Tag Archive for: High Five Events

Manzano Mile Returns to 2019 Austin Marathon Race Weekend

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 Manzano Mile celebrates milers of all speeds and abilities, from elites to children

The Manzano Mile presented by DOLE® will take place on Saturday, February 16th, during Austin Marathon weekend. Dole Packaged Foods’ return marks the second year of the $6,000 prize purse, continued race-day support, and increased involvement with the popular mile-long race.

Registration opens Monday, July 30, 2018. Participants can register for the timed mile for $30. It will cost $10 for the Future Milers of America (9 and under). Current Austin Marathon and half marathon registrants will receive a 50% discount when they add the Manzano Mile during their registration. Participants can register, read Manzano Mile details, and review prize purse breakdown on the Mazano Mile webpage.

“On behalf of Dole Packaged Foods, we are proud to support Leo and his efforts to encourage others to lead a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Matt Ingram, Director of Sales for Dole Packaged Foods. “We look forward to supporting Manzano Mile participants of all ages and abilities on February 16, 2019!”

The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. and take place entirely on Riverside Dr. The course is next to the Health and Fitness Expo at Palmer Events Center. Participants will receive a bib and a Manzano Mile race shirt. Packet pick up will take place on-site and begin Saturday at 9 a.m.

“I’m thrilled that Dole Packaged Foods will continue their support of Manzano Mile and be involved during the popular Austin Marathon weekend,” said Leo Manzano, Austinite and two-time Olympian. “Manzano Mile highlights athletes of all abilities, including elites, up-and-coming runners, families, and the next generation of milers!”

Photo finish

Last year’s male elite field created a buzz with their photo finish. Daniel Herrera (4:11.35) crossed first. Yasunari Kusu (4:11.69) and Dylan Blankenbaker (4:11.84) took second and third. Dana Mecke (4:47.08) finished as the first elite female. Austinites Jennifer Hall (4:51.72) and Mary Beth Hamilton (4:56.67) rounded out the elite female field.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 28th year running in the capital of Texas on February 17, 2019. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ 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 Austin Marathon, Austin Half Marathon, Austin Marathon 5K, Manzano Mile, or the Austin Marathon VIP Experience.

Manzano is a highly decorated track star, four-time USATF National Champion, seven-time Team USA member, two-time Olympian, and silver medalist in the 1500m at the 2012 Olympic Games. He was the first American to medal for USA in the 1500m since 1968. Manzano attended Marble Falls High School where he was a nine-time Texas 4A State champion in track and cross country. Manzano was accepted to The University of Texas and won five NCAA National Championships and was a nine-time All-American.

Staff Picks: Favorite Clif Bar Products

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See the High Five Events staff’s favorite Clif Bar products

The staff at High Five Events are always on the go. When they’re not producing world-class events they’re running around Town Lake, swimming in Barton Springs, and riding bikes on the Southern Walnut Creek Trail. Nutritious snacks are needed to keep them going. That’s where Clif Bar, the Austin Marathon’s Official Nutrition, comes into play. Their renowned products are delicious, healthy, and perfect for active lifestyles. Clif Bar’s product line has something for everyone! Check out the @HighFiveEvents staff's favorite @ClifBar products. Share on X

So many Clif Bar products to choose from!

So many Clif Bar products to choose from!

Stacy – Tart Cherry Berry Fruit Smoothie Filled Bar

Jack – Chocolate Chunk with Sea Salt Bar

Dan – Salted Watermelon Bloks

Tina – Peanut Butter & Honey with Sea Salt Bar

William – Salted Watermelon Bloks

Joey – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Energy Granola

Laura – Chocolate Chip Bar

John – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bar

Scott – Blueberry Almond Butter Nut Butter Filled Bar

Emily – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bar

Austin Marathon Donates to Camp Kesem – UT for Second Year

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The Austin Marathon® is proud to present Camp Kesem – University of Texas with a donation of $3,195. Camp Kesem is receiving this donation because they won the month-long Austin Gives Miles social media contest that determined Ricky Doyle, Spectrum News Austin Sports Director, 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 Tuesday, March 27th, at 10:30 a.m. in front of the University of Texas Tower near Mile 13 of the new Austin Marathon course.

On February 18th, Doyle was the final marathoner to begin the Austin Marathon and finished in 310th place. Race day weather was ideal and Doyle finished his debut marathon in 3:35:44, earning $1.00 for every marathoner he passed. Doyle was the fourth Charity Chaser and was outstanding in increasing awareness for the Austin Gives Miles program. In addition to earning $3,195 for Camp Kesem, Doyle also raised $3,233 through his personal fundraising page and $256 by asking others to donate one penny to their favorite Austin Gives Miles charity for every marathoner he passed. This brings Doyle’s total 2018 Austin Gives Miles financial contribution to $6,684.

“I’m so thankful High Five Events allowed me to be this year’s Austin Marathon Charity Chaser,” said Doyle. “Once I got to know the Camp Kesem leaders, it was inspiring to see what they do and their dedication and passion for the camp. When the marathon got tough in the final miles, knowing I was running for such a great cause helped me keep pushing.

Camp Kesem at University of Texas at Austin was founded in 2011. They support children affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis 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.

“On behalf of all of the charities in the Austin Gives Miles program, we applaud Ricky for his dedication, thank him for his generosity, and congratulate him on his incredible performance at the 2018 Austin Marathon,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Program Coordinator. “We are honored Ricky ran his debut marathon in conjunction with Austin Gives Miles and worked tirelessly to raise funds and spread awareness.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 28th year running in the capital of Texas on February 17, 2019. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ 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 beginning June 1st.

An Athlete’s Perspective – Issue 12

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An Athlete’s Perspective is a blog series of event and/or training experiences written firsthand by the athletes themselves. An Athlete’s Perspective is a completely unscripted and raw look into the mind and daily life of an athlete as they prepare for their next race. Readers will discover training regimens, eating tips, gear recommendations, and an uncut perspective into the lives of people like you and me.

Beyond 26.2 Miles with All Blind Children of Texas

By: Cheryl Austin

Image of co-captains Janet Bean and Paula Willson (credit: Chrissy Cowan)

ABCTX co-captains Janet Bean and Paula Willson (credit: Chrissy Cowan)

“Unimaginable.” If I had to describe my experience with the 2018 Austin Marathon and Austin Gives Miles in one word, it would be “unimaginable.” I had run marathons before–four, in fact: one in each state I had lived–but this one was different. This time, the extent of my accomplishments reached far beyond myself, and would potentially impact the lives of the 9,000 legally blind children statewide.

As an individual with a congenital visual impairment (oculocutaneous albinism) and a teacher at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, I know well the unique educational needs of this population, and was pleased to learn about the efforts of All Blind Children of Texas (ABCTX). ABCTX is “a resource for the optimal physical, mental, emotional and social development” of these children, with a mission to fund and facilitate their participation in programs and activities that “provide hands-on learning experiences that help to master the skills needed to work alongside sighted peers.”

So, when I had to drop out of the Austin Marathon in 2017 due to an injury, I made myself a promise . . . If I ever ran another marathon, it would be for this charity, and I would not do it alone.

Image of ABCTX aid station at Mile 15. (credit: Chrissy Cowan)

ABCTX aid station at Mile 15. (credit: Chrissy Cowan)

Convincing the All Blind Children of Texas board to support my idea was easy, and the Austin Gives Miles application was straightforward and simple. What happened after we were accepted as a first-time Official Charity Partner was nothing less than remarkable. Under my leadership, a team of 59 runners and walkers came together and, with additional support from the Moody Foundation and Qualcomm, raised $33,500, more than double any previous ABCTX fundraiser. Some were experienced athletes; others had never participated in a road race before, and most had little to no fundraising experience. Local businesses opened their doors to host events and their hearts to donate goods and services, raising more dollars and building awareness of our mission and camaraderie within the community.

On race day, the miles seemed shorter and my legs less fatigued, as I reflected on this significant journey. With the support of more than 75 volunteers at Mile 15, my parents on the sidelines, and my husband at my side, I crossed the finish line with a sense of pride that I cannot describe. I had already won, so to learn that I had placed first in the female VI (B3) division was just icing on the cake!

For more information about All Blind Children of Texas, please visit www.abctx.org.