Tag Archive for: Austinite

Meet High Five Events – The Team that Brings You the Austin Marathon

Meet High Five Events and learn about the folks behind the Austin Marathon

High Five Events is a unicorn, aka a native Austinite, born and raised in Austin. What began with the launch of a single triathlon in 2003 has now grown into one of the largest privately-owned event production companies in the United States. Meet High Five Events and you’ll see they’re endurance athletes themselves. They know what to expect from a world-class event experience. This fact, coupled with the staff’s 100+ combined years of event experience, is how they produce some of the country’s best events, like the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, 3M Half Marathon, and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. If you don’t know the crew, take some time to meet High Five Events!

Time to meet High Five Events!

Stacy Keese – founder, co-owner, Director of Marketing and Communications

Image of Stacy Keese at a triathlon. Read this blog to meet High Five Events.Stacy directed her first 5K/10K while still in high school. She graduated from Tulane University where she helped produce races for a local nonprofit. After moving back to Texas in early 2000, she quickly continued on this path with Jack Murray. They created Jack’s Generic Triathlon in 2003 and Rookie Triathlon in 2004. Many new events followed in the following years. Her eye for design and marketing knowledge keep High Five Events growing and looking towards the future of event productions. Aside from her love of all types of events, Stacy also enjoys learning about natural health and working on genealogy.

Jack Murray – founder, co-owner, Director of Sponsorships

Image of Jack Murray showing the peace sign at the 2017 3M Half Marathon. Read this blog to meet High Five Events.Jack is one of the founding partners of Jack & Adam’s Bicycles, High Five Events, and EventDog.com. From 2003 to 2016, Jack & Adam’s Bicycles was known from coast to coast as one of the main fitness hubs in Austin before selling to Bicycle World in 2016. Jack has been head mechanic for Team USA Triathlon since 2003, traveling around the world as support staff for Team USA. He also serves as Chair of the Board for the Austin Sports Commission. Jack is originally from Sinton. He ran the mile in high school and was a state champion in 1994. After high school, he ran track and cross country at Texas A&M Kingsville. Jack is also a partner in a few fine Austin establishments like Gibson Bar, The Wheel Bar, Burro Cheese Kitchen, TenTen, Devil May Care, and Mayfair. When Jack is not working on one of his many businesses, you can find him out and about with his wife and business partner, Stacy Keese. They’re always enjoying everything Austin has to offer, from running on Town Lake Trail to listening to live music at ACL.

Dan Carroll – founder, co-owner, Director of Operations

Image of Dan Carroll posing at an event in his High Five Events gear. Read this blog to meet High Five Events.Dan leads the operations team in which he is the master of checklists, course maps, site plans, equipment lists, truck schedules, and signage manifests. He has more than 15 years of full-time experience in endurance event production and has been the certified race director for several hundred triathlons, running races, and bike rides. Dan is USA Triathlon Level 2 Certified Race Director, the highest certification level that USA Triathlon offers. He was one of the first race directors in the country to achieve that certification. Prior to founding High Five Events, Dan worked at Trilogy Software. He has civil engineering degrees from Cornell University and Georgia Tech. Dan loves being outdoors. He spends his free time running, cycling, hiking, and building things with his wife and two daughters. Dan’s personal motto is “Attack the day.” That often drives his family crazy, but it sure comes in handy when setting up a racecourse starting at 1:30 in the morning.

Tina Teich – Marketing Manager

Image of Tina Teich and her husband, Alex, at 2017 Kerrville Triathlon. Image of John Chung at Rookie Triathlon. Read this blog to meet High Five Events.Tina started with the company in 2011 while working at Jack & Adam’s Bicycles. Prior to that, she spent three years managing a local wine bar while obtaining her bachelor’s degree at The University of Texas. Tina loves her job because it inspires others to invest in a healthy and active lifestyle. She enjoys the variety of different events owned and produced by High Five Events and finds adapting marketing strategies to each event’s personality to be a fun challenge. When not working with the best team in the business, Tina enjoys listening to audiobooks, training for triathlons, and playing outdoors with her daughter and husband.

John Chung – Event Manager and Course Lead

Image of John Chung at Rookie Triathlon. John was born in Canton, China, but got to Texas as soon as he could. He’s been in Austin since 1997. John began his career with High Five Events in 2012 as a part-time employee. He became full-time in 2015 and hasn’t looked back. John has a BS in aerospace engineering, but he never “uses” his degree. He entered the triathlon world in 2007 as a way to get back in shape. Getting in shape via triathlon is what eventually led to his position at High Five Events. John spends his spare time wrenching on his own car. Yes, he still swims, bikes, and runs whenever he gets the chance.

William Dyson – Communications Manager

Image of William Dyson posing with Megan Haynes, his wife. Read this blog to meet High Five Events.William is an Austinite Unicorn too. He broke into the running scene in 2007 as an intern for the Austin Marathon. He began working with High Five Events in 2016. William has his master’s degree in sport management and bachelor’s degree in mass communication. He has more than a decade’s worth of experience with communication, event, and program management, and media, community, and public relations. William’s role allows him to capitalize on his previous experience, utilize both degrees, and tap into his outgoing personality. He is a medium runner (shoutout to RAW Running), vinyl connoisseur, Cheesehead, and amateur backyard pitmaster. William and Megan, his stunning wife of nearly three years, and Napoli, their 8-year-old blue heeler, live in south Austin. 

Emily Stevens – Athlete Services Manager

Before Emily started with High Five Events, she admired it from afar for many years from multiple perspectives. She worked on the sponsor side as an event manager for Clif Bar; participated as an athlete, 2014 Rookie Tri was her first triathlon; and joined the part-time operations crew working the run and bike courses and managing the aid stations for three seasons. Emily became the full-time Athlete Services Manager in the spring of 2017. She thoroughly enjoys interacting with athletes and helping them get ready for race day! And she’s honored to work side-by-side with such a dynamic team of brilliant, hands-on, work-your-butt-off team members. When Emily isn’t working, she watches her husband fence (with swords), endures his relentless telling of puns, or watches him and their 12-year-old build computers. They also LOVE taking their dogs on hikes around the Austin.

Scott Moore – Site and Supply Manager

Image of Scott Moore and his famous moustache. Scott and his sweet handlebar moustache have been with High Five Events since September 2017. He was born in Mesquite, Texas, and was all-state track and cross country and Poteet High School. He also graduated from Texas Tech University where he ran on the track and cross country teams for two years. In his free time, Scott plays hockey, rides his motorcycles, listens to podcasts, and hikes with his Chocolate Lab Milo. His favorite professional sports teams are the Dallas Stars and San Fransisco 49ers.

Laura Gomez – Volunteer Manager

Image of Laura Gomez, High Five Events Volunteer Manager. Laura has been the Volunteer Manager at High Five Events since 2018. She was born in Bogota, Colombia, and moved to Austin after graduating from high school. Throughout middle school and high school, Laura was fortunate to learn four languages and experience different cultures. She’s currently finishing her master’s degree in recreation management. If she’s not studying or working she’s likely working out, reading, eating ice cream (Amy’s Ice Cream sweet cream with rainbow sprinkles is her jam), or taking a nap.

 

Explore Austin and Visit these 6 Places along the Austin Marathon Course

6 Places where you can explore Austin along miles 13-18

This list of 6 places to visit along miles 13-18 of the Austin Marathon course provides a glimpse of Austin before all the skyscrapers and traffic congestion. Take a step back in time and understand some of our city’s history and how Austin came to be the Live Music Capital of the World. Perfect for Austin Marathon weekend or when friends and family visit during the summer. Make sure you explore Austin when you’re in town and take home a souvenir or two from these spots!

Check out our list of places to visit along miles 13-18 of the Austin Marathon course the next time you explore Austin.

The UT Tower.

Looking for more places to explore Austin? Check out our other lists of favorite places along the eastern, southern, and western portions of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon course.

The UT Tower (Mile 13)

This is one of The University of Texas’ most distinguished landmarks and it was completed in 1937. At 307 feet tall, The UT Tower (110 Inner Campus Drive) towers above campus and watches Austin Marathoners as they run by campus for the first time. The Eyes of Texas will truly be upon you on February 16th! Learn about the Tower’s different lighting configurations and schedule a tour of the UT Tower.

23rd St. Artists’ Market (Mile 13)

Check out a few of our favorite murals at this open-air arts and crafts market (2300 Guadalupe Street). It’s open seven days a week, but the best days to visit are Thursday through Sunday. Local artists sell their handmade work at Austin’s original outdoor art market. You’ll find a piece of Austin to take home with you!

Hole in the Wall (Mile 13.5)

When one visits the Live Music Capital of the World, one must visit Hole in the Wall (2538 Guadalupe Street). Hole in the Wall was founded in 1974 and the likes of Townes Van Zandt, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lucinda Williams, Gary Clark Jr., St. Vincent, and so many other megastars have graced the stage. So many more that we had to stop listing them in this blog! Grab some grub, order a beer, and enjoy some live music.

Antone’s Record Stop (Mile 13.5)

Image of a classic car in front of Antone's Record Shop. Check out our list of places to visit along miles 13-18 of the Austin Marathon course the next time you explore Austin.

Antone’s Record Shop, an Austin original since 1987. Credit – Antone’s Record Shop Facebook.

Clifford Antone opened the doors of Antone’s Record Shop (2928 Guadalupe Street #101) in the summer of 1987. The shop, another Austin original, is in its original location and contains one of Austin’s largest selections of used vinyl. This is a great place to dig for records, especially if you’re looking for music with a heavy emphasis on blues and Texas artists. 

Elisabet Ney Museum (Mile 15.5)

Elisabet Ney is an iconoclastic German sculptor who moved to Austin in 1882. The building that is the Elisabet Ney Museum (304 E. 44th Street) is her former studio. Ney was also an early leader of the Texas Women’s Movement and a Civil Rights advocate. The museum offers exhibits, special events, workshops, and more. Admission is free.

Hancock Recreation Center and Golf Course (Mile 16.5)

The Hancock Recreation Center (811 E. 41st Street) is named after Lewis Hancock. He brought golf to Austin in 1889. In 1951, the Austin Country Club moved and the land was designated as dedicated park land. Today, the Hancock Rec Center offers varying programs like fitness, dance, youth summer camps, and more. The Hancock Golf Course is a 9-hole, par-35 course.

You have everything you need to explore Austin! This is a great opportunity to check out the course and learn about Austin’s history, whether you’re an Austinite or visiting for the first time. Make sure you double-check their hours before you leave the house. Do you have a spot along mile 13-18 that you love? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

6 Awesome Austin Places You Can Visit On the Marathon Course

Experience Austin when you visit these 6 locations along miles 6-13

Austin is growing, but that doesn’t mean it’s losing some of its more well-known locations. Whether you’re a bookworm, trying to play a round of golf, or looking for some new shoes, we cover six must-visit locations along miles 6-13 of the Austin Marathon course. If you’re an Austinite, just moved here, or planning to visit during Austin Marathon weekend, put these places along miles 6-13 on your to-visit list!

View from the top floor of the Austin Central Library, located near Miles 6-13 of the Austin Marathon course.

View from the top Austin Central Library’s top floor.

1. Auditorium Shores

This slice of heaven in downtown Austin is home to the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial Statue and the Zero Mile Marker, a common meeting place for runners. You can start here and run an uninterrupted, 10-mile loop around Town Lake. Auditorium Shores (900 W. Riverside Dr.) is home to a leash-free dog park and numerous concerts and festivals. Auditorium Shores will be on your left at Mile 6.

2. Austin Central Library 

The Austin Central Library (710 W. Cesar Chavez St.) is one of the city’s newest jewels. In addition to its books, it features sweeping views of Town Lake. It’s also home to gallery space, a rooftop garden, downtown Austin’s largest solar installation, and a bar and cafe. In 2018, it was named one of the greatest places in the world by TIME. A Seaholm District staple, you’ll pass this beautiful 6-floor book hotel at Mile 6.5.

Runners test their speed on the Austin High Track, located near Miles 6-13 of the Austin Marathon course.

Runners test their speed on the Austin High Track.

3. Fleet Feet Austin

They opened their doors in July 2018 and have been so busy you’d swear they haven’t closed them since. Fleet Feet Austin (211 Walter Seaholm Dr.) is a great place to get fitted for the shoes that are perfect for you. They’re also the Official Running Store of High Five Events, supporting athletes of all abilities. Visit Ari and his team and let them know the Austin Marathon sent you!

4. Austin High Track

Athletes of all levels have completed a speed workout or two at the Austin High track (2100 Stephen F. Austin Dr.). This includes Olympic athletes and runners training for their first marathon. It’s downtown location and proximity to the 10-mile hike-and-bike-trail makes it one of the most-used public tracks in the country. You’ll pass Austin’s fitness hub at Mile 7.5.

View of Deep Eddy Pool, located near Miles 6-13 of the Austin Marathon course.

Deep Eddy Pool is the oldest pool in Texas.

5. Deep Eddy Pool

This man-made swimming pool is the oldest in Texas and features a bathhouse built during the Depression era. Today, Deep Eddy Pool (401 Deep Eddy Dr.) is popular with swimmers for its lap swimming pool and families for its large wading pool. Clear, cold, non-chlorinated water from two different wells fills the pool. The water temperature varies from 66-75 degrees, making it usable year-round. Runners can find this watering hole near Mile 8.5 of the course.

6. Lions Municipal Golf Course

This is one of Austin’s most popular courses. Lions Municipal Golf Course (2901 Enfield Rd.) opened in 1924, making it the city’s first public golf course. This 18-hole course is listed on the Registration of National Historical Places by the National Park Service. Miles 8.5-10.5 wrap around the course as it reaches its furthest point west before participants turn easy, heading back downtown.

Miles 6-13 of the Austin Marathon course showcase some of Austin’s oldest and newest locations you need to visit. Whether you’re getting new shoes, checking out a book, or going for a swim, pay these places a visit! Reach out on Facebook or Twitter and let us know your favorite.

Olympian Leo Manzano Returns as Austin Marathon Race Ambassador

This is the second year in a row the two-time Olympian will be the Official Race Ambassador

High Five Events announces that Austinite and two-time Olympian Leo Manzano will return as the Official Race Ambassador for the 2018 Austin Marathon®. The partnership will continue to highlight Manzano’s community involvement in Austin, increase outreach to Central and South American runners, and showcase the Austin Marathon as one of the top races in the country.

“I’m thrilled to return as the Official Race Ambassador for the Austin Marathon, an event that means so much to this city,” said Manzano. “Thousands of people come from all over to challenge themselves on the streets of Austin and I can’t wait to cheer for them on race day.”

Image of Leo Manzano, Race Ambassador, with 2017 Austin Marathon champs Allison Macsas and Joe Thorne

Manzano (center) with 2017 Austin Marathon champs Allison Macsas (left) and Joe Thorne (right)

Manzano’s role with the Austin Marathon will also include event promotions, athlete recruitment, social media engagement, and attending in-person marathon-related events leading up to and including race weekend. Additional pre-race and race day activations are currently being planned. Manzano attended Marble Falls High School where he was a nine-time Texas 4A State champion in track and cross country. Manzano was accepted to The University of Texas and won five NCAA National Championships and was a nine-time All-American. The highly decorated track star is also a four-time USATF National Champion, seven-time Team USA member, two-time Olympian, and silver medalist in the 1500m at the 2012 Olympic Games, the first medal for USA in the 1500m since 1968.

“Leo had an enormous presence at the 2017 Austin Marathon and having him back as Official Race Ambassador was a simple decision,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “His dedication to the Austin Marathon and the sport is unwavering and it shows when he’s running with Austinites downtown, chatting with runners at the expo, and greeting participants at the start line.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 27th year running in the capital of Texas on February 18, 2018. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 20+ 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. Participants can register for the marathon, half marathon, or 5K.