half marathon Archives

Austin Marathon Honored as a 2018 Champion of Economic Impact

December 5, 2018/in Press Release /by tteichh5e

Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism awarded by Sports Destination Management

The Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour is proud to be named a 2018 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports tourism by Sports Destination Management. The Austin Marathon, produced by High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, injected $37.5 million into the Austin economy during race weekend, a $3.1 million (8 percent) increase from 2017. High Five Events partnered with the expert faculty at St. Edward’s University’s Bill Munday School of Business to calculate the findings.

“The Austin Marathon’s annual multi-million dollar economic impact benefits Austin and stimulates our local economy,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “We’re proud to host one of the country’s top marathons, one that annually attracts runners from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. More runners are realizing there’s no better city to recover in!”

Other large-market champions include 2018 NCAA Final Four, 2018 NFL Draft, and The Honda Classic. Sports Destination Management is the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market. They announced the 2018 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism in a special feature in their November/December issue. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing more than $700 million to the national economy over the past year.

Austin Marathon contributed $37.5 million to the Austin economy in 2018

“The Austin Marathon is an excellent example of a sports event that showcases the City of Austin and offers multiple options that appeal to everyone, from the veteran endurance runner to the person who is dipping a toe into the waters of racing for the first time,” Mary Helen Sprecher, Managing Editor, Sports Destination Management. “The fact that this event has such a positive economic impact only reinforces the value of these events to the city and to the greater fitness community as a whole.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 28th year running in the capital of Texas in 2019. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations in the heart of downtown Austin puts participants and spectators near all the action and within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and shops. Finishing with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as your backdrop is icing on the cake for the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is open for all distances.

Lance Armstrong Named Charity Chaser for Austin Gives Miles

November 19, 2018/in Press Release /by tteichh5e

Lance Armstrong will run 26.2 miles to benefit Central Texas nonprofits

High Five Events announces Lance Armstrong as the Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser for the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour®. Armstrong’s involvement will highlight Austin Marathon’s continued support of the Austin community, elevate Austin Gives Miles’ profile, and help surpass the $1 million fundraising goal. The Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 17th. Austin Gives Miles is the official philanthropic program of the Austin Marathon.

“I’m honored to be the Charity Chaser and help Austin Gives Miles surpass it’s $1 million goal,” said Armstrong. “Training for the Austin Marathon has begun and I’m ready to amplify the positive effects Austin Gives Miles and its official charities have on our community.”

Lance Armstrong is an Austinite, philanthropist, cyclist, and an avid runner. He is founder and owner of WEDŪ, a content destination designed to provoke and equip people to embody an endurance lifestyle. Armstrong hosts two podcasts: The Forward, which features down to earth conversations between Armstrong and a myriad of personalities; and THEMOVE which offers listeners a rare, insider’s perspective on the world’s most iconic cycling races. WEDŪ also produces endurance cycling events Texas HŪNDRED and Aspen FIFTY. Armstrong has completed numerous marathons, half marathons, and triathlons.

“We’re thrilled to have Lance as the Austin Marathon Charity Chaser,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “The positive impact he’ll have means Austin Gives Miles will continue to raise its profile to better serve Central Texas nonprofits and AGM charities can raise more funds to better serve our community.”

Austin Gives Miles

During the 2018 Austin Marathon, Austin Gives Miles contributed more than $670,000 to the Central Texas community. The Moody Foundation pitched in for the third year in a row. They matched contributions made, up to $10,000, for each organization. Last year’s Austin Gives Miles Official Charities recruited more than 650 runners and provided more than 1500 volunteers.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 28th year running in the capital of Texas in 2019. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations in the heart of downtown Austin puts participants and spectators near all the action and within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and shops. Finishing with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as your backdrop is icing on the cake for the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is open.

PROfile: Will Christian, 2019 Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Program

November 16, 2018/in Blog post /by tteichh5e

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.

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!

Austin Marathon Announces Second Round of Elite Runners

November 12, 2018/in Blog post /by tteichh5e

Second round of elite runners will compete during race weekend for a prize purse that totals $26,000

High Five Events is excited to announce the second round of elite runners for the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour®. 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 elite male and female 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 the elites, following male and female marathoners and half marathoners.

“I am excited to run as an elite in the Austin Half Marathon,” said Samantha Calderon, 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier. “I have heard amazing things about this race and have already had a great experience with the staff. Can’t wait to get out there and compete on the streets of Austin!”

The second round of 2019 marathoners include:

Anita Perez at the 2018 3M Half Marathon.

Will Christian – Elite Athlete Program (2018 Newport News One City Marathon – 2:22:05)
Anita Perez – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
Michael Ellenberger – Elite Field (2:33:03 at 2017 Boston Marathon)

The second round of 2019 half marathoners include:

Samantha Calderon – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
Brendan Martin – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
Daniella Moreno – Elite Field (1:17:19 at 2016 Mountains to Beach Half Marathon)
Tere Zacher – Elite Field (Mexican alternate for the marathon at 2016 Olympics)

The second round of 2019 Manzano Mile presented by Dole® participants include:

Daniel Herrera, defending Manzano Mile champ.

Daniel Herrera – Elite Field (2018 Manzano Mile Champ – 4:11.35)
Francine Nzilampa – Elite Field (5:13.81 at 2018 Manzano Mile)
Jarrett Walbolt – Elite Field (4:34.13 at 2017 Zimmer Indoor Classic)

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 and more than 100 have already been submitted. Read about the first round of accepted elite runners. We will announce the third 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.

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