The Manzano Mile will encourage marathoners to finish with the heart of a lion.

High Five Events is excited to introduce the Manzano Mile on the course of the 2017 Austin Marathon® presented by NXP. The Manzano Mile, named for 2017 Austin Marathon Official Race Ambassador and 2012 Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano, will be the final mile for the marathon. While running the Manzano Mile, participants can finish their race with their own signature kick, a tribute to Manzano’s signature kick that helped him earn his silver medal.

“It is an honor to have the Austin Marathon name the final mile of the marathon as the Manzano Mile,” said Manzano. “I attribute my ability to finish to my family, friends, and all the wonderful people who have supported me along the way. I want every Austin Marathon participant to feel that same rush at their end of their race. I’m challenging friends, family, and every Austin resident to line the Manzano Mile and watch these runners finish with the heart of a lion!”

With complete race day branding, enhanced cheer zones, and increased crowd support, runners will be energized upon entering the Manzano Mile, completing their race with the heart of a lion. Timing mats will be placed with one mile to go and awards will be given for runners who complete the Manzano Mile the fastest. The highly decorated track star is 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.

“The Manzano Mile will elevate our event and give runners that extra push they need during the toughest mile of their race,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “There will be an endless energy at the end of the course in which runners and spectators feed off of one another, helping athletes finish stronger than ever before.”

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.