Tag Archive for: Charity Chaser

2018 Austin Marathon Names Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser

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High Five Events announces Ricky Doyle, Spectrum News Sports Director, as the official Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser for the 2018 Austin Marathon®. Doyle will make his marathon debut, begin as the final runner, and earn $1.00 for a chosen Austin Gives Miles Charity for every marathoner he passes.

“One of my favorite things about Austin is how active the city and our local running scene is,” said Doyle. “To team up with the Austin Marathon, run our city’s iconic race, and raise a lot of money for local charities is an honor and I can’t wait for race day. Watch out runners, I’m coming for you!”

Charity Chaser

Ricky Doyle – 2016 3M Half Marathon (1:29:32).

Ricky Doyle is an avid runner and has been with Spectrum News for 11 years, including the last seven years as Sports Director. He completed his undergraduate degree from Boston College and earned his master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Doyle earned his half marathon PR at the 2009 3M Half Marathon (1:27:44). He lives in Austin with his wife Cortnee and their one-year-old son Beckham, plus two dogs and a cat. Beckham is a frequent companion on his training runs.

“We’re thrilled to have Ricky as our 2018 Charity Chaser and we know he’s just as excited,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Charity Manager. “Ricky’s willingness to contribute his miles and platform to positively impact Austin Gives Miles will help us surpass our goals!”

This is the fourth year that the Charity Chaser has started as the final participant on behalf of Austin Gives Miles. In addition to starting last and raising money for a charity on race day, Doyle will generate awareness for the Austin Gives Miles Program, engage all 29 Official Charities, and help the AGM Program surpass its goal of $750,000. Last year’s Charity Chaser, CBS Austin Chief Meteorologist Chikage Windler, started the marathon last and finished in 4:26:39, good for 926th place. High Five Events donated $1.25 for every runner she passed, donating $3,671.25 for Camp Kesem – University of Texas.

Austin Gives Miles contributed more than $637,000 to the Central Texas community through its fundraising efforts during the 2017 Austin Marathon. The Moody Foundation pitched in and matched contributions made, up to $10,000, for each organization. In addition to the funds and awareness raised, last year’s Austin Gives Miles Official Charities recruited more than 500 runners and provided more than 1500 volunteers.

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.

Austin Marathon Makes Donation to Camp Kesem – UT

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The Austin Marathon® presented by NXP is proud to present Camp Kesem – University of Texas with a donation of $3,671.25. Camp Kesem is receiving this donation because they won a month-long Austin Gives Miles social media contest that determined Chikage Windler, CBS Austin Chief Meteorologist, would run the marathon on behalf of their organization. Austin Gives Miles is the Official Charity Program of the Austin Marathon. The check presentation will take place on Monday, March 27th, at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Texas State Capitol, near the Austin Marathon finish line.

On February 19, Windler was the final marathoner to begin the Austin Marathon and finished in 926th place. Despite warmer than normal temperatures, the avid runner finished in 4:26:39 and earned $1.25 for every marathoner she passed. Windler was the first female Charity Chaser and was exceptional in her role, lending her platform within the Austin community and increasing awareness for Austin Gives Miles’ efforts.

“It’s one thing to run for yourself, but there’s a whole other level of determination when you know every person you pass gets Camp Kesem more money for its programs that help kids deal with a parent’s cancer,” said Windler. “It was hot and it was hilly and the crowd support was fantastic. I am so proud to have #runlikethewindler as the Austin Marathon’s Charity Chaser!

Camp Kesem at University of Texas at Austin was founded in 2011. They support children affected by a parent’s cancer in the Austin community by providing a week-long summer camp experience and year-round peer support. Camp Kesem at University of Texas at Austin is operated by 75 student volunteers and serves 150 campers aged 6-16. They also offer a CIT (Counselor In Training) program in which campers aged 16-17 can apply for and prepare to become a counselor.

“Having Chikage as our Charity Chaser was an amazing experience,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Program Coordinator. “She took what it means to be a Charity Chaser to the next level not only for Camp Kesem – UT, but for all of Austin Gives Miles.”

The 2018 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. With start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, and within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, the Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Participants can register for the marathon, half marathon, or 5K starting on June 1st.