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Austin Gives Miles: Where Miles and Meaning Meet

Introducing Austin Gives Miles

It’s been reported that less than 1% of the world’s population has run a marathon, roughly seven million people (give or take). There’s an even smaller number of people who run marathons that need to be celebrated; those who run their race on behalf of a charity. Enter Austin Gives Miles, the Official Charity Program of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Austin Gives Miles gives runners from around the world the opportunity to give back to local and national nonprofits. This is accomplished by fundraising in conjunction with their race. Participants can raise funds while training for the marathon, half marathon, 5K, or Manzano Mile.

The concept isn’t unique to the running world. Charity endurance programs are a popular mechanism for charitable organizations to raise money for their causes. What is unique to Austin Gives Miles is that the program celebrates the local charities that make Austin great. Some of these Austin nonprofits rescue dogs, combat homelessness through running, and tackle cancer. Austin Gives Miles has a mission that will tug at your heartstrings and add even more meaning to your miles.

Lance Armstrong, Charity Chaser

The great part about Austin Gives Miles is that no fundraising effort is too small or large. Austin Gives Miles charities are proud, enthusiastic, and supportive of every runner that runs for their cause. Sure, large donations and lots of fundraising dollars are great, but Austin Gives Miles charities celebrate every runner, every connection, and every contribution to their mission. The program is even more exciting this year with the announcement that Lance Armstrong will run the 2019 Austin Marathon on behalf of Austin Gives Miles.

Lance is an Austinite, philanthropist, cyclist, and an avid runner. He is founder and owner of WEDŪ, a content destination designed to provoke and equip people to embody an endurance lifestyle. Lance is the 2019 Charity Chaser, a program started five years ago to raise awareness for Austin Gives Miles. This year, Lance will start the marathon in last place. He will raise money for every marathoner he passes on his 26.2-mile journey. The money raised will be evenly split between the local charities who work hard to make Austin Gives Miles a huge success.

If you are looking for a way to add even more meaning to your miles this February 17th, check out Austin Gives Miles. You can make a donation, support Lance, or raise funds for one of the 30 Austin charities.

Austin Marathon Set to Join Forces with KXAN

KXAN, the Austin-based NBC affiliate, to host FloTrack’s live race-day coverage

High Five Events introduces KXAN as the Official Media and News Coverage of the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour®. In addition to hosting FloTrack’s live coverage, KXAN will have an exclusive media zone and provide live shots and on-air talent on race day. The Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019.

“We’re proud to support the Austin Marathon through our station-wide initiative, Simple Health,” said Eric Lassberg, Vice President and General Manager of KXAN. “By highlighting all events during Austin Marathon weekend, including the Austin Marathon 5K, we hope to raise awareness for Central Texans on fun ways to be active within their community.”

KXAN is the Austin, Texas, NBC affiliate. They’re committed to providing Central Texans valuable and local news coverage through its in-depth, investigative brand. KXAN’s Simple Health is a new public service initiative. It’s focused on providing its viewers with healthy living and wellness tips across all KXAN platforms.

“We’re excited to work with KXAN and expand the Austin Marathon’s media footprint,” Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their involvement will expand beyond live coverage and stories as many of their staff will run on race day.”

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.

Austin Marathon Cooks Up Partnership with Z’Tejas

Z’Tejas will cater Hilton VIP Experience at Austin Marathon

High Five Events announces Z’Tejas will cater the Hilton VIP Experience at the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour®. Z’Tejas will provide Southwestern cuisine and refreshments at the finish line VIP. The Hilton VIP Experience, which includes VIP access at the start and finish lines, can be purchased for the current price of $99. The Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Z'Tejas will cater the Hilton VIP Experience at the Austin Marathon.

“Z’Tejas is pleased to serve our great southwest cuisine for the Hilton VIP Experience at this year’s Austin Marathon,” said Randy Cohen, owner of Z’Tejas. “We are proud to be a part of and to have supported the Austin community with events like these over the past 30 years.”

Z’Tejas, founded in Austin in 1989, serves Southwestern cuisine with bold, flavorful twists. Their chefs work hard to create authentic, memorable dishes with only the best, fresh ingredients. Mexican classics like Chili Pork Verde, tender Carne Asada, and Grilled Shrimp Tostada Bites can be found on the menu. Customers can also enjoy Asian and Caribbean-fusion dishes like Cast Iron Skillet Dumplings and Jerk Chicken Salad. Freshness, quality and a commitment to hand-crafted cuisine are present in every delicious bite.

Z’Tejas at the Austin Marathon

“We want to give our VIP guests a taste of Austin after they cross the finish line, especially those who come from outside of Texas,” Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Z’Tejas and their dishes reflect what Austin’s all about – innovative, vibrant, and welcoming – and we’re glad they’re involved with Austin Marathon.”

The Hilton VIP Experience at the finish line features views of the marathon and half marathon finish lines, Z’Tejas catered lunch, adult beverages, and live music. The pre-race VIP is next to the start line. It offers private restrooms, pre-race breakfast and drinks, and a separate gear bag check. Everyone who purchases the Hilton VIP Experience will also receive 20% off exclusive Austin Marathon gear at the expo.

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.

Austin Marathon Honored as a 2018 Champion of Economic Impact

Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism awarded by Sports Destination Management

The Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour is proud to be named a 2018 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports tourism by Sports Destination Management. The Austin Marathon, produced by High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, injected $37.5 million into the Austin economy during race weekend, a $3.1 million (8 percent) increase from 2017. High Five Events partnered with the expert faculty at St. Edward’s University’s Bill Munday School of Business to calculate the findings.

“The Austin Marathon’s annual multi-million dollar economic impact benefits Austin and stimulates our local economy,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “We’re proud to host one of the country’s top marathons, one that annually attracts runners from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. More runners are realizing there’s no better city to recover in!”

Other large-market champions include 2018 NCAA Final Four, 2018 NFL Draft, and The Honda Classic. 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 2018 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 $700 million to the national economy over the past year.

Austin Marathon contributed $37.5 million to the Austin economy in 2018

“The Austin Marathon is an excellent example of a sports event that showcases the City of Austin and offers multiple options that appeal to everyone, from the veteran endurance runner to the person who is dipping a toe into the waters of racing for the first time,” Mary Helen Sprecher, Managing Editor, Sports Destination Management. “The fact that this event has such a positive economic impact only reinforces the value of these events to the city and to the greater fitness community as a whole.”

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.