Our Favorite Hill Workout Locations

Build strength and stamina at these four hill workout locations

“Hills are speedwork in disguise.” – Frank Shorter (gold medalist in the marathon at the 1972 Summer Olympics, silver medalist in the marathon at the 1976 Summer Olympics)

It’s no secret, Austin is located in the Texas Hill Country. The 3M Half Marathon course might have a -300 ft. drop in elevation from start to finish, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore hill workouts! Incorporating a weekly hill workout into any training plan will build stamina, strengthen your lower body, and increase your lung capacity. There are many Austin options for a great hill workout, but the four locations below are our favorite. If your favorite didn’t make our list, let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

  1. Wilke – Let’s kick this off with a well-known Austin classic in the Barton Hills neighborhood, Wilke. The entire road itself is about .3 miles, but you can push that to nearly half a mile (and >100 ft. elevation change) with this workout: begin at Barton Parkway and Wilke Dr. and run to the top of the Wilke, you’ll end at Rabb Road; turn around and head back down Wilke (make sure to control yourself!); take a left on Barton Parkway; make a U-turn at the footbridge and return to your starting point. Rest for 60 seconds, repeat as desired.
  2. Ladera Norte – To visit Ladera Norte head to northwest Austin, past Far West Blvd. Many different routes can be created from this hill, but this workout is a ~1.3-mile lollipop route that has >330 ft. elevation change. Park at Ladera Norte and Valburn Dr. Head south on Ladera Norte and control your stride. Take a right on Backtrail Dr., it’ll end at Ladera Norte. Take a left on Ladera Norte and begin your ascent. Tip: keep your head low, lean forward, and keep your feet moving. Rest for 2:30 minutes, repeat as desired.

    The Hill of Life ascent.

  3. Hill of Life – Get off the roads and conquer the Hill of Life on the Greenbelt! Pay attention on this route, especially as you descend the Hill of Life. What starts at the top with great views ends nearly half a mile downhill, with nearly 300 ft. of elevation change. There are no turns to know, unless you want to run on the trail for a 5-minute recovery. Repeat as desired. Get to the Hill of Life on foot (several Greenbelt access points) or by car (take Scottish Woods Trial off 360).
  4. Pease Park – This double-roller near Shoal Creek doesn’t have the elevation gain of the other three on this list, but it’s a great workout nonetheless. Start near the picnic tables at Pease Park and run west on Kingsbury St. The climbs aren’t gnarly, but there is a flat part before the second hill. Use this section to briefly recover before attacking the second hill. It’s slightly more than a quarter mile before you turn around, use the downhill to recover. Recover at Pease Park for 60 seconds, repeat as desired.

When you visit these hill workout locations it’s important to bring fluids with you, especially during the Texas summers. Pease Park has water fountains, but if you prefer your own hydration plan accordingly. As for all workouts on the road, be visible/reflective, run against traffic, be predictable and keep an eye out for cars. If you’re running as a group, don’t hog the road and run no more than side-by-side.

3M Half Marathon Provides Good Times and a Good Time

Goals were achieved and hundreds of PRs were earned at the 2018 3M Half Marathon on Sunday, January 21st. More than 7000 participants registered, the most in event’s 24-year history, for the standalone half marathon, coming to Austin from 47 states and 19 countries. Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Austin, cheering on runners and ensuring this special day will be remembered by all, including Laurie Allen, 9-time IRONMAN finisher, who finished her first half marathon on a hand cycle in 2:29:59 (after an accident in 2015 rendered her a quadriplegic).

Laurie Allen and Kent Snead.

“Another spectacular race day made possible by the folks at High Five Events and my amazing group of friends,” said Allen. “I love being back out on the race course with my fellow runners. It was a perfect day!”

Allen started at 7:10 a.m. while the rest of the field began their race to the heart of Austin at 7:30 a.m. Navigating their way downtown, 5626 runners enjoyed a fully supported course, complete with eight aid stations with water and nuun, a CLIF Bar CLIF Zone handing out CLIF SHOTS near Mile 7, thousands of cheering spectators with cowbells and hilarious signs, and nine bands performing live music on course.

“I had two goals coming into the 3M Half Marathon: to PR by one minute and to stick with the 1:55 pacers, then pick up my pace the last couple of miles,” said Jillian Baaklini, who set her half marathon PR (1:53:19) at the 2018 3M Half Marathon. “About a mile out I realized I would beat my previous PR by three minutes. I had this unexpected burst of energy and sprinted to the finish!”

Austinite Jessica Harper (1:15:45) was the overall female winner; with Jennifer Hall (1:17:51) and Anita Perez (1:19:35) finishing second and third respectively. The top three female Master’s finishers were  Tammy Bogle (1:33:08), Rochelle McClanahan (1:33:39), and Anne Hughes (1:34:08).

Jessica Harper, 2018 3M Half Marathon female champion (1:15:45).

Syracuse alumnus Joey Whelan (1:09:06) crossed the finish line first. Bryan Morton (1:10:13) and Mike Kurvach (1:12:24) completed the overall men’s field, respectively. The male Master’s finishing in the top three consisted of Matt McCurdy (1:14:19), Adam Reiser (1:16:49), Kevin Kimbell (1:16:55).

“2018 3M Half Marathon was a great opportunity to test my fitness and get myself into a race environment,” said Whelan, who used this as a tune-up race before the Austin Marathon on Feb. 18th. “It was nice to work with Byran Morton while being cheered on by the Austin running community. I look forward to running these streets again in a month at the Austin Marathon.”

For those planning ahead to January 20, 2019, next year’s registration is open and set at the low price of $65. This amazing deal will be available until Wednesday, January 24th. Don’t miss out on one of the faster half marathon courses in the country and 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 boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will open registration for 2019 on Monday, January, 22nd. 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 in near the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 300+’ net elevation drop.

The 2018 3M Half Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made the race so special. They would also like to thank 3M and Director Mark Holmstrom, Girlstart and Deputy Director Julie Shannan, H-E-B, Under Armour, Clif Bar, nuun, Heavenly Care Moving, Dole, Medicine in Motion, Oskar Blues Brewery, Ben Phillips – Engel & Völkers Austin, and Austin Massage Company.

2018 3M Half Marathon Introduces Under Armour as Presenting Sponsor

High Five Events is thrilled to announce Under Armour® as the presenting sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon, which takes place in Austin on January 21, 2018. The partnership will feature Under Armour’s innovative performance products and highlight their brand’s continued community involvement.

“The opportunity to make our mark on the renowned 3M Half Marathon is an exciting one,” said Topher Gaylord, GM of Run at Under Armour. “Austin is one of the most active and vibrant running markets in the U.S. and we look forward to amplifying the experience for runners in 2018.”

Under Armour, the originator of performance footwear, apparel, and equipment, will outfit participants and race volunteers with their HeatGear® running shirts, provide participants with sack packs, and provide pacers with the footwear and apparel they need to ensure participants hit their goal times. Additionally, Under Armour will outfit the 3M Half Marathon pace team with race kits and the newly-designed UA HOVR performance running footwear.

“Having Under Armour as presenting sponsor is a great fit because thousands of participants push themselves at the 3M Half Marathon in pursuit of a PR,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Under Armour’s commitment to runners and the sport of running will shine through on race day.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 24th year running in 2018. 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.

Oskar Blues Brewery Returns as Official Beer for 3M Half Marathon

High Five Events introduces Oskar Blues Brewery as the Official Beer Sponsor for the 2018 3M Half Marathon. The 3M Half Marathon will feature Oskar Blues signature Austin-brewed beers at the finish line festival’s beer garden for finishers 21+.

“The 3M Half Marathon is an Austin institution that fits with our get-up and go attitude of mixing great outdoor efforts with music, beer and good times,” said Oskar Blues’ marketing director, Chad Melis.

Oskar Blues Brewery Austin, the original craft beer in a can, will offer 21+ finishers and spectators their award-winning, Austin-brewed beers on race day. The 3M Half Marathon’s beer garden will provide runners and their friends and family a place to gather, relax, and enjoy any one of Oskar Blues’ signature craft brews post-race. Available beers include Austin’s own Dale’s Pale Ale, Mama’s Little Yella Pils, and Oskar Blues IPA.

“Last year’s finish line festival was a huge celebration of great accomplishments highlighted by Oskar Blues Austin’s beers in the beer garden,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Runners could connect with friend and family, enjoy themselves post-race, and commemorate the moment with photos.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 24th year running in 2018. 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 300’+ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.

2018 3M Half Marathon Anticipates Largest Field in 24-Year History

High Five Events is making final preparations for the 24th annual 3M Half Marathon on January 21st. With registration numbers nearing 7000 participants, this is expected to be the largest field in the race’s history. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m., feature a competitive elite field, benefit Girlstart, and highlight thousands of runners racing for their half marathon PR.

“I started running on a treadmill three years ago in cardiac rehab after a heart attack at 57,” said Renee Myrick, who will complete her first half marathon at the 3M Half Marathon. “I’ve done 5Ks and 10Ks, but on Sunday, Jan. 18th, I’ll run/walk my first half marathon at the 3M Half Marathon!”

Beginning near The Domain, thousands will run the predominantly downhill course in search of their PR, cruising through beautiful Shoal Creek Blvd., historic Hyde Park neighborhood, the world-renowned University of Texas at Austin, before finishing near the Texas State Capitol. The 3M Half Marathon’s finish line festival will celebrate finishers and their efforts. In addition to their Under Armour participant shirt, spinning finisher medal, bottle of water, and snack bag, participants (21+) 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.

“We’re thrilled to host a record-breaking number of runners at 3M Half Marathon, especially those running towards a half marathon PR on the streets of Austin,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Couple the excitement of race week in Austin with great sponsors like 3M, Under Armour, nuun, and Clif Bar and you have the makings of a memorable event for participants, spectators, and volunteers alike.”

Girlstart is once again the beneficiary of the event. 3Mgives will contribute $50,000 to support Girlstart’s educational programs in conjunction with the race. Through its comprehensive programming, Girlstart provides a year-round, intensive suite of STEM education programs for K-12 girls. Girlstart’s core programs foster STEM skills development, an understanding of the importance of STEM as a way to solve the world’s major problems, as well as an interest in STEM electives, majors, and careers.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 24th year running in 2018. 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 306’+ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.