Posts

PROfile: Will Christian, 2019 Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Program

/in /by

Will Christian will race the Austin Marathon during his first trip to Texas

Will Christian has been accepted to the Austin Marathon’s Elite Athlete Program. He will compete against other top runners for a prize purse that totals $26,000 on Feb. 17, 2019. Christian is looking forward to his first trip to Texas, running the streets of Austin, and a post-race celebration that includes Texas BBQ. Run with him on race day, cheer him on, or watch the FloTrack live stream on race day from anywhere in the world.

Will Christian has been accepted to the Elite Athlete Program and will run the Austin Marathon.

Will Christian has been accepted to the Elite Athlete Program and will run the Austin Marathon.

About Will Christian

Marathon PR (2:19:13)

My name is Will Christian and I was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. I grew up in several different places due to my father being in the United States Navy. I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2006 and served six years active duty in the U.S. Navy. I’m currently serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves. I’m employed as an engineer for the City of Virginia Beach. My wife and I have a two-year-old son and we are expecting our second child in May of 2019! I love traveling, seeing new places, and meeting new people. Additionally, I enjoy daring activities, like skydiving, scuba diving, and zip lining. I have a goal to visit all 50 states before I’m 50 years old.

Champion and course record holder for 2018 Newport News One City Marathon (2:22:05)

Training tip: Don’t neglect speed training when training for a marathon and allow time for your body to rest.

Race day tip: Don’t try anything new (i.e. don’t wear brand new gear you haven’t worn before or eat something new the day of/day before a race.). Bonus tip: Don’t give up on yourself during the hard parts of the race!

Austin Marathon Announces Second Round of Elite Runners

/in /by

Second round of elite runners will compete during race weekend for a prize purse that totals $26,000

High Five Events is excited to announce the second round of elite runners for the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour®. Runners not accepted into the Elite Athlete Program are still invited to run in the Elite Field. Returning for its third year in a row, this opportunity creates a competitive field of elite male and female runners while discovering emerging talent, pushing the entire talent pool to reach Olympic standards. The Program’s Year Three prize purse totals $26,000. FloTrack’s live coverage highlights the competition amongst the elites, following male and female marathoners and half marathoners.

“I am excited to run as an elite in the Austin Half Marathon,” said Samantha Calderon, 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier. “I have heard amazing things about this race and have already had a great experience with the staff. Can’t wait to get out there and compete on the streets of Austin!”

The second round of 2019 marathoners include:

Anita Perez at the 2018 3M Half Marathon.

  • Will Christian – Elite Athlete Program (2018 Newport News One City Marathon – 2:22:05)
  • Anita Perez – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
  • Michael Ellenberger – Elite Field (2:33:03 at 2017 Boston Marathon)

The second round of 2019 half marathoners include:

  • Samantha Calderon – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
  • Brendan Martin – Elite Athlete Program (2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier)
  • Daniella Moreno – Elite Field (1:17:19 at 2016 Mountains to Beach Half Marathon)
  • Tere Zacher – Elite Field (Mexican alternate for the marathon at 2016 Olympics)

The second round of 2019 Manzano Mile presented by Dole® participants include:

Daniel Herrera, defending Manzano Mile champion, is in the second round of elite runners.

Daniel Herrera, defending Manzano Mile champ.

  • Daniel Herrera – Elite Field (2018 Manzano Mile Champ – 4:11.35)
  • Francine Nzilampa – Elite Field (5:13.81 at 2018 Manzano Mile)
  • Jarrett Walbolt – Elite Field (4:34.13 at 2017 Zimmer Indoor Classic)

The prize purse breakdown follows: $15,000 for the marathon, $5,000 for the half marathon, and $6,000 for the Manzano Mile presented by Dole. Applications are arriving daily and more than 100 have already been submitted. Read about the first round of accepted elite runners. We will announce the third round of elite runners in a few weeks. Applications are still being accepted and elite marathoners can apply on the Austin Marathon’s website. Athletes that meet the program’s standards and are accepted will be given one comp entry to the 2019 Austin Marathon or half marathon, reimbursement eligibility, and standards bonuses.