Tag Archive for: Austin Half Marathon

PROfile: Rachel Baptista, 2019 Austin Half Marathon Elite Athlete Program

Rachel Baptista has overcome injuries and is ready to race the Austin Half Marathon

Rachel Baptista has been accepted to the Austin Half Marathon’s Elite Athlete Program. She will compete against other top runners for a prize purse that totals $26,000 on Feb. 17, 2019. Baptista gives some insight as to who she is below. Run with her on race day, cheer her on, or watch the FloTrack live stream on race day from anywhere in the world.

About Rachel Baptista

Rachel Baptista, Austinite and 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier.

Rachel Baptista, Austinite and 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier.

Half marathon PR (1:12:39)

Born and raised in Austin, so I guess that makes me a unicorn in modern Austin terms! I ran for Austin High School, Go Maroons! After high school, I attended and ran for The University of Colorado and The University of Tulsa. I endured quite a few injuries in college. I’m healthy again and have figured out the right mix of high-level, healthy training. When I’m not running I work at Rogue Running. I enjoy the finer things in life like chips and queso, playing with my bulldog Chunky, hanging out with my homies, and listening to Justin Bieber.

*Earned “B” standard for 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials at 2018 Silo District Half Marathon (1:12:39)

Training tip: Find awesome peeps to run with that will push you and inspire you to go places you didn’t think you could. One thing that helps me get up at 4:45 in the morning is knowing I’ll get to do one of my favorite things with some of my favorite people. #bettertogether

Race day tip: Keep it simple and don’t over complicate it. That is one of the biggest things I have learned about racing. I used to get so nervous and psych myself out. Now I try to stay as relaxed as possible, almost like I am not even about to run a race. I make sure to have friends and good music around me to try and enjoy the moment. In the end, you are just putting one foot in front of the other, no need to overthink it!

Social media: Facebook and Instagram

Austin Marathon Announces First Round of Accepted Elite Runners

Elite runners will compete during race weekend for a prize purse that totals $26,000

Elite runners will compete for $26,000 at the 2019 Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Jocelyn Todd accepts her award for finishing 3rd place at the 2018 Austin Half Marathon.

Introducing the first round of accepted elite runners for the 2019 Austin Marathon® presented by Under Armour®. Elite runners not accepted into the Elite Athlete Program are still invited to run in the Elite Field. Returning for its third year in a row, this opportunity creates a competitive field of male and female elite runners while discovering emerging talent, pushing the entire talent pool to reach Olympic standards. The Program’s Year Three prize purse totals $26,000. FloTrack’s live coverage highlights the competition amongst elite runners, following male and female marathoners and half marathoners.

I’m excited to return to Austin again this year!” said Jocelyn Todd, 3rd place female at the 2018 Austin Half Marathon (1:17:19). “The steep competition, rolling course, excellent organization, and awesome crowd make the event a great component to my race schedule.

The first round of 2019 marathoners include:

  • Daniel Bishop – Elite Athlete Program (3rd place 2018 Austin Marathon – 2:26:27)
  • Jameson Mora – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
  • Beth Marzigliano – Elite Field (3rd place 2017 Run for the Red Marathon – 2:58:58)
  • Nadia Tamby – Elite Field (3:00:56 at 2018 LA Marathon)
  • Cole Toepfer – Elite Field (1:12:23 at 2018 Garry Bjorkland Half Marathon)
Elite runners will compete for $26,000 at the 2019 Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Daniel Bishop crosses the 2018 Austin Marathon finish line in 3rd place.

The first round of 2019 half marathoners include:

  • Jocelyn Todd – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
  • Rachel Baptista – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
  • Ryan Root – Elite Athlete Program (2nd place 2018 Austin Half Marathon – 1:08:51)
  • Megan Smith – Elite Athlete Program (2:50:19 at 2017 Twin Cities Marathon)
  • Matt McCurdy – Elite Field (2018 Austin Marathon Masters Champion – 2:42:27)
  • Brooke Torres – Elite Field (1:25:22 at 2018 3M Half Marathon)
  • Callie Bartel – Elite Field (1:25:16 at 2017 Marquette Half Marathon)

The first round of 2019 Manzano Mile participants include:

  • Cameron Villarreal – Elite Field (2017 Charlie Thomas Invitational – 4:04.6)
  • James Heilman – Elite Field (4:26.8 at 2018 Texas A&M Aggie Twilight)

“The 2018 elite field provided competitive racing, highlighted by Allison Macsas qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials (2:43:11),” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re excited about the growth of this program and look forward to many more elites running the streets of Austin.

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. Applications are arriving daily. More than 50 applications have been submitted. We will announce the second round of elite runners in a few weeks. Applications are still being accepted and elite marathoners can apply on the Austin Marathon’s website. Athletes that meet the program’s standards and are accepted will be given one comp entry to the 2019 Austin Marathon or half marathon, reimbursement eligibility, and standards bonuses.

4 Reasons to Have a Training Partner

The right training partner can make all the difference when preparing for longer distances

Don’t train alone! Finding at least one training partner can make all the difference. Perhaps it’s your neighbor, your best friend, or someone you meet through the Austin Marathon Facebook Group. However you met, your training partner just might be the most valuable asset in your training regimen.

So if you don’t have a training partner yet, read the four reasons you need one below.

1. Accountability

Being held accountable provides the extra jolt needed to get all your workouts in, this is especially beneficial if you’re adjusting your schedule to incorporate new training times. You’re less likely to hit the snooze button if you know someone is supposed to meet you for your morning run. Accountability is more than just meeting up to run. It should also include taking care of your body by incorporating proper nutrition and recovery.

2. Positive reinforcement

During training, there are a lot of smaller goals to meet before you reach the start line. Celebrate those achievements! A training buddy will be there for you with a high five when you finally hit a faster pace or when you reach your new long run goal. It also feels good to be there for someone else and to know that you are helping them meet their goals.

3. Push the boundaries

It’s easier to be complacent if you’re training alone. A training buddy will be there to push you. You can set up challenges for each other and help push the envelope of what you thought possible. Nothing like some friendly competition.

4. It is more fun

It really is that simple. Keep running as part of your life if it is something you enjoy.

Looking for someone to be your training buddy? Try posting in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group.

Under Armour, Inc. Returns as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2019 Austin Marathon

The Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour will take place on February 17, 2019

High Five Events is excited to announce Under Armour, Inc. has returned as the presenting sponsor of the Austin Marathon®. The Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour will take place on February 17, 2019. The partnership will showcase Under Armour’s innovative performance products to runners from around the world, highlight their brand’s continued support of the sport of running, and provide finishers an opportunity to recover post-race in the Under Armour Recovery Zone.The 2019 Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour.

“Under Armour is thrilled to be back as presenting sponsor of the Austin Marathon—it is one of the highlights of the year for us and for the running community,” said Josh Rattet, General Manager of Under Armour Run. “The city of Austin and its dedicated running community truly offer an unprecedented experience for runners from all over the world, and UA Run is proud to support them.”

Partnership furthers both brands’ ability to positively impact the running community for second year

Under Armour will outfit 18,000 participants and 2500 race volunteers with their HeatGear® running shirts. Additionally, they’ll provide the 30-member Austin Marathon pace team with the newly-designed UA HOVR performance running footwear and race kits. Under Armour’s community involvement will deepen as Austin Marathon-related events are confirmed in the months leading up to race day.

“By extending our partnership with @underarmour we’re both continuing our commitment to support runners from around the world and celebrate their race-day achievements,” said @JackSBR1, co-owner of @highfiveevents. Share on X

2019 will mark the Austin Marathon’s 28th year running in the capital of Texas. 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. 

Register for the 2019 Austin Marathon pres. by Under Armour