Tag Archive for: Austin Marathon

Austin Marathon Named Champion of Economic Impact for Second Year

in

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.

Austin Marathon and SPIbelt Continue 13-Year Partnership

in

SPIbelt first launched at the 2007 Austin Marathon

Runner crosses 2019 Austin Half Marathon finish line wearing an American flag SPIbelt. SPIbelt returns as the Official Race Belt of the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon.The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon welcomes the return of SPIbelt as the Official Race Belt. They will partner with Austin Marathon for community activations, product giveaways, and race-week engagement. SPIbelt first launched their small personal item belt at the 2007 Austin Marathon. The 29th annual Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 16, 2020.

“Austin Marathon weekend is a time when runners from all over the world travel to Austin to celebrate running,” said Kim Overton, SPIbelt founder and owner. “We love partnering with the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and are proud of every runner who will toe the start line on February 16th.”

First launched at the 2007 Austin Marathon

SPIbelt, the leader in fitness accessories and creator of the original small personal item belt, was founded in 2006 by Austinite Kim Overton. Its bounce-free products are well-known within the endurance sports industry. They conveniently carry keys, bottles, gels, and your phone while on the go. SPIbelt and Austin Marathon will team up at community events to support the running community. Visit the SPIbelt booth at the Austin Marathon expo to see their entire range of accessories. They’ll also have the new 2020 color palette and the all-new Dual Pocket PRO. The Dual Pocket PRO is equipped with two larger pocket sizes for even more storage.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with SPIbelt and to see the growth of their company since their launch at the 2007 Austin Marathon,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their team brings extra energy to Austin Marathon weekend. It’s cool to see all the different SPIbelts cross the finish line.”

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.

Run Austin Before Race Day with the RunBetter App

in

Participants can run Austin before race day on any treadmill

Image of the RunBetter app showing the Austin Half Marathon course. Participants can run Austin before race day with the RunBetter app.The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon’s partnership with the RunBetter app will allow every participant to run the courses virtually from anywhere in the world. Anyone with the app can run Austin before race day on any treadmill. Participants can run the entire course or specific segments. Courses include the Austin Marathon, Austin Half Marathon, or KXAN Simple Health 5K. The KXAN Simple Health 5K will be the first 5K featured on the training app. The 29th annual Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 16, 2020.

“RunBetter is excited to introduce all three courses to our treadmill training app, especially the KXAN Simple Health 5K, the first 5K to be featured on our app,” said Curt Mann, co-founder of RunBetter. “We love all things Austin Marathon and want every participant to prepare for their distance with our training app.”

Participants will have free access for one week to the courses they’ll complete on February 16th when they download the app. RunBetter enhances your training by providing access to top courses around the world with any treadmill. Next, they choose the course segment they’d like to run and their speed. They set their phone on the treadmill and start running. The RunBetter app will guide them through their specific course. It will alert them to adjust the incline on the treadmill to mimic the course elevation changes along the way.

Prepare for Feb. 16th with the RunBetter app

“Endurance athletes prepare for every detail possible leading up to Austin Marathon weekend: distance, hydration, nutrition, travel arrangements, post-race celebration, etc.,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Our partnership with RunBetter allows any participant to take that a step further and train for the course they’ll complete on February 16th.”

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.

Try these 7 South Austin Lunch Spots Along the Austin Marathon Course

in ,

These seven South Austin lunch spots are all Austin originals

South Austin is one big melting pot. This list of seven south Austin lunch spots perfectly exemplifies this! From grilled cheese to barbecue, everything on this list offers something different. If you’re visiting friends or making plans for the Austin Marathon, add these lunch places to your must-visit list. Check them out and Miles 1-6 of the Austin Marathon course at the same time! Want more south Austin recommendations? These lists of breakfast spots and coffee shops should get you started.

Picture of the Waylon & Willie from Burro Cheese, one of our favorite south Austin lunch spots along the Austin Marathon course.

Snag the Waylon & Willie! Credit – Burro Cheese Facebook.

Burro Cheese (Mile 1)

Don’t look at the name and dismiss this as a food for children. Burro Cheese (1221 S. Congress Ave.) is next-level and combines artisan cheeses, homemade sauces, and fluffy breads. Burro has served delectable grilled cheese sandwiches to the masses since February 2013. Whether you’re from Texas or just visiting, we strongly recommend the Long Tall Texan or the Waylon and Willie. 

Güero’s Taco Bar (Mile 1.5)

When Texas food is mentioned most people immediately think Tex-Mex and they wouldn’t be wrong. But Güero’s Taco Bar (1412 S. Congress Ave.) is just a bit different. They’ve prepared Mexican food with a hint of Tex-Mex for 30 years. Their menu can be overwhelming… in a good way. They have something for everyone, plus their tortillas and salsas are homemade. Whatever you decide to eat, wash it down with a hand-shaken margarita.

Picture of different pizza slices from Home Slice Pizza, one of our favorite south Austin lunch spots along the Austin Marathon course.

In crust we trust. Credit – Home Slice Facebook.

Home Slice (Mile 1.5)

This South Congress staple has the best of both worlds (1415 S. Congress Ave.): you can dine-in or you can call ahead and pick up your pie. Home Slice’s New York-style pizza is making the world a better place, one slice at a time. We can brag about their pizza all day, but their salads, subs, and calzones really make this joint the perfect place for friends to gather after the Austin Marathon. 

Lucy’s Fried Chicken (Mile 2)

Picture of a bucket of fried chicken from Lucy's, one of our favorite south Austin lunch spots along the Austin Marathon course.

Can’t go wrong with a bucket of fried chicken. Credit – Lucy’s Facebook.

Lucy’s (2218 College Ave.) is open seven days a week and their brunch is as legendary as their lunch. If you keep waffling on what to get, just order the Chicken Basket. You won’t be disappointed. Make sure you save room for dessert and their homemade pies! When you go there for lunch, you might want to set aside some time for a post-lunch siesta (nap)!

LeRoy and Lewis (Mile 3)

This once up-and-comer on the Texas barbecue scene has firmly established themselves as one of the best. They even made our top Austin barbecue spots list! LeRoy and Lewis (121 Pickle Rd.) offers non-traditional meats like beef cheeks and barbacoa. They pair them perfectly with their ever-rotating side options. You can still get your brisket on the weekends, but their masterful ability to smoke different meats allows you to expand your horizons. They change their menu a lot. Stay up-to-date with their Instagram!

Picture of the outdoor seating at Fresa's, one of our favorite south Austin lunch spots along the Austin Marathon course.

Sit underneath the massive shade trees at Fresa’s. Credit – Fresa’s Facebook.

Fresa’s (Mile 5)

The Tex-Mex at this Austin original (1703 S. 1st St.) is perfect for sharing with friends and family. If you’re thinking Fresa’s tacos are good then you are correct. Before you order, start off with the Chipotle Bacon Guacamole (you’re welcome). Looking for a vegetarian option? We recommend the Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Grilled Sweet Potatoes. If it’s a beautiful day, sit underneath the massive shade trees. Pro tip: this location offers happy hour prices all day every day to folks seated at the bar! 

Elizabeth Street Cafe (Mile 5.5)

Switch it up a bit at Elizabeth Street Cafe (1501 S. 1st St.). This Vietnamese cafe and French bakery opened in December 2011. They’ve served South Austin fresh-baked pastries ever since. You might think this is an odd combination, but try their pho and follow it up with something sweet. You’ll be hooked! They also have a full bar featuring different sakes and Japanese whiskeys.

We curated this list of south Austin lunch spots. Now the question is where do you begin? To tell you the truth, you can’t go wrong. Just pick a place and get started. Welcome to south Austin! Did your favorite south Austin lunch spot not make the list? Let us know what it is on Facebook or Twitter.