useful advice for first-time runners Archives

Earn Your Ticket to the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Championship at the Austin Marathon

October 18, 2023/in Blog post /by Austin Marathon

2024 Austin Marathon participants can earn a spot at AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Championships

Mark your calendars for February 18, 2024, because Austin, Texas, is where the action’s at. The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon is your passport to an adrenaline-fueled adventure as it returns as one of the selected qualifying marathons for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings. The AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings comprise over 375 qualifying races in over 90 different countries in which athletes in nine separate age groups can compete in marathons across the world to earn a global ranking.

Compete against runners from around the world

The spread of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Qualifying Events creates a truly global series throughout the year. This gives runners across the world the chance to be part of a new era of age-group marathon running.

The 2024 season will be the 6th edition of the rankings, with runners competing to earn an invitation to the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.

Dawna Stone, Abbott World Marathon Majors CEO said: “The Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings continue to grow and welcome new races into the qualifying process every year. The geographical spread of runners and races shows the appetite for high level competition across all ages and an invite to the World Championships is becoming a much sought-after goal.”

How it Works

Athletes will be ranked according to their single fastest time in a qualifying event. Any athlete achieving the Automatic Qualifying Time for their age group will receive an immediate invitation for the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.

Highly-ranked runners who do not achieve the Automatic Qualifying Time still have the opportunity to receive an invitation to enter the World Championship depending on the full field size and the number of athletes achieving the qualifying time.

In order to receive an invitation, runners must be registered at AbbottWMM.com. The date, location, and field size for the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships will be announced in due course.

Age Group Qualifying Times

Times are subject to final confirmation by AbbotWMM at the end of 2023.

2024 Qualifying times Age Group	Male	Female
40-44	02:35	03:05
45-49	02:42	03:11
50-54	02:48	03:21
55-59	02:57	03:30
60-64	03:10	03:48
65-69	03:26	04:06
70-74	03:40	04:35
75-79	04:06	05:05
80+	04:40	05:25

Qualifying for the 2025 AbbottWMM Age Group Championship

There are three ways to qualify for the championships.

1. Achieve the Automatic Qualifying Time for your age group

2. Other highly ranked athletes without an Automatic Qualifying Time may also receive an invitation, depending on the full field size and the number of athletes achieving the qualifying time.

3. The bi-annual AbbottWMM Global Marathon, held within the Global Run Club, has 200 places available for the fastest verified finishers. Visit the Global Run Club for full details.

Full details here.

So, as the Austin Marathon countdown begins, imagine the cheers of the crowd, the beat of your heart, and the thrill of knowing that you could earn a spot at the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships. It’s not just a marathon; it’s a global celebration of running . The path to championship glory is paved with determination and a dash of fun. The Austin Marathon beckons and the world is your playground – get ready to run, laugh, and make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s marathon time, and the adventure begins here!

How to Run: Useful Advice for First-Time Runners

January 6, 2022/in Blog post, Training Advice /by Austin Marathon

Our advice for first-time runners will start you off on the right foot

So you’ve decided to start running? Congratulations! Running is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health, build strong bones and muscles, and boost your mood. But if you’re a first-time runner, the prospect of lacing up your sneakers and hitting the pavement can be a bit intimidating at first. Where do you start? How do you make sure you don’t get injured? And how do you keep yourself motivated to keep running?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll give you some useful tips on how to get started with running, how to stay safe and injury-free, and how to make sure you keep enjoying running for the long haul.

Remember: every runner starts at square one. You are about to embark on an amazing journey. It will include countless miles, early mornings, new friends, and plenty of finish lines! Take our advice for first-time runners and apply it to your journey!

Set a goal, find a training plan

One of the first things you want to do is set a goal. That could be a distance, a race, or a specific distance at a certain event. If you’re just starting out, an ideal goal race would be the Austin Half Marathon. The distance, 13.1 miles, is a great intro to the sport. Plus, you have plenty of time to follow this free half marathon training plan!

Set a larger goal and train for the Austin Marathon. Going from 0 to 26.2 is a great undertaking, but one that you can accomplish with help from this free marathon training plan. Want to begin with a smaller distance and get to the 3-block-long finish line festival before everyone else? The 5K distance is perfect if you don’t have that much time to train. Bonus points for getting friends and family to join you. Make sure you download this free 5K training plan and share it with whoever’s joining you.

Learn how to run your best

Running is simple, you put one foot in front of the other. But there are so many ways for you to run better and see improvement. Take proper care of your body, especially when you’re just beginning. Getting more sleep, taking time off, and hydrating properly are just a few of these 7 tips that’ll help you run your best!

Prepare for different weather

You might not know it yet, but running in the rain is an absolute treat! Just make sure you’re prepared so a fun run in the rain stays fun. These 7 tips will keep your training on track despite the weather. Just make sure you check the weather before you take off. Don’t run if there’s lightning!

If the weather is on the warmer side, summertime running tips will keep you comfortable and safe as the temperature rises.

Keep your motivation motor running

Sometimes the motivation just isn’t there. The chances of skipping a run or missing a workout are higher with first-time runners. But you’re not alone! All runners face this dilemma. One of the best ways to keep your motivation level high is to find an accountability partner. This person will meet you early in the morning and make sure y’all complete the run. Yes, you guessed it, you’ll hold them accountable too! Here are 5 additional tips for staying motivated.

Get Good Shoes

Invest in a good pair of running shoes. One of the most important pieces of gear for a runner is a good pair of shoes. Running shoes are designed to provide cushioning and support for your feet, which helps reduce the risk of injuries like shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. When choosing running shoes, it’s important to get fitted at a specialty running store, like Fleet Feet Austin, so that the sales staff can help you find the right shoe for your foot type and gait (the way you move while running).

Don’t miss your morning run

Getting up for your early morning run can be difficult, especially for first-time runners. Completing an early morning run really sets up the rest of your day nicely! But the battle with your alarm clock is real. This is the case for veteran runners too! Implement some or all of these 6 tips. They’ll help you get out the door for your morning run.

Long-run recovery timeline

You’re logging miles. Crushing your early morning run. Your weekend long runs are getting longer. What’s left? Learn how to properly recover from your long run with this recovery timeline. This long-run recovery timeline will help expedite the recovery process and help get you ready for whatever’s next!

This useful advice will help put first-time runners on the road to success. But if you’re returning from a long break or recovering from an injury, this information is just as beneficial. Get ready for an amazing running journey! Hey veterans, if there’s something that worked for you as a first-time runner let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

5 Official Austin Hotels that Offer Late Check-Out

October 26, 2021/in Explore Austin, Hotels /by Austin Marathon

4 Reasons Why You Should Try a Virtual Race

September 21, 2020/in Blog post /by Austin Marathon

Learn about all the benefits before you sign up for a virtual race

Are you looking for a way to find adventure and excitement this fall? A virtual race is the answer you’ve been searching for. While there are many things in life we have no control over, physical fitness is one thing that we still have a grasp on. And with the Run Austin Virtual Series from Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon, you’ll have monthly milestones and get fit in no time!

Virtual events explained

Virtual races are an innovative addition to the racing community, giving participants an opportunity to stay fit and motivated while we work towards returning to in-person events. They can be completed in the comfort of your own home and at a time of your choice. Competitors can pick their starting points and routes, be it the walkway outside their house, in a different state, or even a completely different country. The Run Austin Virtual Series will only dictate the distance you run and there are various races to choose from. It’s a great opportunity to return to racing and enjoy the keen satisfaction that comes with completing a task. Take your virtual races off the roads and to the trails. If you are in Austin you can complete your next virtual run on Austin’s top running trails.

Why you should try virtual racing

1. Set new goals and achieve them

Competitors are given the opportunity to set personal goals and achieve them. Although you won’t run alongside others, you can still achieve your running goals, increase your mileage, and possibly set personal records along the way. Additionally, you can work your way from smaller, more achievable goals to larger ones. Since virtual events have fewer time restrictions than in-person events, you can work towards completing a longer distance than you would normally run, significantly increasing your endurance levels.

2. Explore the social aspect of racing

It’s a shared, fun experience that’s enjoyable for everyone involved. Although virtual, you’ll still be able to interact with fellow runners and connect over the races you’ve completed and the records you’ve set. This also allows you to get your family and friends from different parts of the world in on all the fun. Additionally, participation in virtual races also prepares you for traditional races once you feel the time is right.

3. Take your fitness to the next level

See this as a wake-up call to start achieving your fitness goals today. Virtual races can advance your fitness level, motivating you to change any unhealthy habits, and live your best life. This is a great way for beginners to implement our useful advice for first-timer runners.

4. Virtual racing swag

With each virtual race comes unique swag! You can also purchase official merchandise just like you would for an in-person event. These fun momentos are great ways to remind you of your accomplishments and push you towards your new goal. Share this with your fellow competitors and friends by flaunting your digital swag courtesy of Austin Marathon on our photo booth.

Virtual runs are for people who chase adventure and the sense of accomplishment that follows. It’s definitely an opportunity worth experiencing. You won’t regret supporting your local virtual race provider. How excited are you to take part in a virtual race? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group or on Twitter.

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