Tag Archive for: Chikage Windler

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.

History Made at the 2017 Austin Marathon

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Kayleigh Williamson made history on February 19th at the 2017 Austin Marathon® presented by NXP. She became the first female participant with Down syndrome to complete the Austin half marathon. Despite warmer than normal temperatures, Williamson finished the 13.1-mile course in six hours and 23 minutes. All throughout the course, Kayleigh had thousands of cheering supporters, including a race official and a local police K-9 unit. She approached the finish line in a dead sprint surrounded by her mother, amazing friends, and her RunLab coaches.

Williamson and race official Rod Newlin. Credit RunLab.

“I loved the race and that I was able to race with all of my friends and inspire others,” said Williamson.

Roughly 125,000 participants, spectators, and volunteers enjoyed the 26th annual Austin Marathon, produced by High Five Events. Former Austinite Joe Thorne (2:32:05) and Austinite Allison Macsas (2:48:16) both won the marathon; while South Africa’s Sphamandla Nyembe (1:11:36) and former Austinite Allison Mendez (1:21:42) won the half marathon. FloTrack provided live coverage of the marathon and captured everyone as they crossed the finish line.

“Coming back to Austin was wonderful because it holds a special place in my heart,” said Thorne. “Being able to race and win the championship is amazing.”

Second and third place in the marathon for the men went to Daniel Bishop of Salt Lake City (2:33:02) and former Austinite Jared Carson (2:35:11). Central Park Track Club’s Caroline Veltri (2:58:36) and Austinite Jennifer Harney (3:07:26) finished the marathon second and third respectively.

Post-race Congress Ave.

“Although I’ve been involved in the Austin Marathon as a pacer for years, nothing could have prepared me for what a special experience it would be to race it for the first time,” said Allison Macsas, female marathon champ. “The local support out on the course and behind the scenes (thanks FloTrack!) was incredible, and played a huge part in carrying me through some very tough spots to the first marathon win of my life – a win made even more special by the fact that it was here at home!”

Adam Waldum of Cedar Park (1:12:33) and Nicholas Sterghos of Colorado Springs (1:16:05) finished second and third in Sunday’s half marathon. The second and third place females in the half marathon were Beth Panke (1:24:48) and Tracie Akerhielm (1:26:10).

FloTrack’s world-class coverage followed the men’s and women’s elite field throughout the race and watched as every participant crossed the line. At times they had a trio of announcers highlighting the Austin Marathon and interviewing staff, sponsors, and the winners live. Participants and spectators were both able to enjoy the enhanced finish line festival that included a beer garden, TriggerPoint Recovery Zone, two Jumbotrons that displayed FloTrack’s live coverage, and several local food trucks.

Macsas, Manzano, and Thorne. Credit – Manzano

Official Race Ambassador and two-time Olympian Leo Manzano pumped up the runners before they began their race. He was also the inspiration for the Manzano Mile, which was the final marathon, half marathon, and 5K. Manzano is known for his signature kick, which helped him win the silver medal at the London Games in 2012. Every participant kicked for their last mile and finished with the heart of a lion.

To cap off the amazing day Chikage Windler, CBS Austin Chief Meteorologist and Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser, started the marathon in last place. As the Charity Chaser, she ran on behalf of Camp Kesem – University of Texas and raised $1.25 for every marathoner she passed. She finished in 926th place and raised $3671.25.

“The weather didn’t do us any favors, but I was humbled to run on behalf Camp Kesem UT,” said Windler. “And I’m already looking forward to next year!”

Mr. Clemmer, Jack Murray, and Mayor Adler

Participants can see their results on the website and continue to share their amazing experiences on the Austin Marathon’s social media channels. For those planning ahead to February 18, 2018, next year’s registration is open and set at the low price of $90 (marathon) and $70 (half marathon). This amazing deal will be available until January 25th. Runners can find their race day photos on Marathonfoto.com. Search for ‘Austin Marathon 2017’ and enter your last name or bib number.

The Austin Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, sponsors, spectators and participants They would also like to thank NXP CEO Richard Clemmer, Mayor Steve Adler, silver medalist Leo Manzano, and former race directors John and Stacey Conley for their race day support.

Austin Marathon Announces Austin Gives Miles Contest Winner

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High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, is thrilled to announce that Camp Kesem at the University of Texas at Austin is the winner of the Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser contest. Chikage Windler, the Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser will start the Austin Marathon® presented by NXP last and run on behalf of Camp Kesem, earning $1.25 for every marathoner she passes.

“As the winner of the 2017 Austin Gives Miles month-long contest, we are thrilled to have Chikage Windler run the Austin Marathon on our behalf,” said Samantha Finkenstaedt, Camp Kesem Austin Gives Miles Liaison. “We’d like to extend our deepest and most profound thanks to all those who supported us throughout the competition and those who have continued to support us over the past 6 years since our chapter was first founded.”

During the month-long contest, Austin Gives Miles, the Official Charity Program of the Austin Marathon, raised $70,000 ($23K more than 2016), earned 19,705 votes (double from 2016), and received 2417 Facebook and 2511 Instagram likes. To win, Camp Kesem at the University of Texas at Austin raised $6,285, earned 8,299 online votes, and received 509 Facebook and 103 Instagram likes. It is possible to gain Instagram followers organically, but if you find that it is taking longer than you expected, the option to get free instagram followers is always out there.

“I’m proud of the work Camp Kesem put into winning this month-long contest,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Charity Manager. They, along with the other 26 charities, raised the bar and truly increased the awareness of what Austin Gives Miles is doing for Central Texas.

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.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 26th year running in the capital of Texas. 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 still register for the marathon, half marathon, or 5K.