Race Guards to Patrol the 3M Half Marathon Course

High Five Events is pleased to announce the partnership between Race Guards and the 2017 3M Half Marathon. The partnership will provide participants with an extra layer of comfort knowing there will be trained individuals on course should any medical issues arise in between the course’s eight aid stations.

“Ensuring our participants are safe for the entire race is imperative,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Everyone knows about the amazing products made by 3M and we’re proud to highlight the fact that the certified Race Guards will have 3M ACE/Nexcare products at their disposal.”

Race Guards, an organization based out of San Diego, California, provides in-race first aid for endurance events throughout the country. Race Guards is comprised of volunteers trained in CPR, AED and First Aid. They will be easily identifiable on course by their bright jerseys. Race Guards will be fully stocked with first aid supplies and have a direct line to medical personnel. They will also showcase 3M ACE/Nexcare products at their expo booth.

“Race Guards’ title sponsor is 3M products including ACE, FUTURO and Nexcare, thus it makes a lot of sense for Race Guards to partner with the 3M Half Marathon,” said Janice Penrose, President of Race Guards. “Our team uses these 3M products out on the course and we look forward to helping 3M Half Marathon participants have the best possible race experience.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 23rd year running in 2017. 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 front of the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop. Participants can register and book their hotel on the website.

About Race Guards: Race Guards was founded in 2012 with the mission to “give back’ to running and endurance events by providing in-race first aid from start to finish. Race Guards is comprised of volunteer endurance athletes trained in CPR, AED and First Aid who are committed to assisting race participants with any medical or physical support needs. Sponsored by ACE_Brand/Nexcare, Race Guards run the entire race – at all different paces — stocked with first aid supplies. Race Guards work directly with the race medical staff to provide an extra layer of medical support on race day. For more information on Race Guards visit www.raceguards.org.

Runners of Austin: Part II

A special series featuring four Austin runners and their journey as they train for the upcoming 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. Brought to you by CLIF Bar & Company, the Official Sports Nutrition of #downhilltodowntown17.

Name – Jillian

Club – Twenty-Six Two

1. What got you into running?

I ran on and off throughout middle school and high school for fun. I found out that I enjoyed running when I was a cheerleader in 8th grade. We had to run a mile before practice every day and it was my goal to be the fastest to run my mile. I never joined cross country or track, but I continued to run occasionally during college and I picked it up more after I graduated. I really began running again in 2013 after I started the South Beach Diet. After four years of teaching, I was at my heaviest, 198 pounds, and didn’t feel good, so I decided to do something about it. After I lost the initial 25 pounds, I started running more and signed up for my first 5K. I ended up losing 72 pounds and have kept it off for three years now.

2. How long have you been a runner?

I would say an avid runner for three years.

3. What continues to motivate you to run?

My motivation comes from how running makes me feel. I feel accomplished as well as relaxed after I run. I also enjoy the time to think and escape from reality for a little while during a run. I also keep running to stay in shape and maintain the new lifestyle that I started.

4. What does a typical long run Saturday look like?

We start running at 7 a.m., usually from Cover-3 off of West 5th Street. I’m usually finished between 8:35-8:45 a.m. It really depends on the route we take and how far we have to run. Then I rest up a bit at Cover-3 and head home. Sometimes I stop at Starbucks on my way to get coffee and a second breakfast. Then after that I relax for the rest of the day.

Runners of Austin: Part I

A special series featuring four Austin runners and their journey as they train for the upcoming 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. Brought to you by CLIF Bar & Company, the Official Sports Nutrition of #downhilltodowntown17.

Name – Abi

Club – Austin Runners Club

Area to run – South Austin (St. Edward’s University)


1. What got you into running?

I started running as a way to cope with difficulties in my life. Running has been an outlet for me, a way to de-stress. It has improved my self-confidence, reduced my negative thought processes, and brought stability and peace. Time spent running is time for me to reflect on myself and how far I have come.

2. How long have you been a runner?

I ran cross country and track in high school. I quit when some mental and physical difficulties took over my life. As an adult, I began to run again in early 2015 and I don’t foresee that ending any time soon!

3. What continues to motivate you to run?

I am motivated to continue to run because of the dedication that it takes when it gets hard – both mentally and physically. I am motivated by that “special” feeling I get after I finish a run. I am also motivated by my fellow ARC runners, the multiple health benefits that result from running, and the ability to explore the city that I live in by using my feet.

4. What does a typical long run Saturday look like?

I live near the St. Ed’s campus in South Austin and find myself training through those neighborhoods, around the downtown trail, and when my schedule permits, with ARC.