3M Half Marathon Tabs Oskar Blues Brewery as Official Beer Sponsor

2020 will mark the third year that local brewery is Official Beer Sponsor

In 2018, runner gets a beer from Oskar Blues, the Official Beer Sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon.

Runners grab an ice-cold Oskar Blues brew to celebrate their 3M Half Marathon accomplishments.

High Five Events announces Oskar Blues Brewery as the Official Beer Sponsor for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. The 3M Half Marathon will feature Oskar Blues signature Austin-brewed beers at the finish line festival’s beer garden. Only finishers that are over 21 years old will be allowed into the beer garden.  The 3M Half Marathon will take place on January 19, 2020. In 2018, nearly 7500 participants enjoyed 3M Half’s 25th anniversary.

 “This is more than a run, it’s also a celebration of hard work, adventure, and passion,” said Leilani Howard, Marketing Manager Oskar Blues Brewery Austin. “We are overwhelmed and grateful to be a part a community that celebrates and encourages that passion, not just of the people in our city, but those who have journeyed here to share their’s with us and their loved ones.”

Beer garden grows in popularity

Oskar Blues Brewery Austin will offer participants and spectators 21 and older their award-winning, Austin-brewed beers on race day. They’re the original craft beer in a can. The 3M Half Marathon’s beer garden will provide runners and their friends and family a place to gather. They can relax and celebrate their accomplishments. They’ll 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.

 “In 2019, nearly 7500 participants celebrated their accomplishments with loved ones and a cold Oskar Blues brew in the beer garden,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “The finish line festival is a massive party on the streets of Austin, highlighting race-day efforts and months of training.”

 The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 26th year running in 2020. 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 Inspirational Running Quotes for 3M Half Marathon Training

Keep your fire burning bright with these inspirational running quotes

You’ve got big 3M Half Marathon goals and you have to train for them. They’re not going achieve themselves! From beginners to elites, half marathon training can last months. There will be highs and lows during that timeframe. If you need some inspiration or an extra boost of energy, read one of these inspirational running quotes. Remember why you’re training and keep pushing forward! Follow us on Instagram for a weekly inspirational running quote.

“In the midst of an ordinary training day, I try to remind myself that I am preparing for the extraordinary.” – Shalane Flanagan

“Do not let what you can not do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden

“There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” – Derek Jeter

“If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it.” – Ronnie Lott

“There is an expression among even the most advanced runners that getting your shoes on is the hardest part of any workout.” – Kathrine Switzer

“When you have the enthusiasm and the passion, you end up figuring how to excel.” – Deena Kastor

“It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.” – Jackie Joyner-Kersee

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

“Life (and running) is not all about time, but about our experiences along the way.” – Jen Rhines

“The strength within yourself is what you gotta have – find it, and you will succeed.” – Johnny Pesky

Check Out the On-Course Music at the 2019 3M Half Marathon

These Austin acts provided on-course music and energy during our 25th anniversary

Austin is The Live Music Capital of the World and we love celebrating that fact! Our on-course music showcases Austin’s diversity and provides participants with boosts of energy. The 25th anniversary of the 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour was no different. The largest field in our history enjoyed a range of sounds from South American Andes music to orchestral folk. Participants would even turn their own music off to enjoy the local, on-course music!

Inside Out Steelband (Mile 2)

Runners were treated to energetic on-course music at the 2019 3M Half Marathon.

Energetic on-course music was enjoyed by participants at the 2019 3M Half Marathon.

Inside Out Steelband set the tone for participants at Mile 2. Watching this group play in unison is something else! They’re a local nonprofit dedicated to the advocacy and advancement of steel drums in Austin and Central Texas. Since 2006, their work as musicians and advocates has made Austin a center of contemporary steel band activity.

Rhythmic Force (Mile 3)

When you need more percussion you add Rhythmic Force! They don’t use as much choreographed movement on race day as they do in their competitive performances, but that doesn’t stop them from providing hours of energy to participants. Rhythmic Force is an award-winning nonprofit whose mission is to create the leaders of tomorrow by focusing on three core tenants – integrity, education, and community.

Andean Fusion (Mile 4)

No stranger to performing during Austin’s road races, Andean Fusion plays music from the South American Andes (Peruvian Pan-flute music). They’ve been together for more than 25 years and have performed around the world. Their easy-going and melodic sound comes from the harmony of the group’s six members.

Austin Thaalam Percussion (Mile 9)

Participants always appreciate an extra boost of energy at Mile 9. Austin Thaalam Percussion does just that, re-energizing runners with their in-sync Chenda, South Indian percussion. They have been performing in Central Texas for more than three years. Chenda Melam is a 300-year-old art form. It’s still performed during major festivals in India.

American Dreamer (Mile 10)

DJ Gatsby provides on-course music at the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line festival!

DJ Gatsby provided the soundtrack to many celebrations at the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line festival!

American Dreamer’s sound explores the space between classical and folk music. The quintet’s orchestral folk sound derives from the group’s composition: three classically trained string players, a rock drummer, and a folk singer. All five members met at the University of Texas. 

Woode Wood (Mile 11)

Woode Wood’s music stems from his life’s experiences and is self-categorized as Americana, roots rock, and modern folk. He started making music in 1992 and has honed his easy-listening sound and writing ability ever since. He first moved to Austin in 1994 after watching Ann Richards talk about Austin’s vibrant music scene on Johnny Carson.

Chalkboard Poets (Mile 12)

This 3-piece band put on a performance worthy of the final mile, re-charging runners in their journey to the finish line. Here’s a quick video of their race-day performance. Chalkboard Poets is a fiddle-based Indie folk-rock band that calls Austin home.

DJ Gatsby (Finish line festival)

DJ Gatsby has you covered when you’re ready to party and celebrate! His high-energy beats kept the party going at the finish line festival. Participants celebrated accomplishments and PRs with friends and family to his tracks. He definitely enhanced the overall experience, including the beer garden!

We had a rocking good time during our 25th anniversary! Participants experienced first-hand why Austin is known as The Live Music Capital of the World. Follow us on Facebook to learn what on-course music we’ll feature on January 16, 2020, at the 26th annual 3M Half Marathon.