Tag Archive for: Run Austin 2021

2020 Austin Gives Miles Raises More than $700,000 for Nonprofits

Since 2014, Austin Gives Miles presented by The Moody Foundation has raised $3.8 million

Austin Gives Miles, the Official Charity Program of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour, raised $702,500 for the 29th annual Austin Marathon. Twenty-five Central Texas nonprofits participated in the 2020 Austin Gives Miles presented by The Moody Foundation. Charities recruited 804 participants, elevated their organization’s profile, and maximized the exposure generated by Austin’s premier running event. The Moody Foundation matched each organization’s fundraising efforts, up to $10,000.

“Continuing our partnership with the Austin Marathon allows The Moody Foundation to contribute to numerous local charities and positively affect the Central Texas communities they serve,” said Ross Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation and chairman and CEO of National Western Life Group. “We worked with the Austin Marathon to elevate our partnership with the goal of furthering our impact and we’re excited to grow our future footprint through the sport of running.”

Central Texans benefit from the growth of the partnership

For the fifth year in a row, Austin Gives Miles was the beneficiary of a grant from The Moody Foundation. The grant matched donations for each organization, up to $10,000. The 2020 grant totaled $250,000, bringing their five-year contribution to $1.2 million. Since 2014, Austin Gives Miles has raised $3.8 million. The money raised significantly impacts Central Texas and the communities the charities serve.

“Austin Gives Miles presented by The Moody Foundation continues to have a significant impact on Central Texas charities through the Austin Marathon and 2020 was no different,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Our ability and desire to support the community we live in is constantly growing and evolving and we’re already working with The Moody Foundation for 2021.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 30th year running in the capital of Texas on February 14, 2021. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. The start and finish locations are just a few blocks apart. They are within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line is in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Participants can register for the Austin Marathon, Austin Half Marathon, or Austin Marathon 5K beginning June 1st.

Free Download! Mother’s Day Coupon Book for Runners

Surprise the person you call Mom with this free, downloadable Mother’s Day Coupon Book

Moms make the world go round. They keep us in line, out of trouble, and on the straight and narrow. Moms provide comfort and a calming voice when needed. They make your favorite meal when you least expect it and provide the hug you needed that you didn’t know you needed. All while setting running goals and crushing them! Say “Thank You” to whomever you call mom with this free, downloadable Mother’s Day Coupon Book. It’s full of goodies that she can redeem whenever she’s ready, from a family hike/picnic to a much-needed post-long run nap. BONUS: these coupons have no expiration date and there’s a blank set so mom can write in whatever she wants! 

Image of a mother pushing a double-stroller during the 2020 Austin Marathon KXAN SimpleHealth 5K. Thank mom with the downloadable Mother's Day coupon book in this blog!Get a sneak peek of what Mom can expect! Then enter your email to download the Mother’s Day Coupon Book. To all the moms out there who keep their family’s world running while running themselves: we thank you and hope you enjoy your Mother’s Day Coupon Book. Pro tip: these coupons work best when training for the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon’s 30th anniversary on February 14, 2021!

These coupons don’t expire!

1) jog a marathon over time as a family

2) ride bikes with mom on her run

3) 2-hour-long family walk/hike/picnic

4) dinner + dessert + movie 

5) one uninterrupted post-long run nap

6) rinse off dishes you use and put them in the dishwasher

7) sleep in on one Saturday morning with time for a run later

8) one uninterrupted afternoon with a book/podcast + bottle of wine (or drink of choice)

9) do laundry all week (younger kids collect and separate, older kids collect, separate, wash, dry, and fold)

10) Wine Night with the Ladies (or drink of choice)

11) take out the trash/recycling/compost all week

12) one post-long run leg/foot massage

13) no arguing/complaining for an entire month

13.1) Mom’s Choice 

Alright moms, what coupon will you redeem first? Tag Austin Marathon on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram when you redeem your coupons so we can see them in action! Now excuse us while we download the Mother’s Day coupon book for our moms.

Enter your email address to download our Mother’s Day Coupon Book!

Screenshot of the Austin Marathon's Mother's Day coupon book. Click to download the free coupon book for your mom!

Austin Marathon Donates Nearly $23,000 to Paramount Theatre

Austin Marathon donates to Austin’s oldest theatre

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour donates $22,780 to Paramount Theatre. The donation, in conjunction with Austin Marathon weekend, has increased annually since High Five Events took over in 2017. Nearly 2400 participants registered for the KXAN SimpleHealth 5K benefitting Paramount Theatre. A portion of their registration fee supports the historic Austin theatre and its educational programs. The 5K is a part of Austin Marathon weekend and is the only 5K to run on historic South Congress Avenue.  

Image of the Paramount Theatre marquee displaying the name Austin Marathon KXAN SimpleHealth 5K benefitting Paramount Theatre.“We are thrilled to continue this partnership and be the recipient of funds from the KXAN SimpleHealth 5K. The funds from this event support our Education programs serving over 22,000 students each year. Performing, experiencing and learning through the arts helps all young people have the creative confidence they need to be successful in their communities,” said Maica Jordan, Chief Development Officer. “These funds have immediate and enormous impact on our ability to serve the students most in need. Thanks to all who participated in the 5K and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.”

About the Paramount Theatre

Inspired by the power of the arts to change lives, the Paramount Theatre strives to engage all Central Texans through extraordinary live performances and films, to ignite the intellect and imagination of our youths through Paramount Education programs, and to ensure the preservation of the crown jewels of downtown Austin. Constructed in 1915 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Paramount Theatre is one of the world’s few surviving examples of a fully operational early twentieth-century vaudeville theatre. More than 250,000 guests attend performing arts events, concerts, film, and talks downtown each year; the Paramount is a principal venue for the SXSW Film Festival, the Austin Film Festival, the Moontower Comedy Festival, and the Summer Classic Film Series

“The historic Paramount Theatre has a massive impact on Austin through its shows, community engagement, and educational programs,” said Jack Murray, co-owner High Five Events. “We’re excited to grow our partnership and proud to continue our support for the Paramount through the KXAN SimpleHealth 5K.”

2021 Austin Marathon

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 30th year running in the capital of Texas on February 14, 2021. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. The start and finish locations are just a few blocks apart. They are within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line is in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open.

Next Stop in Cancer Survivor’s Quest to Run the World: Austin

6-time cancer survivor chooses Austin for North American stop in quest to run the world

Jonathan Acott is no stranger to cancer. In fact, he’s more familiar with it than any one person should be. He’s been diagnosed six times. Throughout everything, running has been a constant for Jonathan. He runs to celebrate his body, honor those who’ve lost their battle, and because he can. What does one do in Jonathan’s shoes? Continue to run! Image of Jonathan Acott in a hospital bed fighting one of his six diagnosed cancers. Read about his journey to run the world and how the Austin Marathon is next!Read about Jonathan’s plans to run the world and complete a marathon on all 7 continents. Follow him on Instagram, learn about the two continents he crossed off his list, and why his North American goal is the 2021 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon!

The reasons I run

Since 2004 I’ve heard “I’m afraid it’s cancer” or something similar six times. I was 29 in 2004 and am now 44. For a third of my life, I’ve lived with this vile and insidious disease. It has robbed me of sleep, health, life, mental well-being, a career, testicle, spleen, and kidney. Who knows what else I will miss out on. 

It’s like persistent hunting, only I’m the prey. I’m aware cancer might end my life prematurely. It could catch me, but I am going to do all I can to stay ahead of it for as long as possible. In the meantime, I will extract every ounce from life possible. 

I run because I still need a sense of movement. Running provides the illusion of control in an otherwise unpredictable world. A world where I need to do something, anything related to physical activity to distance myself from the days, weeks, and months of forced inactivity. It’s the repetition, the therapy that comes from being alone in my thoughts. Running stills the anxiety. It’s a celebration of what my body is capable of after all it has endured. I run to honor all the people who have been less fortunate than me. I run because I can.  

Image of Jonathan Acott in a pool showing off his medal from the Marrakesh Marathon. Read about his journey to run the world and how the Austin Marathon is next!So, I’m going to travel and see the world, I’ll visit locations I wouldn’t normally visit or places on my bucket list. I will run, not fast, but I will run. My plan is to live life and run whilst I do. As long as I’m moving, I’m alive and whilst it may not add years to this particular life it does add life to my years.  

What am I going to do? Well, I put it all together and thought I’m going to run the world. Six cancers. Seven continents. One marathon on each continent.  

The first marathon of my quest was at the end of 2019 in Berlin (Europe). My second marathon was in Marrakech (Africa) at the start of 2020. Next on my list: North America. I looked at numerous marathons, but Austin has been on my bucket list for years. Running the streets of Austin in 2021 was an opportunity too good to pass up. So you’ll see me there on Feb. 14, 2021. I’ll be near the back, smiling all the way, stopping to take photographs, and high fiving everyone because when you know what you could lose you make the most of every opportunity.