marathon Archives

PROfile: Will Christian, 2019 Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Program

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

in Blog post

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.

Austin Marathon Secures Title Sponsorship with Ascension Seton

in Press Release

Ascension Seton’s impact will be tremendous both race weekend and beyond

High Five Events is excited to announce Ascension Seton as the title sponsor of the Austin Marathon. The multi-year agreement includes naming rights, race weekend activations, and community engagement opportunities. Additionally, Ascension Seton will be the Official Medical Provider of the Austin Marathon. The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour® will take place on February 17, 2019.

“Ascension Seton is excited to be the title sponsor and Official Medical Provider for the Austin Marathon,” said Adam Bauman, vice president of business development at Ascension Seton. “The Austin Marathon reflects the community’s commitment to be an active and vibrant city, and through our partnership with High Five Events and friends of the Austin community, we are committed to promote, support, and facilitate activities for a healthy lifestyle.”

Official Medical Provider

As the Official Medical Provider, Ascension Seton doctors and nurses will staff the finish line medical tent and work with Travis County EMS on course. During race weekend, Team Ascension Seton will participate in all events. They’ll also volunteer their time and have a major presence at the Health and Fitness Expo. Their presence will be felt outside of race weekend as they get involved with local running clubs and attend community runs. They will raise funds and spread awareness as an Official Austin Gives Miles charity. Ascension Seton is part of the largest nonprofit health system in the U.S. and the world’s largest Catholic health system.

“This is a monumental day for the Austin Marathon and we’re thrilled to have Ascension Seton as the title sponsor,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their race-weekend involvement will take the Austin Marathon to another level, but we’re just as eager to support and better the Austin community throughout the rest of the year.”

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. Participants can register on the Austin Marathon website.

Austin Marathon Announces First Round of Accepted Elite Runners

in Blog post

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)

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.

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