3Mgives Names Austin Youth River Watch Beneficiary of 3M Half Marathon

Grant continues 3Mgives’ support of local organizations focused on STEM

In support of 3M’s global initiative to advance equitable science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and educational outcomes for students, 3Mgives selects Austin Youth River Watch (AYRW) as the beneficiary of the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. This grant will allow the Austin-based nonprofit to continue offering a hands-on approach to environmental science, primarily to underserved high school students. 3Mgives continues their support of local organizations that educate youth and prepare them for a possible career in STEM. The 26th annual 3M Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2020, in Austin, Texas.

“Over the 26-year history of the 3M Half Marathon, 3Mgives is so proud to have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to local Austin nonprofits in order to advance STEM education,” said Stacey Claessens, 3Mgives Community Relations Manager of Austin. “We are pleased to again name Austin Youth River Watch as our race beneficiary so that they can continue to grow their program of providing peer mentoring and environmental education to underserved high school students.”

AYRW named beneficiary for the second year in a row

Austin Youth River Watch is a multi-year, after-school and summer program for high school students, combining peer mentoring with intensive environmental education. Their students collect, analyze, and publish water-quality data from Austin-area streams and rivers. They report their data to local and statewide agencies. Students also work with community partners on environmental restoration projects to improve watershed health. This grant will support AYRW’s program in environmental education and youth development and their efforts to bring STEM to life. In addition to the grant, students and staff will have a booth at the expo. They will also support an aid station on race day. This is the second year in a row that Austin Youth River Watch is the beneficiary.

“We are exceedingly grateful to 3Mgives for naming us as the beneficiary of the 3M Half Marathon for the second year in a row,” said Melinda Chow, Executive Director of Austin Youth River Watch. “Community partners like 3Mgives provide vital support for our programs engaging underserved youth in STEM service-learning activities to improve our environment and enhance collaborative skills. Furthermore, the River Watchers are inspired by being part of such an exciting event that brings Austinites and people from all over the world together in their hometown!”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. The stand-alone half marathon 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.

2020 3M Half Marathon Opens Registration on May 1st

Register for 2020 3M Half Marathon on May 1st and receive a free personalized nameplate

Registration for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour will open, Wednesday, May 1st. Registration will begin at $89 for those who take advantage of the Early Pricing. Participants who register on May 1st will receive a free nameplate to personalize their 2020 spinning finisher medal. The 26th annual 3M Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2020, in Austin, Texas.

Register for 2020 3M Half Marathon on May 1st and you'll get a free personalized nameplate!

Register for 2020 3M Half Marathon on May 1st and you’ll get a free personalized nameplate!

“I’m excited to run the 2020 3M Half Marathon with my daughter, Kayleigh, for a second time,” said Austinite Sandy Williamson, who has completed 3M Half Marathon six times. “I look forward to watching her crush her 2019 time with a sub-4 hour finish!”

Nearly 7500 participants registered for the 2019 3M Half Marathon. That represented the largest field in the event’s 25 years running the streets of Austin. The standalone half marathon, also known as Downhill to Downtown, is excited to see its registration numbers continue to grow. Planning began months ago for one of Austin’s favorite running events.

2019 recap

The 2019 3M Half Marathon showcased a competitive elite field. Michael “Slim” Morris (1:07:19) and Jessica Harper (1:14:23) were the male and female champions. $50,000 was donated to Austin Youth River Watch in conjunction with 3Mgives. The energetic finish line festival provided participants an opportunity to meet up with family and friend to celebrate their accomplishments. Participants enjoyed the Oskar Blues beer garden, a live DJ, and food trucks. Participants enjoyed a fully supported course, complete with eight aid stations stocked with nuun and water, a Gatorade Endurance Zone, and thousands of cheering spectators with hilarious signs. The 2019 commemorative finisher medals featured a new, fresh look, complete with a spinning number 25 in the center.

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. Participants can register on the website starting May 1st.

8 Reasons to Include Cross-Training This Summer

Increase strength and get leaner when you include cross-training this summer with Camp Gladiator

There are some days where it feels like summer is already here. That means the constant heat and humidity is right around the corner! Most runners reduce the number of long runs from their training because of these conditions. As we know (because we’re runners too!), runners want to consistently better. Add Camp Gladiator workouts to your running schedule and include cross-training to your summer workouts. The benefits will be numerous when fall arrives. Check out the following 8 reasons you should include their 4-week training cycles.

CG trainers cheer on runners at the 2019 3M Half Marathon. Expand your summer training with Camp Gladiator trainers!

Expand your summer training with Camp Gladiator trainers!

Don’t forget! The Camp Gladiator crew warmed you up before the 2019 3M Half Marathon and cheered for you as you charged to the finish line.

Camp Gladiator Benefits

  • 4-week training cycle provides variety and proper progression to keep your body able to do what you love
  • Increase and maintain strength in your upper body, lower body, and core
  • Full-body workouts make you a more well-rounded athlete
  • Improve posture and strength for your long races and those final miles
  • Train in ALL planes of motion, not just the repetitive linear motion (like swimming, biking, running)
  • Reduced chance of injury by training different muscles and foundational movement patterns
  • Build speed and endurance with the training volume and intensity provided at camp
  • Increased agility, balance, and coordination will help you move better and more efficiently

Visit Camp Gladiator to get started and find an Austin location near you! Not in Austin? Find a workout near you.