3M Half Marathon Expo Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss

These expo highlights showcase the must-visit booths

Hello, Running Enthusiasts! As we eagerly anticipate the 3M Half Marathon, don’t miss the action-packed 3M Half Marathon Expo & Packet Pick Up at the Palmer Event Center on the Friday and Saturday before the race. This is your golden opportunity to meet the official pacers, explore a wide range of exhibitors offering exclusive shopping experiences, and participate in fantastic giveaways and discounts.

Plus, keep an eye out for some special surprises that might just make your day! Join us for this pre-race celebration and gear up for an amazing event.

Image of the Post-it Wall from the 2019 3M Half Marathon expo covered in messages of support and inspiration. The Post-it Wall will be a 2020 expo highlight.

3M Post-it Lounge

Visit the ever-popular 3M Post-it Lounge and add your message to our giant post-it wall. Leave a message of inspiration for a loved one or all participants. Or just sit back and relax before you go another round about the expo. Kids can even join in on the fun with our photo booth.

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 Blaze, course maps, and more. Visit them all!

A 3M Half Marathon Ambassador takes a photo of two runners and the oversized 2019 3M Half Marathon medal at the 2019 3M Half Marathon expo. Take your photo with a giant 2020 3M Half Marathon medal, one of the many 2020 expo highlights.

Don’t forget to tag us on social @3MHalfMarathon and #DownhilltoDowntown.

Austin Marathon

Visit the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and chat with their Ambassadors about race day! Thinking about registering for the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, or KXAN Simple Health 5K? Register at their booth and take advantage of their expo deals. You can even walk away with some cool swag! Rumor has it they are giveaway away free entries as well!

2025 3M Half Marathon Booth

As you exit packet pick-up, make your first stop at our dazzling 2025 3M Half Marathon Booth! Get early registration for next year’s race at our Best Pricing of $79. This is your chance to shimmer and shine, getting a taste of the excitement that awaits in 2025. Don’t miss out on this fantastic deal.

Fleet Feet Austin

Visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin and snag some gear to get you to the start line and beyond. They will have some Run Austin gear but it is limited so get there as soon as you can. They’ll also have hydration and nutrition from GU for your last-minute needs.

Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club

If this is your first half marathon or you’re chasing your 13.1-mile PR, visit these folks! Meet the runners who will pace you to the finish line! These pacers are veterans and know what they’re doing. Swing by their booth, chat about race day and get your last-minute questions answered.

EIGHT Beer

Runners, get ready to raise a toast to your upcoming triumph! Make sure to swing by the EIGHT Beer booth at the 3M Half Marathon Expo. This is more than just a sampling – it’s a sneak peek into your post-race celebration! Our friends at EIGHT Beer will also be at the finish line for all of our celebrations.

Ascension Seton CapTex Tri

Add a little variety to your running by trying out a triathlon! CapTex Tri is Austin’s only downtown triathlon and features 3 distances including the beginner-friendly Rookie Tri Distance. Or get your friends involved, make it a team effort, and sign for a relay. They have a mystery prize machine full of discounts.

Super Coffee

Before you hit the pavement, stop by the Super Coffee booth at the 3M Half Marathon Expo for a delicious energy boost. Their range of energizing coffees is the perfect pick-me-up, ensuring you’re charged and ready to conquer every mile!

Texas Drain Specialist 

Chat with Julian and his team while you make special cheer signs. As an official sponsor of 3M Half Marathon, Texas Drain Specialist is there for you on and off the course. They even have a team you can join that includes free group workouts!

SHRUNK 3D

Capture your biggest and sweetest moments with an exact 3D replica of you, your family loved ones, and pets! Stop by the Shrunk booth to get a 3D replica.

Kerrville Triathlon

TRI your luck and spin the slots at the Kerrville Triathlon Festival booth. This Texas destination triathlon is known for its two day festival complete with 7 different triathlon distances from the beginner Rookie Tri to the 70.3 half distance.

Visit these other booths

Evamor

Sandcastle Seasonings

Verb

Little Guys Movers

Card.io

Go For It Sports

Strong Atheltic

SPIbelt

Race Essentials

Smith Chiropractic

Lifespring

Cap10K

National Running Center

Pinnacle Eye Wear

HiDow

 

GU Energy Labs and 3M Half Marathon Collaborate for Ultimate Race-Day Fueling in the 30th Anniversary Edition

High Five Events, a leading event production company in the United States, proudly names GU Energy Labs (GU) as the Official Energy Gel and Chew sponsor for the 30th annual 3M Half Marathon. This renewed collaboration solidifies GU’s role in supporting participants with their premium energy gels and chews at the on-course Nutrition Station. The event is scheduled to take place on January 21, 2024.

As the creator of the first sports nutrition energy gel, GU has long been the top fuel choice of athletes, from elites chasing the podium to recreational runners trying for a new PR. The brand’s science-backed, athlete-proven formulas are loved not only for their effectiveness, but also for their innovative, fun flavors.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with High Five Events,” says GU Brand Experience Manager Cody Logan. “They put on premier running events in Austin and we’re looking forward to fueling their runners on course.” 

On race day, participants can expect to receive a boost from GU’s Strawberry Chews (Caffeine), Lemon Sublime Gel (Caffeine-Free), Chocolate Outrage Gel (20 mg of caffeine), and Salted Watermelon Gel (20 mg of caffeine). In line with their commitment to sustainability, 3M Half Marathon will feature TerraCycle-labeled bins throughout the race weekend to collect sports nutrition wrappers, contributing to a greener event experience.

Megan Frausto, partnership manager at High Five Events, emphasized the broader impact of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with GU goes beyond Energy Gels and Chews. It encompasses a broader commitment to enhancing the overall race experience, creating a positive impact on the Austin running community throughout the year.”

The 3M Half Marathon, renowned for its speedy 13.1-mile course, celebrates its 30th year in 2024. The race, beginning in north Austin and culminating near the Texas State Capitol, offers runners a picturesque journey through some of Austin’s finest locations, featuring a notable 306′ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.

 

About GU Energy Labs:   GU Energy Labs helps athletes of all abilities reach their best performance with hydration, energy, and recovery products that deliver the right nutrients, in the right amounts, at the right time. Headquartered in Berkeley, GU Energy Labs produces all its energy gels onsite with solar-generated power. Recommit to becoming your best athletic self, learn more about GU products, and discover how nutrition planning can help you get there at www.guenergy.com 

About the 3M Half Marathon:  The 3M Half Marathon, established in 1995, is one of Austin’s premier running events. With a reputation for its fast and picturesque course, the race attracts runners of all levels from around the world. Organized by High Five Events, the 3M Half Marathon is a celebration of athleticism, determination, and the vibrant running community in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit DownhillToDowntown.com.

About High Five Events:  High Five Events is the parent company of the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k, 3M Half Marathon, CapTex Triathlon and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. With over 150 years of combined experience, the High Five Events team specializes in organizing large-scale events across diverse venues, solidifying their presence on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in 2019 and 2020.

3Mgives Empowers Finding Home ATX as Chosen Beneficiary for the 2024 3M Half Marathon

Grant Continues 3Mgives Support of Local Causes

3Mgives has selected Finding Home ATX as the beneficiary for the upcoming 2024 3M Half Marathon in Austin, Texas. This grant will empower the Austin-based community organization to advance its mission of eliminating unsheltered homelessness by scaling up Austin’s Homelessness Operating System (OS) for long-term sustainability. The 30th Anniversary of the 3M Half Marathon is scheduled for January 21, 2024.

“Over the 30-year history of the 3M Half Marathon, 3Mgives is so proud to have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to local Austin community organizations,” said Stacey Claessens, 3Mgives Global Employee Empowerment Manager of Austin. “We are pleased to name Finding Home ATX as our race beneficiary this second year in a row so that they can grow their program of creating affordable housing for the unhoused population of Austin.”

The primary objective of Finding Home ATX is to establish 1,300 new units of affordable housing for the unhoused, accommodating 3,000 individuals, and supporting an additional 2,300 households. The initiative aims to enhance economic opportunities, community appeal, and equitable access for the unhoused while also increasing provider capacity through a streamlined, data-driven Homelessness OS. This grant will significantly contribute to achieving these goals. This marks the second year for Finding Home ATX as the designated beneficiary of the 3M Half Marathon.

Celebrating its 30th year in 2024, the 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the nation’s quickest 13.1-mile courses. Participants will experience a point-to-point route with predominantly downhill sections, showcasing some of Austin’s most scenic locations. Starting in north Austin and concluding near the Texas State Capitol, runners will benefit from a 306’ net elevation drop. Registration details are available on the event’s official website.

 

About High Five Events:  High Five Events is the parent company of the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k, 3M Half Marathon, CapTex Triathlon and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. With over 150 years of combined experience, the High Five Events team specializes in organizing large-scale events across diverse venues, solidifying their presence on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in 2019 and 2020.

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3M Half Marathon in Austin Set to Host Elite Pro Field at 30th Anniversary Event

The eagerly awaited 30th Anniversary edition of the 3M Half Marathon is set to feature an impressive lineup of elite professional runners. On January 21, 2024 athletes will gather in Austin, Texas, to compete in this prestigious event, ensuring an exciting showcase of skill, speed, and determination.

The 3M Half Marathon, renowned for its fast and scenic course, has become a favorite among professional runners seeking to push their limits and set new records. The race’s commitment to excellence has attracted a formidable pro field, setting the stage for an unforgettable competition.

The Pro Field Division of the 3M Half Marathon will feature an impressive roster of world-class athletes, each vying for victory and aiming to etch their names in the annals of running history. The Top Ten list of male and female participants in the Pro Field Division is as follows:

 

MALE ELITES Women ELITES
Kevin Dean, Denver, CO Ali Andrews, Oklahoma City, OK
Tom Frantz, Denver, CO Luciana Bartholomew, Aledo, TX
John Gignac, Oklahoma City, OK Sara Dietz, Fort Worth, TX
Travis Glendenning, Baltimore, OH Reva Johnson, Chesterton, IN
Offir Gonzalez Vidals, New York, NY Julie Rembold, Lucas, TX
Jean Perez, Dallas, TX Rachael Sanchez, Mckinney, TX
Zach Pollock, Denver, CO Natasha Van Der Merwe, Austin, TX
Matt Ray, Austin, TX Molly Von Holten, Austin, TX
Rio Reina, Austin, TX Lexie Waldum, Austin, TX
Michael Wilt, Austin, TX Rachel Werkingeau, Claire, WI

 

Spectators and running enthusiasts alike are invited to witness the excitement and cheer on these elite athletes as they tackle the challenging course through the heart of Austin. The 3M Half Marathon not only celebrates the spirit of competition but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among participants and supporters.

“We are thrilled to welcome some amazing runners to Austin for the 3M Half Marathon,” said Jack Murray of High Five Events. “The Pro Field Division promises to deliver an exceptional display of talent and athleticism, making this edition of the race truly memorable.”

The 3M Half Marathon is not just a race; it’s an experience. As the countdown begins to January 21, 2024, anticipation is building, and all eyes are on Austin for what is poised to be an extraordinary showcase of elite running.  

 

About the 3M Half Marathon:  The 3M Half Marathon, established in 1995, is one of Austin’s premier running events. With a reputation for its fast and picturesque course, the race attracts runners of all levels from around the world. Organized by High Five Events, the 3M Half Marathon is a celebration of athleticism, determination, and the vibrant running community in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit DownhillToDowntown.com.

About High Five Events:  High Five Events is the parent company of the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k, 3M Half Marathon, CapTex Triathlon and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. With over 150 years of combined experience, the High Five Events team specializes in organizing large-scale events across diverse venues, solidifying their presence on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in 2019 and 2020.

Introducing “Blaze” the Elemental Runner!

Discover the electrifying tale of Blaze, the new mascot for the 3M Half Marathon in Austin, Texas. Born from a powerful thunderstorm, Blaze is a sentient being infused with the essence of the elements. In this blog post, explore Blaze’s origin story, mesmerizing appearance, and extraordinary abilities, from unparalleled speed to elemental manipulation.

Origin Story:

Deep in the heart of Texas, a mighty thunderstorm raged across the plains. As lightning clashed with the earth, and raindrops danced with the wind, a peculiar phenomenon occurred. The combined forces of nature infused an ordinary pair of running shoes with extraordinary powers, creating a new entity known as Blaze. Emerging as a sentient being fueled by the essence of the elements, Blaze became the embodiment of speed, endurance, and raw elemental energy.

Appearance:

Blaze takes the form of an ethereal being, a manifestation of pure energy and vibrant colors. When not in motion, Blaze appears as a swirling mass of iridescent mist, constantly shifting and changing. However, when running, Blaze’s form solidifies into a humanoid shape. Their body is composed of wispy flames, pulsating with fiery hues of red, orange, and gold. From their head, a crown of crackling lightning arcs upwards, and their eyes glow with the intensity of a summer sun.

Abilities:

  1. Elemental Speed: Blaze possesses unparalleled speed, enabling them to run at supersonic velocities. As they surge through the air, they leave behind a fiery trail, scorching the ground beneath their feet. This incredible speed allows Blaze to complete a half marathon in record time, leaving spectators in awe.
  2. Elemental Manipulation: Blaze can channel and control the elemental forces at will. They have command over fire, summoning flames that flicker and dance in their wake. They harness the might of lightning, generating bolts that crackle and surge with electrifying power. Blaze can also manipulate the wind, creating gusts and currents that aid their swift movements.
  3. Energy Absorption: Blaze possesses the ability to absorb ambient energy from their surroundings. Whether it’s the warmth of the sun, the static charge in the air, or the raw power of a thunderstorm, Blaze can harness these energies to replenish their own strength and enhance their abilities.
  4. Inspiring Aura: Blaze radiates an aura of determination, perseverance, and inspiration. As they run, their energy uplifts and motivates those around them, encouraging ordinary individuals to push beyond their limits and achieve greatness in their own lives.

Mission and Purpose:

Blaze’s mission is two-fold. Firstly, they strive to promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyles among the residents of Texas. They inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to take up running, encouraging them to unlock their potential and lead active lives. Secondly, Blaze serves as a spokesperson for 3M product lines during their half marathon runs. Through their efforts, they showcase the durability, reliability, and innovation of 3M’s products, demonstrating their effectiveness even under extreme conditions. By completing these runs with lightning speed and boundless energy, Blaze acts as a living testament to the excellence of 3M’s offerings.

With their unique blend of elemental powers and unwavering determination, Blaze races across Texas, leaving a trail of inspiration and awe in their wake. They embody the spirit of the Lone Star State, igniting a passion for running and embodying the strength of the elements as they push the boundaries of human potential.