Austin International Half Ready to Blaze Through Austin This Weekend
Thousands of Runners Gear Up to Set New PRs on One of the Nation’s Fastest Half Marathon Courses
The Austin International Half, formerly known as the 3M Half Marathon will host over 5,000 runners from 47 states and 14 countries for the 31st year of the annual event. This year’s race is set to deliver a memorable celebration of running, camaraderie, and achievement. Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 19, 2025, as Austin welcomes runners back to run Downhill to Downtown.
Participants will enjoy fully sublimated event shirts and swag bags brimming with new items, including a commemorative patch, event running hat, and sponsor-provided samples. The Expo & Packet Pick-Up at Palmer Events Center serves as the prelude to race day, with packet pickup available on Friday, January 17 (1 PM – 7 PM) and Saturday, January 18 (10 AM – 5 PM).
The race kicks off at 7:30 AM on Sunday, January 19, starting from Gateway Shopping Center in north Austin. Individual participants and two-person relay teams will tackle the 13.1-mile net downhill course, which features a 300-foot drop in elevation. All along the course runners will hear the sounds of 10 live local bands while staying hydrated and fueled with BPN electrolytes and BPN Go Gels.
The Austin International Half Finish Line Festival will be a celebration of the participants and their remarkable efforts. Finishers will receive a spinning medal to commemorate their achievement and can celebrate their Personal Records by ringing the PR Gong. Runners will enjoy snacks filled with H-E-B favorites, post-race hydration, and, for those aged 21 and over, refreshments at the EIGHT Beer Garden. Food trucks will be on-site for post event bites. The festival will be a hub for sponsors, exhibitors, and the local community to celebrate the Downhill to Downtown spirit.
“We couldn’t be more excited for this year’s Austin International Half,” said Jack Murray, Co-Owner of High Five Events. “With a $10,000 prize purse on the line for our elite runners,, this event is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of endurance, community, and the running spirit of Austin. We can’t wait to cheer everyone on as they blaze through the course!”
The Austin International Half has been a staple in the Austin running scene since its inception, attracting runners from across the country to experience the unique course and atmosphere. Blaze, the new mascot, adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, promising an unforgettable celebration for participants, volunteers, and spectators alike. Participants can register on the website.
About the Austin International Half: The Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon, has been one of Austin’s premier running events since its establishment in 1995. With a reputation for its fast and picturesque course, the race attracts runners of all levels from around the world. Organized by High Five Events, the Austin International Half is a celebration of athleticism, determination, and the vibrant running community in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit DownhillToDowntown.com.
About High Five Events: High Five Events is the parent company of the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k, Austin International Half, CapTex Triathlon and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. With over 150 years of combined experience, the High Five Events team specializes in organizing large-scale events across diverse venues, solidifying their presence on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in 2019 and 2020.
