Tag Archive for: Texas half marathon

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

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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.

April Running Playlist Additions – 10 Must-Add Songs

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Expand your playlist with these April running playlist additions

You want music? We’ve got music! Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World and we are big music lovers. That’s why we’ve created this #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We share every song on Twitter. Follow us so you know what’s next. We’ve taken 10 additions and put them in this convenient blog. Listen to the playlist (100+ songs and counting) and refresh your music with these April running playlist additions. Pro tip: making a playlist that you’ll love is a great motivation tool to get you out of bed for your morning run!

Hard Wired – Shakey Graves

This folk tune by Austinite Shakey Graves is methodical and persistent. It’ll help you get rolling and find your stride. Plus, it’s a good reminder that we runners are hard-wired to run!

Them Changes – Thundercat

Feel like you’re in a funk? Get out of your funk with some funk of your own! This futuristic track will get you in a groove for sure. This jam is perfect for long runs and/or warm-ups and cool-downs.

Come On Eileen – Dexys Midnight Runners

This classic from 1982 is upbeat and will get you moving from the moment you hear the introductory beat. This song is great for intervals. Pick up the pace every time you hear the chorus!

Recover – CHVRCHES

The synth in this tune will give you the jolts of energy needed to snap out of your running haze. Pro tip: this tune doubles as a reminder to foam roll after your run so you can start the recovery process.

Testify – Los Coast

Los Coast call Austin home, just like we do! You’ll see sunshine on your next run, even on the cloudiest of days, with this tune on your running playlist.

Pedestrian At Best – Courtney Barnett

This song rocks from the jump. The audio is scratchy and reminds us of our old PE coach yelling. Make no mistake, Courtney will get you going with her energetic personality and guitar-laden sound.

Sunny Came Home – Shawn Colvin

Shawn is an Ausitnite and sang the National Anthem at the 2020 Austin Marathon. The calming demeanor of this song will help you relax on long runs and recovery runs. Plus, it won two Grammys!

Knights of Cydonia – Muse

Need some audio energy? Put this song on your playlist. It’s roughly 6 minutes of hard-hitting, fight-the-establishment, in-your-face rock and roll. Click play and buckle up!

Your Hand In Mine – Explosions in the Sky

Need a 3+ minute warmup to get going? Austin’s own Explosions in the Sky has you covered. No lyrics, just layers of enjoyable audio to give you that extra burst of energy.

Barracuda – Heart

This 1977 hit grips you immediately with heavy electric guitar and doesn’t let go. Don’t put this song at the front of your playlist unless you plan to pick up the pace. If you’re alternating songs for an interval run, this is the perfect “fast run” song.

Utilize this April running playlist update before you take off for your next run. These 10 songs can pump you up, allow you to catch your breath, or help you focus on the warm-up/cool-down. However you incorporate music, just make sure you can still hear your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you! Is there something you like that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

March Running Playlist Additions – 10 Must-Add Songs

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Spring clean your playlist with these March running playlist additions

You want music? We’ve got music! Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World and we are big music lovers. That’s why we’ve created this #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We share every song on Twitter. Follow us so you know what’s next. We’ve taken 10 of our recent additions and put them in this convenient blog. Listen to the playlist (100+ songs and counting) and refresh your music with these March running playlist additions. Learn how to protect your phone if the forecast calls for rain.

Hang Me Up to Dry – Cold War Kids

The base in this old-school Cold War Kids tune is perfect for getting you into a good rhythm on your next run. It’s also a good reminder for what you should do with your shirt after a summer run.

Superstition – Stevie Ray Vaughan

When you have the chance to put SVR on your playlist you do it. Especially when you have the chance to share the song on Friday the 13th!

Halle Berry – Lord Buffalo

Austin’s own Lord Buffalo released this single from their recently released album, Tohu Wa Bohu. It’s gritty and the energy it gives will make you grind when you need it most during your next run.

bad guy – Billie Eilish

You want energy? Eilish delivers with bad guy. We wouldn’t be mad if you just put this song on repeat for the duration of your run. Just don’t be surprised if you stop running begin dancing!

WHAT’S GOOD – Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator pushes boundaries. That’s what makes him and his music so enthralling, you never know what you’re going to get! WHAT’S GOOD is perfect for that next speed workout.

New Sensation – INXS

Runners of all abilities have experienced the runner’s high. It’s an amazing sensation, especially after you cross a finish line! Push yourself, change your goals, find a new finish line, and experience a new sens-a-tion!

Dirty Laundry – Don Henley

What’s one byproduct of running that no runner enjoys? Laundry. Pro tip: listen to this song on your recovery run or while you’re washing all your dirty running clothes!

Break on Through (To the Other Side) – The Doors

If you time this song just right, it’ll push you through a tough time during your run. Get over that hump, get in your groove, and crush the rest of your run. All you have to do is break on through to the other side!

Entrance Song – The Black Angels

We don’t know about you, but we like to have certain songs lined up that play right before we begin running. Similar to a baseball player walking to the batter’s box, this song by Austin’s own The Black Angels will get you ready for your run.

300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues – The White Stripes

Does your next workout call for intervals? Changing speeds can be difficult on a run, especially if you’re in the zone. But interval training is beneficial. And much easier when you add this back-and-forth tune from The White Stripes.

Utilize this March running playlist update before you take off for your next run. These 10 songs can pump you up, allow you to catch your breath, or help you focus on the warm-up/cool-down. However you incorporate music, just make sure you can still hear your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you! Is there something you do that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Race Weekend Creates Lifelong Memories for Thousands of Participants

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Race weekend saw two proposals, two new world records, and thousands of goals met and PRs set

On Sunday, Feb. 16th, the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon demonstrated why it is considered one of the world’s top running events. More than 16,000 participants registered for the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. They traveled to Austin from all 50 states and 36 countries. Tens of thousands of spectators lined the Austin streets cheering on runners, waving hilarious signs, and providing endless energy. Everyone celebrated the day at the three-block-long finish line festival that showcased live music, beer garden, and local food trucks. The race weekend celebration continued well into the night at five Official Austin Marathon after-parties.

“Having the ring with me gave me an immense sense of purpose when pushing through the difficult moments in the race,” said Mark Pinales, who carried his now fiancée’s engagement ring with him for 26.2 miles. “I was scared of losing it but determined to finish as quickly as I could!”

World-class live broadcast

FloTrack’s live coverage followed the champions and the men’s and women’s elite fields for the marathon and half marathon. William Bertrand is the Austin Marathon champion (2:28:11). Kyle Allen (2:36:16) and Ryan Normand (2:37:45) rounded out the men’s marathon field. The male half marathoners finishing in the top three consisted of James Ngandu (1:04:26), Kevin Kochei (1:05:10), and Allen Sumrall (1:06:32).

Sarah Jackson is the Austin Marathon female champion (2:55:16). Elena Oslund (2:59:53) and Sara Striegel (3:08:51) finished the marathon second and third respectively. The top three female half marathon finishers were Allie Kieffer (1:14:29), Kathryn Fluehr (1:16:42), and Maura Tyrrell (1:20:39).

“After moving to Austin a year ago, I immediately knew I wanted to stay for a long time. Hearing so many friends cheer my name on the course yesterday, it felt like home,” said Kieffer, who ran the Austin Half Marathon as her final tune-up before the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. “ I’m thrilled to win and excited to represent Austin at the Olympic Marathon Trials!”

Two new world records

Vicar David Peters, of Pflugerville, Texas, ran the world’s fastest marathon in a cassock. He completed the marathon in 4:06:49. Peters beat the previous record of four hours and 16 minutes. The next world-record was set by Drake Muyinza. He ran the world’s longest fashion runway on the streets of Austin and changed outfits every four miles. The previous record was two miles. Both Guinness World Records are awaiting official verification. The 2020 course was designed to provide a better participant and spectator experience and allow enhanced traffic flow along the course. Participants finish with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as their backdrop. Tens of thousands of spectators cheered along Austin streets. Race-course highlights include two GU Energy Labs Energy Zones, live music, 22 aid stations with nuun performance.

“I commend the runners for the work they accomplished and I’m so thankful to all the volunteers and people who came out to support us,” said Muyinza, who crossed the finish line in 6:18:04. “It may not have been my PR, but in the end, we set our world record and successfully pulled off seven unique looks in 26.2 miles. I hope everyone enjoyed the show!”

Another successful race weekend

Fleet Feet Austin began race weekend with the Austin Marathon Shakeout Run on Friday, Feb. 14th. At the Austin Marathon Health and Fitness Expo, participants tested the industry’s latest products and chatted with the Austin Marathon Pacers. They purchased Official Under Armour + Austin Marathon gear at the Fleet Feet Store, including the limited-edition Austin UA HOVR Machina. The two-day Austin Marathon expo took place on Friday, Feb. 14th, and Saturday, Feb. 15th. Hundreds of children, families, and elites participated in the Manzano Mile presented by Dole Packaged Foods on Saturday, Feb. 15th. Thousands participated in the family-friendly Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K. It began after the Austin Marathon and Austin Half Marathon.

“Sunday was such an amazing day, from beginning to end,” said Sarah Escobedo, who finished her second marathon in 3:50:13. “I loved the energy from all the spectators and cheer zones along the way and continuing the celebration at one of the Official Austin Marathon after-parties.”

30th anniversary – Feb. 14, 2021

Registration is open for the Austin Marathon’s 30th anniversary, scheduled for Feb. 14, 2021. Special pricing is set at $99 for the marathon, $80 for the half marathon, and $35 for the KXAN Simple Health 5K. This amazing deal will be available until Thursday, Feb. 20th. Don’t miss your chance to Run Austin, the #1 city in America. 2020 participants can see their results on the Austin Marathon website and continue to share their memorable experiences on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Runners can expect their FinisherPix race day photos to be ready in 24-48 hours after the race.

The Austin Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made race weekend so special. They would also like to thank title sponsor Ascension Seton, Under Armour, The Moody Foundation, Camp Gladiator, GU Energy Labs, AfterShokz, Hilton of Austin, Fleet Feet Austin, Oskar Blues Brewery, KXAN, SPIbelt, Dole Packaged Foods, H-E-B, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Goodwill Central Texas, Alvies Boots, FloTrack, FinisherPix, Chameleon Cold-Brew, Austin Massage Company, Boy Scout Troop 49, nuun, the City of Austin, Austin Police Department, Department of Public Safety, CapMetro, and Travis County EMS.