This is the second year in a row the two-time Olympian will be the Official Race Ambassador

High Five Events announces that Austinite and two-time Olympian Leo Manzano will return as the Official Race Ambassador for the 2018 Austin Marathon®. The partnership will continue to highlight Manzano’s community involvement in Austin, increase outreach to Central and South American runners, and showcase the Austin Marathon as one of the top races in the country.

“I’m thrilled to return as the Official Race Ambassador for the Austin Marathon, an event that means so much to this city,” said Manzano. “Thousands of people come from all over to challenge themselves on the streets of Austin and I can’t wait to cheer for them on race day.”

Manzano (center) with 2017 Austin Marathon champs Allison Macsas (left) and Joe Thorne (right)

Manzano’s role with the Austin Marathon will also include event promotions, athlete recruitment, social media engagement, and attending in-person marathon-related events leading up to and including race weekend. Additional pre-race and 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 had an enormous presence at the 2017 Austin Marathon and having him back as Official Race Ambassador was a simple decision,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “His dedication to the Austin Marathon and the sport is unwavering and it shows when he’s running with Austinites downtown, chatting with runners at the expo, and greeting participants at the start line.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 27th year running in the capital of Texas on February 18, 2018. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 20+ 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.