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Frank Scalet is Always at the End of the Austin Marathon

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Read about Frank Scalet’s race-day contributions as a volunteer

Every year, thousands of volunteers support the Austin Marathon in various roles. They are amazing individuals who selflessly give their time and energy in support of others and their goals. They’re up early and they stay late. These volunteers are a vital reason why the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon is one of the best running events in the world. We’re proud to highlight Frank Scalet, one of those amazing volunteers. 

Frank Scalet's race-day radio for the 2019 Austin Marathon.

Frank has his own radio so he can communicate with others.

Frank Scalet has volunteered for the Austin Marathon for four years. He mainly drives the SAG truck, but has also driven the press truck. The SAG truck is at the end of the marathon and the press truck is at the beginning. Talk about two different roles! The SAG driver drives with the end-of-the-race convoy. This group includes race officials, Austin Police Department, the barrier company, and trash/recycling/compost pick up. Their goals are to re-open traffic as soon as possible and to leave the Austin Marathon and half marathon course in better condition than earlier in the morning.

Frank the SAG driver

Frank Scalet enjoys being SAG driver the most because he’s helping athletes pushing themselves to get through a new challenge. Another favorite part of volunteering for Frank is helping people running 26.2 miles for the first time. It’s easier for the veterans and experienced runners. He truly enjoys supporting those runners that are out there for hours, running in honor of someone.

Frank has been a volunteer for the LIVESTRONG Challenge (14 years), Ride for the Roses (five years), LIVESTRONG Survivor Run (three years), and Cap10K for (three years). He has held various roles at these events, including SAG driver and bike lead.

Join Frank Scalet on February 16, 2020! Check out the available positions if you, your company, or your group are interested in volunteering at the 2020 Austin Marathon. Volunteers are provided breakfast tacos, coffee, snack, and drinks. They also get a sweet Under Armour volunteer shirt and to be a part of Austin’s premier running event!

2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Registration Opens June 1st

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2020 Austin Marathon prepares for runners from around the world

Registration for the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour® officially opens Saturday, June 1st. The 29th Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2020, in Austin, Texas. Earlier this year, Austin’s premier running event featured more than 16,000 participants from all 50 states and 38 countries. Planning for 2020 began months ago so participants can chase their PR, meet their goals, and celebrate at the three-block-long finish line festival in front of the Texas State Capitol on February 16, 2020.

“We’re proud to share the City of Austin with participants from all over the world and provide them with an experience that lives with them forever,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Vigorous planning has been underway since the final participant crossed the finish line and we can’t wait to share the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon with the world!”

2020 Austin Marathon perks

Those who register before the first price increase on Monday, June 10th, will receive a free customized nameplate for their finisher medal. Finishers of the Austin Marathon will receive a custom Under Armour long sleeve finisher’s shirt. On course, participants will enjoy 22 fully stocked aid stations, two fuel zones, thousands of cheering spectators, and live music. When runners cross the finish line, they can celebrate at a three-block-long party that will feature the Under Armour recovery zone, a beer garden, local food trucks, Jumbotrons displaying FloTrack’s live coverage, and hours of live music.

Giving back

Austin Gives Miles aims to surpass the $1,187,000 raised for 36 Central Texas nonprofits in 2019. A search is underway to replace Lance Armstrong as Charity Chaser and carry his momentum into 2020. The Charity Chaser will begin the marathon as the final participant and earn money for every marathoner they pass. For the fourth year in a row, AGM was the recipient of a generous matching grant from The Moody Foundation.

Elites

The Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Program will return for 2020. The application process will open during the summer. Joey Whelan (2:17:03) successfully defended his title as Austin Marathon champion. Heather Lieberg (2:42:27) claimed the female crown as the Austin Marathon female champion. Both athletes easily hit the Olympic Marathon Trials B standard. James Ngandu (1:04:32) and Caroline Rotich (1:13:24) were the male and female half marathon champions. All the action was streamed live through the Austin Marathon’s continued partnership with FloTrack.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas on February 16, 2020. 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.

The initial pricing structure follows: Austin Marathon ($109), Austin Half Marathon ($89), Austin Marathon 5K benefitting Paramount Theatre ($39). Participants can register for any distance and the Austin Marathon VIP Experience beginning June 1st.

5 Reasons to Run 26.2 Miles

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There are many reasons to run 26.2 miles in Austin, here are 5

Why run 26.2 miles? Because you can! So many people think that a marathon is beyond their capabilities, but people of all shapes, ages, and abilities have successfully run 26.2 miles. Registering for the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour, training over the next few months, and crossing the finish line on Feb. 16, 2020, will show you that you can tackle almost anything if you put your mind to it.

1. 2020 finisher shirts!

In addition to all the other perks, like belt buckle finisher medals, all 26.2 finishers will receive a custom, long-sleeve Under Armour finisher shirt. This design will be unique for 2020, make sure you add it to your collection.

2. Self-confidence boost

Once you complete a marathon, other challenges you face will be easier in comparison. That feeling when you cross the finish line will give you an amazing confidence boost that you can carry for the rest of the year.

3. Raise money for charity

Austin Gives Miles charities and their runners raised more than $1 million in 2019! You can be a part of the journey to try and increase that number for 2020. To run the 26.2 miles is a tremendous achievement, but to do it for charity makes it doubly rewarding.

4. See Austin like never before

Whether you have lived in Austin your entire life or are visiting for the first time, there is no better way to experience it than by running the Austin Marathon. Experiencing the streets with no stoplights as you explore the different neighborhoods and iconic landmarks will make you love Austin even more.

5. Improve your fitness

Yes, you can improve your fitness without running a marathon. But having a race on the calendar will give you the motivation to keep working on your fitness goals. Running is great cardio and requires little to no equipment to get started.

So what are you waiting for? Register now and tell your friends you are training for the 2020 Austin Marathon. Who knows, maybe a few of them will join you on your journey!

 

2019 Austin Gives Miles Surpasses $1 Million Fundraising Goal

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2019 Austin Gives Miles provides an impactful platform for 36 Central Texas nonprofits

2019 Austin Gives Miles, the Official Charity Program of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon® presented by Under Armour, raised $1,187,000. The 36 Central Texas nonprofit organizations accepted into the program worked tirelessly to exceed the program’s fundraising goal. They also increased awareness for their organization and recruited race weekend volunteers. Lance Armstrong, charity chaser, was the final participant to cross the Austin Marathon start line. He elevated the program’s profile, helped surpass the $1 million fundraising goal, and passed all but 59 marathoners (3:02:13).

“We were proud to be an Austin Gives Miles Official Charity and use Back on My Feet’s connection with running to raise more than $20,000,” said Scott Merritt, Back on My Feet Austin Chapter Director. “We love seeing the program’s continued growth and the Austin Marathon’s ability to positively impact more Central Texas nonprofits.”

The Moody Foundation’s continued support makes a huge difference

For the fourth year in a row, Austin Gives Miles was the beneficiary of a grant from The Moody Foundation that matched donations for each organization, up to $10,000. The 2019 grant totaled $252,819, bringing their four-year grant total to $963,044. The money raised significantly impacts Central Texas and the communities the charities serve. Learn more about Austin Gives Miles and how your nonprofit can get involved. The application process is open for nonprofits interested in being involved with 2020 Austin Gives Miles.

“Raising $1,187,000 in yet another record-breaking year shows the generosity and giving spirit of the running community,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Charity Manager. “We wouldn’t have reached our goal if it weren’t for the everyday runners who gave their miles, the Moody Foundation for their gracious matching grant, and Lance being an amazing charity chaser.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas on February 16, 2020. 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, or Austin Marathon 5K beginning June 1st.