3M Half Marathon Celebrates 25 Years with PRs and Perfect Weather

3M Half Marathon’s celebration continued with an expanded finish line festival and beer garden

The largest field in 3M Half Marathon history enjoyed perfect weather on Sunday, Jan. 20th.

The largest field in 3M Half Marathon history enjoyed perfect weather on Sunday, Jan. 20th. Credit – Ed Sparks

Start time temperature in the mid-30s quickly gave way to a sun-filled sky and slight tailwind at the 25th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour on Sunday, January 20th. Nearly 7500 participants registered, the most in event history, for the standalone half marathon. Participants traveled to Austin from 47 states and 13 countries. Memorable performances by thousands were highlighted by numerous PRs, an epic duel between the first and second place males, and a repeat female champion.

“I always love this course, it’s just so fun,” said Courtnee Doyle, who completed her fourth 3M Half Marathon and earned a nine-minute PR. “The conditions today were race-perfect to go fast and get a new PR.”

Exciting elite finish + back-to-back champ

The elite men provided an exciting race, with a pack of 4-5 running together most of the race. The sprint to the finish featured a dual. Texas State University alumnus Michael “Slim” Morris (1:07:19) crossed the finish line first. Oklahoma City’s Andrew Leahey (1:07:21) gave a hard final push and finished just two seconds after Morris. Monterrey, Mexico’s Ivan Ortiz (1:08:00) completed the overall men’s field. For the second year in a row, Matt McCurdy (1:11:55) was the male Master’s champion.

“It was a great, honest and fast race,” said Morris, 2019 3M Half Marathon champion (1:07:19). “Loved all the support from the crowds throughout the course!”

Jess Harper is all smile after her second 3M Half Marathon victory in as many years.

Jess Harper is all smile after her second 3M Half Marathon victory in as many years. Credit – Ed Sparks

Austinite Jessica Harper (1:14:23) was the female champion for the second time in as many years. Emily Parker of Kerrville, Texas, (1:19:00) and Anissa Angelosante of Ypsilanti, Michigan, (1:19:16) finishing second and third respectively. Tammy Bogle (1:27:57) was the top female Master’s finisher for the second year in a row.

Despite chillier than normal temperatures, thousands of spectators lined the Austin streets. They cheered thousands on the point-to-point half marathon course. The course began in north Austin and finished near the Texas State Capitol. Some spectators hosted parties, played musical instruments, and handed out extracurricular nutrition and hydration.

“The energy that the 3M Half Marathon has followed you straight through the city to downtown,” said Jess Carroll, who completed her first 3M Half Marathon in 2:10:04. “The amount of Austin residents that came out to cheer us along the course was truly incredible, the motivation those cheers provide is indescribable.”

Plan for 2020 now!

For those planning ahead to January 20, 2019, next year’s registration is open and set at the low price of $75. This amazing deal will be available until Wednesday, January 23rd. Don’t miss out on one of the faster half marathon courses in the country. It features the best packet in the industry, full of useful 3M products. Participants can see their results on the 3M Half 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 3M Half Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made the race so special. This includes 3M’s Carl Wentzel, the 3M Half Marathon’s longest standing volunteer, and Austin Youth River Watch’s Executive Director Melinda Chow, the 3Mgives beneficiary. The following sponsors and partners made this successful race day possible: Under Armour, Fleet Feet Austin, Ascension Seton, SPIbelt, Austin Sports Commission, H-E-B, nuun hydration, Heavenly Care Moving, Dole, Oskar Blues Brewery, Goodwill Austin, Hilton, Camp Gladiator, Austin Massage Company, City of Austin, Austin Police Department, Department of Public Safety, CapMetro, and Travis County EMS.

3M Half Marathon and Camp Gladiator Strike Partnership

Camp Gladiator’s involvement will span entire race weekend

High Five Events welcomes Camp Gladiator (CG) as a supporting partner for the 2019 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. CG will have an expo presence, lead the pre-race warm-up for participants, and energize athletes throughout the last mile at their hype station. The 3M Half Marathon will take place on January 20, 2019.Camp Gladiator will be involved with 3M Half Marathon during race weekend.

“Camp Gladiator is excited to partner with the 3M Half Marathon,” said Ally Davidson, co-CEO and founder, Camp Gladiator. “This great fitness event encourages more than 7,000 runners to get outside and be active and our trainers will motivate those runners to finish their race strong!”

CG is an outdoor group fitness company whose mission is to positively impact the physical fitness and ultimately the lives of as many people as possible. They strive to be everywhere there are people and actively partner and engages at the community level to support, encourage and facilitate people of all athletic backgrounds in their long-term health and fitness pursuits.

“CG and their trainers are excellent motivators and they’ll pump up participants race morning and give them an extra burst of energy during the final mile of the 3M Half Marathon,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. It will celebrate its 25th year running in 2019. 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. Registration is currently open for all options.

3M Half Marathon Expo Highlights

Our expo highlights showcase the booths you have to visit

The 3M Half Marathon Expo & Packet Pick Up is just days away! The expo is a chance for participants to visit our sponsors and partners and check out what they have to offer. From on-course hydration to Official 3M Half Marathon Under Armour gear, below are the expo highlights you can’t miss! There are tons of prizes, giveaways, and discounts. Think of them like Pokemon, you have to visit them all!

Photo Booths

There will be several fun photo opportunities set up throughout the expo including our gif photo booth, a larger than life-size version of this year’s finisher medal, Course Maps and more. Be sure to visit them all. 

Austin Marathon

Visit the Austin Marathon (booth #27) to chat with their team about race day! Thinking about registering for the Austin Marathon, half marathon, 5K, or Manzano Mile? Register at their booth and take advantage of their expo deals. BONUS: take a picture in front of their Austin backdrop!

Fleet Feet Austin

Visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin (booth #18) and snag your Official 3M Half Marathon Under Armour gear before it’s gone! Supplies are limited. They’ll also have hydration and nutrition for your last-minute needs.

Rookie Triathlon

The Rookie Triathlon (booth #28) will have bean bag toss where you can win prizes. Rookie Triathlon is a sprint triathlon (300m swim, 11.2-mile bike, 2-mile run) that will take place on Sunday, May 5th. Make sure you check out their expo-only deals and make Rookie Tri the first triathlon of your life or the first triathlon of your 2019 season.

Nuun

Sample all of nuun hydration’s flavors at booth #33. Say hey and learn how you can win Texas-themed nuun bottles. BONUS: the first 5 people to show up to the nuun booth and complete the following for each day will win one bag of nuun performance.

  • Friday – say “Nothing but nuun on race day!”
  • Saturday – tell your favorite positive race mantras and what flavor of nuun you train with

Airrosti

Airrosti Treatment Teams (booth #44) will offer complimentary injury assessments and taping to any participants suffering from pain or an injury. The assessments are 15-minute appointments.

Ready to Run

Ready to Run will have a photo booth contest at booth #13. They’ve designed a custom local Austin backdrop and custom photo props. Visit them, enter the contest, and learn how you can win a pair of Aftershokz Air Wireless Headphones or a $75 Ready to Run gift card.

SPIbelt

SPIbelt (booth #11) will have a spinning wheel out sporadically during the event where people can spin to win! Stop by, say hey, learn about their new products, and spin to see what you could win.

Cap10K

Register at the Cap10K booth (booth #39) and receive a free Cap10K pop socket for your mobile device OR a free pair of Cap10K running socks. That’s a great deal for the largest 10K in Texas!

Hilton

Hilton will have a photo booth set up, raffle wheel, and giveaways at booth #51. Take a picture at their booth and post it online to spin the raffle wheel and win a prize. Visitors that are Honors members or download and enroll with their Honors app will have an opportunity for a second spin at the wheel. Prizes include tote bags, luggage tags, and chances to win a grand prize which includes hotel stays.

Heavenly Care Moving

Hang on the Heavenly Care Moving (booth #1) bar for 90 seconds and you’re entered into the drawing to win a bike! It’s that simple.

  1. The drawing will be held on Facebook Live on Monday, February 21st, at 6:00 p.m.
  2. All that’s required for eligibility is to “like” their Facebook page
  3. Everyone that at least attempts the hang will be entered to win a free entry to the 2020 3M Half Marathon. (one male and one female will be selected)
  4. Everyone that lasts the full 90 seconds will be entered to win the city cruiser!

3M Half Marathon Prepares for Largest Field in Their 25-Year History

3M Half Marathon will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Jan 20th

Jess Harper, 2018 3M Half Marathon female champ. Credit – Ed Sparks

High Five Events is making final preparations for the 25th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour on January 20th. With registration numbers nearing 7500 participants, this will be the largest field in the event’s history. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m., feature a competitive elite field, benefit Austin Youth River Watch, and highlight thousands of runners chasing after their half marathon PR.

“I’m excited to return to the 3M Half Marathon and defend my title against the largest field in their history,” said Jess Harper, 2018 3M Half Marathon female champ (1:15:45). “This event has been an Austin staple for 25 years and I’m ready to help them celebrate their anniversary!”

Participants will receive their 25th 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, 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, and snack bag. Participants 21 years old and older can enjoy Oskar Blues Austin brews and devour delicious food from several food trucks. Sponsors, vendors, and partners will populate the finish line festival, celebrating runners and their achievements.

“The 3M Half Marathon has been a staple running event in Austin for 25 years and we’re proud to feature the largest field in the event’s history,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Working with great sponsors like 3M, Under Armour, nuun hydration, Fleet Feet Austin, and Ascension Seton will ensure our 25th anniversary is a memorable event for participants, spectators, and volunteers alike.”

3M Half Marathon beneficiary

Austin Youth River Watch is the beneficiary of the event. 3Mgives will contribute $60,000 to support Austin Youth River Watch’s educational programs in conjunction with the race. Austin Youth River Watch is a multi-year, after-school and summer program for high school students. They combine peer mentoring with intensive environmental education. Their students collect, analyze, and publish water-quality data from Austin-area streams and rivers. They then report their data to local and statewide agencies. Students also work with community partners on environmental restoration projects to improve watershed health.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. Runners 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. Registration is currently open for all options.

Don’t Forget These 3M Half Marathon Race-Week Reminders

3M Half Marathon race week is here!

It has finally arrived! Race week for the 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour’s 25th anniversary is here! We know you’re just as excited as we are. With all the excitement is easy to forget the simple things you need to do race week. We’re here to help with these race-week reminders.

Invite your friends

  • Fact – running is best enjoyed with friends! They can run with you, cheer for you at various points along the course, or celebrate with you at the finish line festival. If your friends have been on the registration fence, now is the time. Tell them about the upcoming price increase on Thursday, Jan. 17th, or gift them a registration yourself!

Hydrate

  • Begin hydrating during race week. It’ll help ensure your body has the fluids needed to secure that next PR! Make sure you’re getting a nice balance of electrolytes and fluids during the week. You’ve put in the training miles, now make sure all systems are ready for race day! BONUS – hydrate with nuun, it’s what’ll be on course.

Plan your race day

  • There aren’t many runners who don’t already do this, but nevertheless, it’s a great reminder. Layout everything you’ll need the night before and double-check it. This increases the likelihood that you forget nothing race morning. You should even plan what you’ll eat the morning of and the night before. Stick with what works! This should help keep you “regular” race morning.

If you didn’t train with it…

  • Don’t do it on race day! As simple as it seems. If you didn’t run with it, eat it, or drink it during training, don’t do it on race day!

Celebrate at the finish line festival

Last but definitely not least, celebrate! Once you cross the finish line, snag your commemorative 25th anniversary 3M Half Marathon finisher medal and head to the finish line festival. Grab your snack bag and some hydration. Then check out the food trucks, music, and the beer garden! BONUS – family or friends who cheered or tracked you via the app can meet you and help celebrate.