Austin International Half – Elite Runner Program

We are thrilled to welcome top-tier athletes to the Austin International Half Marathon—formerly known as the 3M Half Marathon. This premier event is where the fastest runners in Texas and beyond gather to push the boundaries of speed, endurance, and excellence.

Our USATF-sanctioned and certified half marathon features a stunning point-to-point course with a -300 ft. elevation drop, perfect for achieving personal bests. With a $10,000 prize purse awarded to the top five male and female finishers, this race promises intense competition and unmatched rewards.

Prize Purse

  • 1st Place: $2,000.00
  • 2nd Place: $1,500.00
  • 3rd Place: $750.00
  • 4th Place: $500.00
  • 5th Place: $250.00

The $10,000 total prize purse will be equally divided between the men’s and women’s divisions, consisting of $5000 for women and $5000 for men.

Elite Runner Benefits

As an elite athlete in the Austin International Half, you’ll enjoy a range of exclusive benefits designed to support your best performance:

  • Complimentary Race Entry: Compete without any entry fees.
  • Priority Start Position: Secure your spot at the front of the pack.
  • Generous Prize Money: Battle for a share of our $10,000 prize purse, distributed among the top five male and female finishers.
  • Media Exposure: Gain visibility through our race promotions, both online and in local media outlets.

Qualification Standards

To ensure a high-caliber competition, athletes must meet the following qualifying standards within three years of race day:

  • Male: Sub-2:24 marathon or sub-1:07 half marathon
  • Female: Sub-2:50 marathon or sub-1:17 half marathon

Runners who achieve times within five minutes of these standards will also be considered for acceptance. Please note that all elite athletes are subject to our anti-doping policy screening. Additionally, those accepted into the Elite Field will not be eligible for age group awards.

Application Process

Are you ready to elevate your racing experience? Here’s how to apply:

  1. Submit Your Application: Complete our online application form with your recent race results and a brief bio.
  2. Await Confirmation: Our team will review your application and process them in batches.
  3. Prepare to Race: Once approved, you’ll receive detailed information about your elite status, race day logistics, and how to make the most of your experience in Austin.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until December 31. Submissions received after this deadline will be considered individually. You will be informed of your acceptance status by a representative from High Five Events, the owners and producers of the Austin International Half.

Important Dates

Week of October 17th: First batch of applicants notified
Week of November 15th: Second batch of applicants notified
December 31: LAST day to apply for the elite field
Week of January 5th: FINAL batch notified

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out to us at info@runaih.com. We aim to respond within 7-10 business days.