Tag Archive for: Olympian

2017 Austin Marathon to Feature the Manzano Mile

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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.

Manzano Mile“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.

Austin Marathon and Olympian Leo Manzano Join Forces

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The 2012 Olympic silver medalist will be the Official Race Ambassador

High Five Events is excited to announce that two-time Olympian Leo Manzano will be the Official Race Ambassador for the 2017 Austin Marathon® presented by NXP. The partnership will highlight Manzano’s continued community involvement and position the Austin Marathon as one of the top marathons in the country.

“The Austin Marathon has been a pillar of generosity and community support to Austin; a race where people can accomplish their goals, overcome challenges, and truly discover themselves,” said Manzano. “I am proud to align myself with a community event of this magnitude, one that positively impacts tens of thousands of lives.”

Manzano’s role with the Austin Marathon will also include event promotions, social media engagement, and attending in-person marathon-related events leading up to and including race weekend. Additional race day activations are currently being planned. 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. The highly decorated track star is also 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.

“Leo is one of, if not the best runner to call Austin, Texas, home and we’re elated to have him be the Austin Marathon’s Official Race Ambassador,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “In addition to Leo’s current role, we’re working on race-day activations that’ll enhance the overall event and provide an even better racing experience on February 19th.”

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.