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Earn Your Ticket to the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Championship at the Austin Marathon

2024 Austin Marathon participants can earn a spot at AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Championships

Mark your calendars for February 18, 2024, because Austin, Texas, is where the action’s at. The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon is your passport to an adrenaline-fueled adventure as it returns as one of the selected qualifying marathons for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings. The AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings comprise over 375 qualifying races in over 90 different countries in which athletes in nine separate age groups can compete in marathons across the world to earn a global ranking. 

Compete against runners from around the world

The spread of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Qualifying Events creates a truly global series throughout the year. This gives runners across the world the chance to be part of a new era of age-group marathon running. 

The 2024 season will be the 6th edition of the rankings, with runners competing to earn an invitation to the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.

Dawna Stone, Abbott World Marathon Majors CEO said: “The Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings continue to grow and welcome new races into the qualifying process every year. The geographical spread of runners and races shows the appetite for high level competition across all ages and an invite to the World Championships is becoming a much sought-after goal.” 

How it Works

Athletes will be ranked according to their single fastest time in a qualifying event. Any athlete achieving the Automatic Qualifying Time for their age group will receive an immediate invitation for the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.

Highly-ranked runners who do not achieve the Automatic Qualifying Time still have the opportunity to receive an invitation to enter the World Championship depending on the full field size and the number of athletes achieving the qualifying time.

In order to receive an invitation, runners must be registered at AbbottWMM.com. The date, location, and field size for the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships will be announced in due course.

Age Group Qualifying Times 

Times are subject to final confirmation by AbbotWMM at the end of 2023.

 2024 Qualifying times Age Group 

Male 

Female 

40-44 

02:35 

03:05 

45-49 

02:42 

03:11 

50-54 

02:48 

03:21 

55-59 

02:57 

03:30 

60-64 

03:10 

03:48 

65-69 

03:26 

04:06 

70-74 

03:40 

04:35 

75-79 

04:06 

05:05 

80+ 

04:40 

05:25 

Qualifying for the 2025 AbbottWMM Age Group Championship

There are three ways to qualify for the championships.

1. Achieve the Automatic Qualifying Time for your age group

2. Other highly ranked athletes without an Automatic Qualifying Time may also receive an invitation, depending on the full field size and the number of athletes achieving the qualifying time.

3. The bi-annual AbbottWMM Global Marathon, held within the Global Run Club, has 200 places available for the fastest verified finishers. Visit the Global Run Club for full details.

Full details here.

So, as the Austin Marathon countdown begins, imagine the cheers of the crowd, the beat of your heart, and the thrill of knowing that you could earn a spot at the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships. It’s not just a marathon; it’s a global celebration of running . The path to championship glory is paved with determination and a dash of fun. The Austin Marathon beckons and the world is your playground – get ready to run, laugh, and make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s marathon time, and the adventure begins here!

4 Taper Tips: Focus on Controlling What You Can Control

Get to the start line ready to roll with these taper tips

The Taper. If you’re unfamiliar, tapering refers to the reduction in volume and intensity of your workouts leading to race day. You’ve been running for months, increasing your mileage, getting better and better. Your body is in training mode and it can be difficult to turn that off. Follow these taper tips to effectively utilize the extra time you now have. Continue to follow your training plan, implement these taper tips, and get to the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon start line ready to run your best

Take care of yourself

This is vital and something you should’ve been doing since you began training! However, it becomes even more important leading up to Feb. 16th. Your training has introduced more miles than normal, early wake-up calls, and a reduction in time for yourself. Tapering your miles means you’ll have more time for self-care. Spend an extra 30-60 minutes a day foam rolling and stretching. Schedule a massage. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep.

Dial-in your nutrition/hydration

Keep an eye on your calorie intake! You burned more calories during training than you will when you taper. Adjust accordingly so the pounds you shed during training stay off! Focus on a balanced diet of moderate carbs, quality protein, and healthy fats. Start hydrating NOW. You should drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Continue including electrolytes like you’ve done during training. Carry a tube of Nuun with you, pop a tablet into your reusable bottle, and make your water count! Make sure you try the on-course fuel, GU Energy Labs.

No new workouts

Just like nothing new on race day, no new workouts when tapering. This includes everything from a pick-up basketball game to lifting heavy weights at the gym. You don’t want to run the risk of spraining your ankle or pulling a muscle. Stick with what’s comfortable. If that’s running or cross-training (swimming, cycling, etc.), focus on less-intense and lower-volume workouts. 

Sidetrack yourself

An increase in your mileage could mean you’re behind on your favorite show. Maybe you haven’t read those new books you got for Christmas. Now’s the time to distract yourself from the fact that you aren’t running as much as you have been. Spend a couple of hours binging your favorite show. Grab that new book and read at your favorite park. If you find yourself getting antsy because you’re not moving, try to foam roll or stretch while watching your favorite show. Or try reading your book while riding a stationary bike.

Follow these taper tips so the taper doesn’t frustrate you or stress you out. The sudden addition of extra time and the feeling that you should be running can be confusing. Follow these taper tips and focus on controlling what you can control. What do you do to get to the start line ready to roll when you taper? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

How Runners Can Make Every Day Earth Day

Every morning, when you wake up and get into your running shoes, what is that one thing that motivates you to go out and do the hustle? Besides the obvious desire to remain fit, the beauty of the Earth itself is a tremendous motivator that makes us want to head out and experience the wonders of nature on foot.

Whether you like to run across a sandy beach or in a park with tall trees, running is so much more fun when done in the lap of nature. The fresh breeze blowing through your hair, the vast expanse of greenery, the pleasant chirping of birds, and the soothing sound of water trickling offer the ideal setting for a run.

If you enjoy running in natural settings and admiring the beauty of the Earth, then you may find that you enjoy doing your part to ensure that it remains the same for a longer time. It is no secret that the Earth is suffering a slew of problems, such as global warming and climate change. With a few small changes, we can help make every day Earth Day!

Check out the following suggestions for some fantastic ideas on how you can make a difference.

Soles4Souls donates old sneakers to people in need

Recycle or Donate your old gear and running shoes:

Every time you purchase new running gear and shoes, think about recycling or donating your previous attire instead of dumping it in the garbage. There are numerous methods for recycling shoes. Take them to your local Goodwill or homeless shelter. Many companies now have recycling and reuse programs for athletic equipment and shoes. You can look up relevant locations and offer your equipment for recycling.

 

 

Girlfriend Collective Moss Compression Run Short

Make purchases from eco-friendly brands: 

Today, no matter what you wish to buy, you will have an infinite number of vendors to choose from. If you are committed to making the planet a healthier, cleaner, and better place, make the right option when deciding on your running gear. At present, there are many brands like Brooks, Girlfriend Collective and Allbirds that create a wide variety of products from recycled materials and sustainable methods.

 

 

 

Under Armour Playmaker Jug Water Bottle

Take a refillable water bottle from home:

Plastic pollution is a big threat that the Earth is dealing with. If you carry around disposable plastic bottles to relieve your thirst while burning calories, a reusable and refillable water bottle would be a better solution. You may lessen your carbon impact on the earth in this manner.

Ensure that you run on a clean track: 

The simplest way you can contribute to the conservation of planet Earth is by keeping it clean. So, if you are running down a route and come across a few wrappers or cans, you know what to do. Simply pick them up and toss them in a nearby trash can.

These were a few tips to help you take care of the environment while taking care of your body. Follow them and inspire others to join you in making the Earth a greener and more pleasant place to live in.

Does Training on Different Surfaces Matter? 

Runners often train in areas that are in or near their neighborhoods. This can include sidewalks, parks, or roads close to their homes. However, you should consider training grounds other than roads. When you train on different surfaces, your scenery changes often. The kind of workout you need to do, as well as the amount of energy you need to expend changes as well.

This provides runners with a break from their monotonous routines. If you change the venue you’re training in, it can also provide a boost to your overall fitness levels. Consider running on different surfaces types, such as on grass, through sand, or even on trails. You can also practice running in your swimming pool. Running on different surfaces can help you prepare for a marathon as well.

Running on Different Types of Surfaces 

When you run on surfaces like grass or sand, then the pounding experienced by your legs, as you run, is reduced. This can also reduce the risk related to injuries. When you push off on surfaces that are softer, you can better strengthen your muscles. This will later translate to increased speed when you’re running on roads. Here’s how you can adapt your running routine to different surface types:

Grass

When you run on grass instead of surfaces like concrete or asphalt, up to 17% less pressure is felt by your feet. This was reported in a study in the Journal of Sports Sciences. So if you’re a runner who is looking for a surface that is forgiving, before heading back to roads, consider grass. You can also reduce the risk of injury while improving your intensity and mileage.

The grass is good for speedwork. Take for example a football field. It’s an ideal place to warm up. Run for around three minutes, then run for two minutes, and then one. Do it with such intensity that you aren’t able to speak more than two words while running. Begin with two sets or three sets, and then move on to five.

 

 

Sand

Sand has a surface that is unstable. Running on sand can help you strengthen the muscles located in your feet, ankles, hips, legs, as well as your core. Running on sand can also feel like an aerobic challenge. Should you be recovering from an injury or have limited flexibility, then you should avoid running on sand. This is because sand puts more pressure on your legs as well as your calves.

 

 

 

 

 

Trails

When you run on trails, you’ll need to pay careful attention to your movements. This is because there are rocks, roots, trees, and other obstacles that you need to stay safe from. Due to this, you’ll be able to turn your attention in a direction that is inward. You’ll need to work on maintaining both control as well as balance.

You’ll also need to shift gears constantly, and your leg muscles will experience various different kinds of workouts from just running.

 

 

 

Water

If you want to develop muscle strength, then running in water can be ideal for you. Keep in mind that water is a lot thicker when compared to air, about 800 times thicker. It also provides resistance continuously. Your muscles will have to push through the water as you try to move forward. This helps your muscles build strength.

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion 

Running on a new surface type is ideal for runners training for any race distance. If you want a change of scenery, or want to try a new running routine, then consider training on different surfaces.