Tag Archive for: Elite Athlete Program

PROfile: Will Christian, 2019 Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Program

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Will Christian will race the Austin Marathon during his first trip to Texas

Will Christian has been accepted to the Austin Marathon’s Elite Athlete Program. He will compete against other top runners for a prize purse that totals $26,000 on Feb. 17, 2019. Christian is looking forward to his first trip to Texas, running the streets of Austin, and a post-race celebration that includes Texas BBQ. Run with him on race day, cheer him on, or watch the FloTrack live stream on race day from anywhere in the world.

Will Christian has been accepted to the Elite Athlete Program and will run the Austin Marathon.

Will Christian has been accepted to the Elite Athlete Program and will run the Austin Marathon.

About Will Christian

Marathon PR (2:19:13)

My name is Will Christian and I was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. I grew up in several different places due to my father being in the United States Navy. I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2006 and served six years active duty in the U.S. Navy. I’m currently serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves. I’m employed as an engineer for the City of Virginia Beach. My wife and I have a two-year-old son and we are expecting our second child in May of 2019! I love traveling, seeing new places, and meeting new people. Additionally, I enjoy daring activities, like skydiving, scuba diving, and zip lining. I have a goal to visit all 50 states before I’m 50 years old.

Champion and course record holder for 2018 Newport News One City Marathon (2:22:05)

Training tip: Don’t neglect speed training when training for a marathon and allow time for your body to rest.

Race day tip: Don’t try anything new (i.e. don’t wear brand new gear you haven’t worn before or eat something new the day of/day before a race.). Bonus tip: Don’t give up on yourself during the hard parts of the race!

PROfile: Rachel Baptista, 2019 Austin Half Marathon Elite Athlete Program

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Rachel Baptista has overcome injuries and is ready to race the Austin Half Marathon

Rachel Baptista has been accepted to the Austin Half Marathon’s Elite Athlete Program. She will compete against other top runners for a prize purse that totals $26,000 on Feb. 17, 2019. Baptista gives some insight as to who she is below. Run with her on race day, cheer her on, or watch the FloTrack live stream on race day from anywhere in the world.

About Rachel Baptista

Rachel Baptista, Austinite and 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier.

Rachel Baptista, Austinite and 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier.

Half marathon PR (1:12:39)

Born and raised in Austin, so I guess that makes me a unicorn in modern Austin terms! I ran for Austin High School, Go Maroons! After high school, I attended and ran for The University of Colorado and The University of Tulsa. I endured quite a few injuries in college. I’m healthy again and have figured out the right mix of high-level, healthy training. When I’m not running I work at Rogue Running. I enjoy the finer things in life like chips and queso, playing with my bulldog Chunky, hanging out with my homies, and listening to Justin Bieber.

*Earned “B” standard for 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials at 2018 Silo District Half Marathon (1:12:39)

Training tip: Find awesome peeps to run with that will push you and inspire you to go places you didn’t think you could. One thing that helps me get up at 4:45 in the morning is knowing I’ll get to do one of my favorite things with some of my favorite people. #bettertogether

Race day tip: Keep it simple and don’t over complicate it. That is one of the biggest things I have learned about racing. I used to get so nervous and psych myself out. Now I try to stay as relaxed as possible, almost like I am not even about to run a race. I make sure to have friends and good music around me to try and enjoy the moment. In the end, you are just putting one foot in front of the other, no need to overthink it!

Social media: Facebook and Instagram

Austin Marathon Announces First Round of Accepted Elite Runners

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Elite runners will compete during race weekend for a prize purse that totals $26,000

Elite runners will compete for $26,000 at the 2019 Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Jocelyn Todd accepts her award for finishing 3rd place at the 2018 Austin Half Marathon.

Introducing the first round of accepted elite runners for the 2019 Austin Marathon® presented by Under Armour®. Elite runners not accepted into the Elite Athlete Program are still invited to run in the Elite Field. Returning for its third year in a row, this opportunity creates a competitive field of male and female elite runners while discovering emerging talent, pushing the entire talent pool to reach Olympic standards. The Program’s Year Three prize purse totals $26,000. FloTrack’s live coverage highlights the competition amongst elite runners, following male and female marathoners and half marathoners.

“I’m excited to return to Austin again this year!” said Jocelyn Todd, 3rd place female at the 2018 Austin Half Marathon (1:17:19). “The steep competition, rolling course, excellent organization, and awesome crowd make the event a great component to my race schedule.”

The first round of 2019 marathoners include:

  • Daniel Bishop – Elite Athlete Program (3rd place 2018 Austin Marathon – 2:26:27)
  • Jameson Mora – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
  • Beth Marzigliano – Elite Field (3rd place 2017 Run for the Red Marathon – 2:58:58)
  • Nadia Tamby – Elite Field (3:00:56 at 2018 LA Marathon)
  • Cole Toepfer – Elite Field (1:12:23 at 2018 Garry Bjorkland Half Marathon)
Elite runners will compete for $26,000 at the 2019 Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Daniel Bishop crosses the 2018 Austin Marathon finish line in 3rd place.

The first round of 2019 half marathoners include:

  • Jocelyn Todd – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
  • Rachel Baptista – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
  • Ryan Root – Elite Athlete Program (2nd place 2018 Austin Half Marathon – 1:08:51)
  • Megan Smith – Elite Athlete Program (2:50:19 at 2017 Twin Cities Marathon)
  • Matt McCurdy – Elite Field (2018 Austin Marathon Masters Champion – 2:42:27)
  • Brooke Torres – Elite Field (1:25:22 at 2018 3M Half Marathon)
  • Callie Bartel – Elite Field (1:25:16 at 2017 Marquette Half Marathon)

The first round of 2019 Manzano Mile participants include:

  • Cameron Villarreal – Elite Field (2017 Charlie Thomas Invitational – 4:04.6)
  • James Heilman – Elite Field (4:26.8 at 2018 Texas A&M Aggie Twilight)

“The 2018 elite field provided competitive racing, highlighted by Allison Macsas qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials (2:43:11),” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re excited about the growth of this program and look forward to many more elites running the streets of Austin.”

The prize purse breakdown follows: $15,000 for the marathon, $5,000 for the half marathon, and $6,000 for the Manzano Mile presented by Dole. Applications are arriving daily. More than 50 applications have been submitted. We will announce the second round of elite runners in a few weeks. Applications are still being accepted and elite marathoners can apply on the Austin Marathon’s website. Athletes that meet the program’s standards and are accepted will be given one comp entry to the 2019 Austin Marathon or half marathon, reimbursement eligibility, and standards bonuses.

Austin Marathon Opens Elite Athlete Program Application

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Elite athlete program continues to grow

The 2019 Austin Marathon® presented by Under Armour® is accepting applications for the Elite Athlete Program from elite runners.The Elite Athlete Program creates a competitive field of elite male + female runners while discovering emerging talent. This pushes the entire talent pool closer to Olympic standards.Elites will compete for $26K during the #AustinMarathon, #AustinHalfMarathon, and #ManzanoMile pres. by @dolesunshine. Share on X

Joey Whelan was accepted to the 2018 Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Program.

All smiles for Joey Whelan as he accepts his check.

“As a Texas resident, competing in and winning the 2018 Austin Marathon in my own backyard was a tremendous confidence boost, inspiring me to train harder and set higher goals for my running career,” said Joey Whelan. “I have since qualified for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and am looking forward to returning to the streets of Austin in 2019 to continue the positive momentum created here in 2018.”

Runners accepted to the 2019 Austin Marathon/Half Marathon Elite Athlete Program will compete for a $20,000 prize purse. The Austin Marathon prize purse will total $15,000 and award the top five male and female finishers. The Austin Half Marathon purse will total $5,000 and award the top three male and female finishers. An additional $6,000 is up for grabs for elite milers in the Manzano Mile presented by Dole®. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until December 31, 2018.

Headed in the right direction

“Rebuilding the Elite Athlete Program has taken a great amount of time, vision, and dedication, but it makes it worth it to witness an amazing human and talented athlete like Allison Macsas qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials on our brand new marathon course,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events.” “Having other elites, like our champ Joey (Whelan) and Jocelyn Todd (3rd place female, half marathon) set PRs, gain confidence, and eventually run an Olympic Trials Qualifying time indicates our program is headed in the right direction.”

Patrick Smyth ran with the 2018 Austin Half Marathon Elite Athlete Program.

Patrick Smyth misses the half marathon OTQ B standard by 16 seconds.

Joey Whelan (2:21:37) and Austinite Allison Macsas (2:43:11) both won the 2018 Austin Marathon. Macsas won her second Austin Marathon title in a row and qualified for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. Patrick Smyth (1:04:16) and Hillary Montgomery (1:16:15) won the Austin Half Marathon. Smyth barely missed out on an Olympic Trial Qualifying time. Review last year’s marathon and half marathon times.

Athletes accepted into the Elite Athlete Program must meet the program’s standards. Those that meet standards will receive a comped entry, standards bonuses, comped entry to the 3M Half Marathon, and be eligible for hotel and transportation reimbursement up to $350. Runners could still be accepted into the Elite Field if their times fall within a 10-15 minute window of Program standards. They would receive a comped entry only.

To be eligible for reimbursement athletes must be accepted into the Elite Athlete Program and start the race. All athletes are subject to random drug testing pre- and post-race. Read more about program details, including eligibility standards, here. Interested athletes with questions can contact [email protected].

Apply to run with the 2019 Austin Marathon elites!