Tag Archive for: Charity Chaser

2019 Austin Gives Miles Surpasses $1 Million Fundraising Goal

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2019 Austin Gives Miles provides an impactful platform for 36 Central Texas nonprofits

2019 Austin Gives Miles, the Official Charity Program of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon® presented by Under Armour, raised $1,187,000. The 36 Central Texas nonprofit organizations accepted into the program worked tirelessly to exceed the program’s fundraising goal. They also increased awareness for their organization and recruited race weekend volunteers. Lance Armstrong, charity chaser, was the final participant to cross the Austin Marathon start line. He elevated the program’s profile, helped surpass the $1 million fundraising goal, and passed all but 59 marathoners (3:02:13).

“We were proud to be an Austin Gives Miles Official Charity and use Back on My Feet’s connection with running to raise more than $20,000,” said Scott Merritt, Back on My Feet Austin Chapter Director. “We love seeing the program’s continued growth and the Austin Marathon’s ability to positively impact more Central Texas nonprofits.”

The Moody Foundation’s continued support makes a huge difference

For the fourth year in a row, Austin Gives Miles was the beneficiary of a grant from The Moody Foundation that matched donations for each organization, up to $10,000. The 2019 grant totaled $252,819, bringing their four-year grant total to $963,044. The money raised significantly impacts Central Texas and the communities the charities serve. Learn more about Austin Gives Miles and how your nonprofit can get involved. The application process is open for nonprofits interested in being involved with 2020 Austin Gives Miles.

“Raising $1,187,000 in yet another record-breaking year shows the generosity and giving spirit of the running community,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Charity Manager. “We wouldn’t have reached our goal if it weren’t for the everyday runners who gave their miles, the Moody Foundation for their gracious matching grant, and Lance being an amazing charity chaser.”

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. Participants can register for the Austin Marathon, Austin Half Marathon, or Austin Marathon 5K beginning June 1st.

Lance Armstrong Still Raising Funds for Austin Gives Miles

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Armstrong continues raising funds for Austin Gives Miles

Lance Armstrong, Charity Chaser for Ascension Seton Austin Marathon’s Austin Gives Miles, continues raising funds for the event’s official charity program after race day. Armstrong’s involvement elevated Austin Marathon’s support of the Austin community, enhanced Austin Gives Miles’ profile, and helped the program surpass its $1 million fundraising goal. You can still support Austin Gives Miles and 28 Central Texas nonprofits by donating to Armstrong’s Charity Chaser page through Friday, March 15th.

“It was an honor to begin the Austin Marathon in last place and help Austin Gives Miles surpass their $1 million fundraising goal,” said Armstrong. “Austin holds a special place in my heart and I’m fortunate that this opportunity allowed me to positively impact so many amazing Central Texas nonprofits.”

As Charity Chaser, Armstrong finished the Austin Marathon in 3:02:13

Lance Armstrong 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. Rewatch his podcast about preparing for the Austin Marathon and learn about his approach to being Charity Chaser.

“Lance has done a tremendous job in his role as Charity Chaser, taking the Austin Gives Miles program to another level,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re proud to surpass the $1 million fundraising goal and are excited to see how much further it will increase.”

Armstrong is a 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. Armstrong hosts two podcasts: The Forward, which features down to earth conversations between Armstrong and a myriad of personalities; and THEMOVE which offers listeners a rare, insider’s perspective on the world’s most iconic cycling races. WEDŪ also produces endurance cycling events Texas HŪNDRED and Aspen FIFTY.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas on Feb. 16, 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ 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 currently open and best pricing ends on Thursday, Feb. 28th.

2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Set for Epic Race Day

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The stage is set for Sunday, Feb. 17th, to be an epic race day

High Five Events is putting the final touches on what will be another memorable Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour®. The world-class event has many highlights, including a 2:45 pace group for female elites to hit the Olympic Marathon Trials B standard, Lance Armstrong as the Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser, a highly-competitive elite field, and the return of the FloSports livestream. Nearly 16,000 runners from all 50 states and 35 countries will run the 28th annual Austin Marathon on Sunday, Feb. 17th.

“Austin has such an amazing fitness community and we have a marathon that reflects that,” said Will Nation, member of the 2:45 pace group and 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier. “It’s my hope that I can assist talented individuals in achieving their goal of hitting an OTQ and demonstrate that the Austin Marathon is a race where you can do just that.”

The 2019 course is the same as when the Austin Marathon unveiled their new course in 2018. The course is designed to provide a better participant and spectator experience and allow enhanced traffic flow along the course, while still finishing with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as every runner’s backdrop. Race-day highlights include nuun performance at every aid station, two Gatorade nutrition stations, live music on course, athlete tracking, the infamous and energetic RunLab Bridge at Mile 7, and much more.

FloSports, a sports media based in Austin, Texas, will highlight the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon’s Elite Athlete Program by following the men’s and women’s elite leaders throughout the race. They will also have a camera capturing finishers as they cross the finish line. The 3-block-long finish line festival features the Under Armour recovery zone, the Oskar Blues Austin beer garden, live music, and several local food trucks. Austin’s own, Delivery Service, will rock two post-race sets. The two-day Austin Marathon expo will take place on Friday, Feb. 15th, and Saturday, Feb. 16th.

“Unveiling the new Austin Marathon course last year generated a lot of positive buzz, showcased Austin to runners from around the world, and propelled us to new heights in 2019,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Working with amazing sponsors like Ascension Seton and Under Armour has allowed us to further enhance our customer’s experience, making race day one they’ll talk about for some time.”

The following is a sample of the athletes in the Elite Field competing for the $20,000 prize purse: Joey Whelan (2020 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier), Anita Perez (2x Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier), Jameson Mora (2x Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier), Patrick Rizzo (4x Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier), Heather Lieberg (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier), Jocelyn Todd (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier), Ryan Miller (2x Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier), Samantha Calderon (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier).

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.

Lance Armstrong Named Charity Chaser for Austin Gives Miles

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Lance Armstrong will run 26.2 miles to benefit Central Texas nonprofits

High Five Events announces Lance Armstrong as the Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser for the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour®. Armstrong’s involvement will highlight Austin Marathon’s continued support of the Austin community, elevate Austin Gives Miles’ profile, and help surpass the $1 million fundraising goal. The Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 17th. Austin Gives Miles is the official philanthropic program of the Austin Marathon.

Lance Armstrong named Charity Chaser for the Austin Marathon's Austin Gives Miles program.“I’m honored to be the Charity Chaser and help Austin Gives Miles surpass it’s $1 million goal,” said Armstrong. “Training for the Austin Marathon has begun and I’m ready to amplify the positive effects Austin Gives Miles and its official charities have on our community.”

Lance Armstrong 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. Armstrong hosts two podcasts: The Forward, which features down to earth conversations between Armstrong and a myriad of personalities; and THEMOVE which offers listeners a rare, insider’s perspective on the world’s most iconic cycling races. WEDŪ also produces endurance cycling events Texas HŪNDRED and Aspen FIFTY. Armstrong has completed numerous marathons, half marathons, and triathlons.

“We’re thrilled to have Lance as the Austin Marathon Charity Chaser,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “The positive impact he’ll have means Austin Gives Miles will continue to raise its profile to better serve Central Texas nonprofits and AGM charities can raise more funds to better serve our community.”

Austin Gives Miles

During the 2018 Austin Marathon, Austin Gives Miles contributed more than $670,000 to the Central Texas community. The Moody Foundation pitched in for the third year in a row. They matched contributions made, up to $10,000, for each organization. Last year’s Austin Gives Miles Official Charities recruited more than 650 runners and provided more than 1500 volunteers.

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.