Frequently Asked Questions About the Austin International Half

Name Change FAQ

General Information

    1. Why did the half marathon rebrand?
      This change reflects not only the growth and evolution of the event but also underscores our commitment to bringing an international running experience to the heart of Austin.
    2. Is the event still the same despite the rebrand?
      Yes, the event remains the same despite the rebranding. You can expect the same exciting race experience, including the downhill-to-downtown course, live music, cheering fans, and the lively downtown festival at the finish line. The rebranding to the Austin International Half Marathon has not changed the core elements that participants love.

Registration and Fees

    1. Will my previous registration still be valid?
      Yes, your previous registration will still be valid. You do not need to take any further action to confirm your participation.
    2. Do I need to register again because of the name change?
      No, you do not need to register again. Your existing registration is still applicable and has automatically been transferred to the renamed event.
    3. Are there any changes to the registration fees?
      No, there are no changes to the registration fees. The fee structure remains the same as it was before the name change.
    4. If I purchased merchandise (photo package, medal plate, etc) will it carry over?
       Yes, if you purchased merchandise during registration it will carry over to the new event. 
    5. If I signed up on a team, am I still on the team?
       Yes, if you joined a team during or after registration you will still be on our team.
    6. How can I confirm I am registered?
    7. Login into Eventdog.com by going to EventDog.com -> Login -> Participant Login -> If you are registered it will show on your events dashboard. 
    8. Will 3M employees still get a discount for the 2025 event?
      Yes, please email [email protected] to inquire.

Event Details

    1. Has the date changed?
      No, the date of the event is still January 19, 2025. There have been no changes to the event schedule.
    2. Has the course route changed?
      No, the course route has not changed. The event will follow the same route as previously planned.
    3. Will there still be a relay?
      Yes, there will still be a relay. Participants can look forward to forming 2-person relay teams and enjoying the same exciting relay race experience as part of the Austin International Half Marathon.
    4. Will the race still offer the same amenities (e.g., medals, t-shirts, water stations)?
      Yes, the race will still offer all the same fantastic amenities. Participants can expect beautifully designed medals, high-quality race shirts, and access to numerous well-stocked aid stations along the course. These stations will provide water, electrolytes, medical assistance, and other support. Additionally, post-race snacks and refreshments will be available to help you recover and celebrate your accomplishment. We are committed to maintaining the high standards and positive experience you’ve come to expect from this event, despite the name change.

Communication and Updates

    1. How will I be informed about updates related to the event?
      You will be informed about updates related to the event through multiple channels. We will send regular email updates (to the email you registered with), post information on our official website, and share important announcements on our social media platforms.
    2. Will the event’s social media and website URLs change?
      Yes, the event’s social media and website URLs will change. We will provide the new URLs well in advance to ensure you can easily access all the updated information and stay connected with the latest event news.

Logistics and Travel

    1. Will the start line be at the same location?
      Yes, the start line will still be at 9700 Stonelake Blvd, Austin, TX 78759
    2. Will the finish location be the same?
      Yes, the finish location will remain the same, at the intersection of San Jacinto and 13th St.
    3. Are there any changes to the transportation or parking arrangements?
      No, there are no changes to the transportation or parking arrangements. Everything will remain as originally scheduled.

Miscellaneous

    • How does the rebrand impact race records or past results?
      To access past race records or results, searches will need to be conducted using the event’s previous name -> 3M Half Marathon. Course records have not been impacted.
    • Will 3M items still be in the goody bags?
      We still plan on having an awesome goody bag with some cool surprises!

General Info

The race began on February 12, 1995.

Yes. The race will begin in North Austin and run into Downtown Austin.

Yes, walkers are encouraged as long as they are able to complete the course within the cutoff time. The Austin International Half, formally 3M Half Marathon course will remain open and completely supported for four hours. That’s an 18 minute per mile pace.

Yes, amateur runners are permitted to run with music. USA TRACK & FIELD, the governing body of running events, amended the rule prohibiting headphones to allow them in non-championship events. It is very important that you remain aware of your surroundings while running.

Packet Pick Up Location and Hours

There are several hotels within walking distance of the start line. Please visit our Hotels & Travels page for more information on hotels that will be offering special rates to Austin International Half, formally 3M Half Marathon runners.

Not able to run the Austin International Half, formally 3M Half Marathon this year? Why not join our awesome group of volunteers? This race wouldn’t be possible without our 600+ volunteers. Visit our Volunteer page for more information.

Course & Race Day

The starting line is on Stonelake Blvd, just south of Cap of Texas Hwy (Loop 360) in North Austin. In front of Regal Gateway Theater
9700 Stonelake Blvd, Austin, TX 78759

We suggest all runners park near the start line. We will have bus transportation at the finish line that will bring runners back to their vehicles at the start area. There are several parking lots and garages in close proximity of the start line. Please see our Traffic & Parking page for more information.

The Austin International Half, formally 3M Half Marathon is proud to feature official pace groups provided by Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club. Veteran marathoners will lead pace groups for the following finish times: 1:30‚ 1:35‚ 1:40‚ 1:45‚ 1:50‚ 1:55‚ 2:00‚ 2:05, 2:10, 2:15 and 2:20. To join a pace group, simply line up in the starting corral behind the sign bearing your goal time.

This website and a variety of media outlets will have information regarding road closures and other changing conditions. Also, some race announcements will be made via Facebook and Twitter.

Yes. There will be gear check buses lined up along Stonelake Blvd by the Gateway Theater to put your clearly marked bags in. Gear check opens at 5:30 a.m. on race morning. When you pick up your race packet at the expo, you will receive a clear plastic bag with the Austin International Half, formally 3M Half Marathon logo. You must write your bib number on this clear bag and use it for gear check. Backpacks and other bags will not be accepted, even if they are inside the clear plastic bag. Please don’t leave anything valuable in your bag as we can’t take responsibility for any lost items. Bags that do not have a bib number on them will be put in Lost & Found and may not be found. Do NOT leave bags at the start line of the race. They will be collected and donated to Good Will.

The course will remain open and fully supported for four (4) hours. The course closes on a rolling closure that can be found on the traffic guide.

At or near each mile. See the course map.

Portable toilets will be available at the start and finish lines as well as at each Aid Station.

The race course closes at 11:00 am. The course operates on a rolling closure. Participants who are not on pace to make the finish before the race course closes at 11:00 a.m., will be asked by the Austin Police Dept to move off the road pavement and onto sidewalks and begin abiding by all traffic signals.

If you are unable to complete the race‚ find the nearest water stop/aid station and ask a volunteer for help. Or‚ wait for SAG to pick you up. A medical tent will be set up at the finish line.

No, unfortunately baby joggers/strollers are not allowed on the course. Other items prohibited from the course are pets, in-line skates, bicycles, and any other non-official wheeled vehicles.

For safety reasons, no animals are allowed on the course.

Yes, handcycles are allowed in the race, but we please ask all hand-cyclists to abide by wheelchair rules. If you have any questions please email us at [email protected].

Yes! Contact us for a discounted entry to the event as our way of saying thank you.

Water‚ sports drinks and food are available in the finish area. All participants will receive a snack bag. Be sure to carry some cash if you want to purchase food from the food trailer vendors in the finish area.

On-site Lost & Found will be located in the Information Tent at the Finish Line area. All items not claimed on race day will be brought to the High Five Events office. Items not claimed within 3 weeks of the event, will be discarded or will be donated to charity.

Please note: ALL clothing left unattended at the start line and on the race course will be bagged up and donated to charity on race morning and you will not get it back.

Weather Contingency Plan

In the event of foul weather prior to 7:30 AM, the start time of this event may be delayed by up to 45 minutes. Should the weather conditions continue to be unsafe for the run, the event will be canceled for all participants. Athletes will be notified of any changes that occur prior to the start of the event via email and social media.

It is recommended that if you don’t have a friend or family member to drop you off at the start line that you higher an Uber.

Registration & Fees

Online registration is available here.

  • Confirm your race registration
  • View volunteer positions you signed up for
  • Edit your email address, mailing address, shirt size, pace, bib name (If available), emergency contact
  • Complete a Qreg
  • Purchase items by clicking on the “Shop” button
  • Resend the race confirmation email and receipt
  • Join a Public team (If the team is not listed in the drop down, you will need to request an invite from the Team Captain. Once they send the invite, you will be able to “Accept” the invite in your EventDog account.)

View the Registration Change Options page to review policies and fees to make changes to your registration.

  • Confirm your race registration
  • View volunteer positions you signed up for
  • Edit your email address, mailing address, shirt size, pace, bib name (If available), emergency contact
  • Complete a Qreg
  • Purchase items by clicking on the “Shop” button
  • Resend the race confirmation email and receipt
  • Join a Public team (If the team is not listed in the drop down, you will need to request an invite from the Team Captain. Once they send the invite, you will be able to “Accept” the invite in your EventDog account.)

All participants must pick up their packet during packet pick up hours.

If we anticipate reaching the cap, we will post notifications on the website and through e-news blasts.

Awards & Results

You can visit our Past Results page to find online results dating back to 2003.

Overall awards are based on clock (gun) time. Age group awards and division awards are based on chip time.

Clock time is the time it takes from the official start of the race to when you cross the finish line. Chip time is the time it takes you to go from the start line to the finish line, regardless of when you cross the start line.

Age group divisions and award information can be found here.

Yes. Every Half Marathon finisher will get a beautiful commemorative medal, provided they finish within the 4 hour time frame.

Volunteers

Your volunteer time benefits the 3M Half Marathon runners, walkers, guests and staff by providing help in a variety of areas, including start & finish line, packet pick-up, information and water distribution. And just as importantly, volunteers provide the energy and enthusiasm to help encourage our runners to the finish line!

The Austin International Half, formally 3M Half Marathon has a great variety of opportunities for individuals, groups, families and all interest types. Our volunteer roles include:

• Packet Pick-Up
• Information Booth
• Start & Finish Line Set-Up
• Food Distribution
• Water Distribution
• And more!

Volunteer registration will open in early October. Please check back to our Volunteer page for more details!

Your friend may be on the race course for a while, so you can volunteer to help pass the time. Many of our shifts take place during the race. If you decide to volunteer for medal distribution, food distribution or finish line water distribution – you can be in the closed off finish line area to cheer on your friend up close and personal when they finish!

After the race, all volunteers will receive an official Austin International Half, formally 3M Half Marathon volunteer acknowledgment letter with your volunteer date and shift time. Most organizations do accept the letter for volunteer hour requirements; however we recommend that you check in advance with your organization.

Yes, all volunteers will receive full details to help you get to your volunteer shift. We will send maps, driving instructions, parking directions and contact information in the week prior to your shift.

We provide all volunteers an official volunteer t-shirt and refreshments. Race day volunteers, for example, are provided coffee, water and breakfast. Volunteers will also have access to the volunteer tent’s port-a-let restrooms.

If you are volunteering early on race day, you will be provided an official volunteer t-shirt which you can wear over your clothes. You may want to wear layers of clothes to keep you warm. It’s best to layer so that you can remove jackets/sweaters as the day warms up.

Please contact the BPN Austin International Half, formally 3M Half Marathon volunteer coordinator: [email protected]

The minimum age for a volunteer unaccompanied by a parent or guardian is 18. Young volunteers between the ages of 10 and 17 are welcome to participate when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Some volunteer roles may allow children younger than 10 years old to volunteer with their parent/guardian if the volunteer shift is in an enclosed space, outside of the high-traffic areas of the race. Examples include clothing management and packet prep. These minimum age requirements are in place for the safety of our young volunteers in the high volume and high energy areas surrounding the race. Please contact the volunteer coordinator ([email protected]) for help with volunteers younger than 10.