3M Half Marathon Celebrates 29th Anniversary with Perfect Running Conditions

Hundreds of Participants Hit New Personal Records on Net Downhill Course

AUSTIN, Texas, January 23, 2023 — With start time temperature in the low-40s and 10 mile per hour tailwind, the 29th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour made for ideal running conditions.  Over 6000 runners from 47 states and 11 countries registered for the event that took place on Sunday, January 22nd.  Participants ran Austin’s streets on one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country.  The day was highlighted by hundreds of personal records and an uplifting overall vibe from the running community. 

“Each year is better than the last.  This year we brought back the PR gong and watching so many smiling faces hit it in the post-race festival was exciting to see,.” said Stacy Keese, High Five Events co-owner. “I can’t wait to improve upon what we did this year as we work towards our 30th Anniversary in 2024.” 

Joseph Grey of Colorado Springs, CO won the 2023 3M Half Marathon in 1:04:23.  Mitch Ammonds of Austin, TX finished in second place (1:04:27).  Wrapping up the men’s podium with the third-place finish was Michael Morris of Austin,TX  (1:06:07). 

Allie Kieffer of Austin, TX was the female champion in 1:16:24, followed by second place Caroline Brooks  (1:16:56), and Shannon Gaden, who finished third (1:17:00) who are also from Austin, TX.

“It was a very streamlined event from expo to post-race day that, in addition to the perfect weather and net downhill course, made for a personal best! I was able to improve my half marathon time by 5 minutes, for a new PR of 1:34.” said runner Cameron Nguyen of Austin. 

Participants can see their results on the 3M Half Marathon website and continue to share their memorable experiences on Facebook and Instagram.  Runners can expect their FinisherPix race day photos and finisher videos to be ready in 24-48 hours after the race. 

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the 3M Half Marathon.  For those planning ahead to January 21, 2024, registration is open and set at the low price of $89.  This price will be available until Tuesday, January 31st .  The 3M Half Marathon offers one of the fastest courses in the country and the world’s most practical swag bag, full of useful 3M products. 

The 3M Half Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made the race so special.  In conjunction with the 2022 3M Half Marathon, 3Mgives donated $60,000 to this year’s beneficiary, FindingHomeATX.  The following sponsors and partners made this successful race day possible: 3M, Under Armour, Ascension Seton, GU Energy Labs, Evamor, EIGHT Beer, Fleet Feet Austin, Nuun Hydration, H-E-B, Favor, SPIbelt, Life Time, Austin Sports Commission, Super Coffee, Texas Drain Specialists, Dole Packaged Foods, Goodwill Austin, FinisherPix, Austin Police Department, Department of Public Safety, CapMetro, and Travis County EMS.

 

About High Five Events:  Beginning with the launch of a single triathlon in 2003, High Five Events has grown to become one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States.  In addition to the events it owns and produces, the Austin, Texas-based company offers consulting and event production services to dozens of additional events each year.  High Five Events is community-centric and has more than 100 years’ combined experience organizing large events across different venue types in a variety of locations.

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Thousands will chase their 13.1-mile PR on one of the country’s fastest half marathon courses

High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, is putting the final touches on the 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour.  More than 6000 participants have registered, with 46 states and 11 countries represented.  The 29th annual 3M Half Marathon will take place on January 22, 2023 in Austin, Texas.

Participants will receive their 29th anniversary Under Armour participant shirt and world-famous swag bag filled with useful 3M products at the Expo & Packet Pick Up.  Race day begins near The Domain in north Austin.  Thousands will run the predominantly downhill course in search of their PR (Personal Record), cruising through beautiful Shoal Creek Blvd., historic Hyde Park neighborhood, and the world-renowned University of Texas at Austin before finishing near the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin.  The 3M Half Marathon’s finish line festival will celebrate finishers and their efforts.  They’ll receive their customizable spinning finisher medal, post-race hydration from evamor, and snack bag featuring Dole fruit cups and H-E-B products.  Super Coffee will also be on hand to help keep the positive energy flowing.  Participants 21 years old and older can enjoy EIGHT beer and everyone can devour delicious food from several food trucks.  Sponsors, vendors, volunteers and partners will populate the finish line festival, celebrating runners and their achievements.

“We’re excited to have this event back in full force after a 2021 cancellation and a modified 2022 event,” said Jack Murray Co-Owner of High Five Events.  “The expo is sold out of exhibitor space, the EIGHT Beer Garden is going to be awesome, and the enthusiasm for running events like this continues to escalate.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 29th year running in 2023.  Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running that showcases some of Austin’s finest locations.  Starting in north Austin and finishing near the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop.  Participants can register on the website.

10 local bands will provide entertainment and showcase The Live Music Capital of the World

The 3M Half Marathon has finalized the lineup for its on-course entertainment for the point-to-point race happening this Sunday, January 22 in Austin, Texas.  The ten local bands and DJ join the race-day excitement and perform live music for participants along the 13.1 mile course.

“We’re excited to welcome the wide-ranging sounds of these local musicians,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “The energy of live music on course helps to provide motivation to the runners as they run through the different neighborhoods of Austin.  They help us showcase The Live Music Capital of the World.”

 

This year the 3M Half Marathon features the following bands:   Austin Taiko (Japanese Drumming), Everett Wren (Fiddler), Inside Out Stell Band (Steel Drum), Kupira Marimba (Zimbabwe Marimba), Austin Thaalam (Indian Drumming), Shirley Johnson (Accordion), The Goulds (String Bass & Sax), Woode Wood (Guitar & Harmonia), Stove Top Rangers (Banjo, String Bass, Guitar) and DJ Gatsby in the Finish Line Festival.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 29th year running in 2023. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running that showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. Starting in north Austin and finishing near the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.