media. There are two free children’s bike rides during the Manzano Mile. Families will enjoy family-friendly group rides, woom bike demos, Buddy Pegs Bicycle Playdates (for children 6 and under), author readings, raffles, bicycle scavenger hunts, and more.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 28th year running in the capital of Texas in 2019. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations in the heart of downtown Austin puts participants and spectators near all the action and within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and shops. Finishing with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as your backdrop is icing on the cake for the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is open for all distances.