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Achieve Your Austin International Half, formally 3M Half Marathon Goals with Our Expert Pacers
Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just looking to cross the finish line, our dedicated Twenty-Six Two pacers are here to guide you every step of the way. Acting as your personal rolling finish line, they bring a wealth of experience to ensure a steady pace and a memorable race day experience.
PACE TIMES
Join one of our pace groups to hit your target finish time confidently. We offer pacing for a wide range of goals:
- 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, 2:30, 2:40, and 2:50.
MEET THE PACERS AT THE EXPO
Get to know your Pace Group Leaders before the race at our “Meet the Pacers” section during the expo. This is your chance to connect and discuss strategies.
FINDING THE PACERS ON RACE DAY
On the day of the race, you can find your pacer by the “Pace Time” signs located in the starting area. Look for the leaders wearing distinctive Pacer singlets and holding signs with the target finishing times. Aim to join your pace group at least 15 minutes before the race begins.
FINAL PRE-RACE INSTRUCTIONS
Your pacer will provide final instructions 5 to 10 minutes before the race starts. This might include pace adjustments based on the course conditions, making it a perfect opportunity to clarify any last-minute questions.
WATER STATION STRATEGY
Each pacer has their own approach to navigating water stations—some may run through, while others might walk. Check with your pacer beforehand to understand their strategy for regrouping post-water stop.
RUN YOUR RACE YOUR WAY
Our pacers support your race day strategy. Feel free to move ahead to catch a faster group if you’re feeling strong, slow down to wait for the next group if it’s not your day, or simply enjoy the race in stride with your pacer. We’re here to support and celebrate your journey!
Interested in Becoming a Pacer?
If you’re an experienced runner and wish to contribute as a pacer, or if you have any queries, please contact us at AIHpacer@highfiveevents.com.
The 2024 Pace Team
Ted Davison
Ted Davison’s running career started many years ago in Zimbabwe as part of his triathlon training. When he went to college in England, Davison completed the London marathon, twice. He has now completed more than 20 marathons, an Ironman triathlon and over 20 ultra-distance races, including Western States 100, Leadville 100, Tahoe Rim Trail, The Bear, Bighorn, and the Tor Des Geants – 330K in Italian Alps. Since moving to Austin in 2001, Davison has run the Austin Marathon and 3M ½ marathon many times and this will be his sixth year being a pacer.
Dominic Ricci
I’ve been running distance races since finishing my last college cross country season in 2003. I’ve lived in Austin 8+ years, running with Team Rogue most of that time. I’ve realky enjoyed running the 3M half every time I’ve been out there. It’s a great course with fantastic support along the way.
Matt Fletcher
Matt Fletcher began running in 2011 to drop weight, but quickly the addiction took hold. Scenery and lack of cars are the greatest appeal to him when running trails, but Matt maintains a healthy appetite for Austin’s asphalt. Now training with TrailRoots, Matt has finished a couple 100Ks, had his first marathon win at a Lake Georgetown trail race, and has two 2:59 marathons, most recently in Boston, and just finished his first 100miler. Pacing 3M for the 5th time now lets him give something back to this encouraging running community, and enjoy this downhill racetrack!
Travis Rimel
I’ve been living and running in Austin for over 15 years and have run 3M nearly a dozen times now. I’ve been fortunate enough to run nearly every nook and cranny of this town. Now as a masters runner, I’m finding a whole new crowd of competition with some serious talent! The running community has always been a vital part of our family with people and places we spend a lot of time laughing and growing, thank you!”
Leland Mangrum
I have run 15+ Marathons and twice as many or more halfs and have given up on the counting.
My advice is to run for the wealth of health. As often as you can.
Robyn Dodge
Robyn is a veteran pacer of both the 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. She has run over 40 marathons, including finishing eleven consecutive Boston Marathons and will run her twelfth consecutive Boston Marathon in April. Professionally, Dr. Dodge is an ancient Maya archaeologist and currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Archaeology at UT Arlington. She is also a certified fitness instructor, teaching Mat Pilates in her free time. Robyn looks forward to assisting others achieve their goals at the 3M Half Marathon.
Joe Terracina
Joe ran his first 3M marathon 17 years ago. Since then, he has run 55 marathons, including running the the Boston marathon 11 times. He also ran a sub-3 hour marathon in 2014. He has been pacing the 3M Half for years, and loves helping other runners achieve their goals in this race.
Brian Fagan
Brian began running 29 years ago at Kinwood High School. A past member of the US National Cycling Team, he raced bikes competitively in France and Belgium for 5 years before returning to Texas. He has run numerous trail races and ultramarathons and has previously paced for both the Austin Marathon and 3M 1/2 marathon.
Charles Werth
This is my third time to pace the 3M half marathon, and it keeps getting better. The runners and crowds are great. I’ve been running one marathon a year for almost 18 years, with finishes at Boston, NY, Berlin, Chicago, St. Louis, Seattle Tunnel Light, Champaign (IL), and Indianapolis marathons. My PR was two years ago at Tunnel Light at just under 3:19, and last year was my best Boston at just under 3:20. In Austin, I train with TwentySixTwo.org on the weekends. I occasionally run from Barton Springs Pool on weekdays, and love to jump in the pool after running on a hot day.
Frank Hayes
Frank is a veteran pacer of the 3M Half Marathon and has completed a dozen marathons including 2 Boston Marathon finishes. Regardless of the degree of fast it is such a privilege having the opportunity to help a group of runners achieve their race goals.
Laura Hitt
Laura has been running long-distance races in Austin annually for more than 20 years, having first run the 3M Half Marathon in 2003. Laura has paced 11 half marathons and raced 6 full marathons, including two Boston qualifying times. When she isn’t running, she’s a mathematician-turned-fraud-program-manager and mother of two amazing tweens.
Karim Elmrabet
I started running in 2003 with the goal of a completing a single marathon. Soon after, I got hooked, as running helped me stay fit and alleviate work stress. I have been pacing the 3M half-marathons for many years and enjoy helping runners reach their goal. Furthermore, I look forward to doing the same in the Austin Marathon. I enjoy traveling to different locations to run marathons. I have completed 50+ marathons, including all the majors.
Paul Carmona
Paul has paced for 3M and other half marathons since 2006. He has run more than 75 marathons, including 12 Boston Marathon finishes.
Kara Levy
Kara Levy has been a 3M pacer for several years, and has paced numerous other half-marathons. A multiple Boston Marathon finisher, Kara has run more than 20 marathons in a 11 states. Her half PR is 1:29, and her marathon PR is 3:20.
Eliot Franklin
I’ve been running half and full marathons since 2009. 3M is one of my favorite races; it has a great vibe and usually good weather. I’m looking forward to pacing and running with others whether it’s their first half marathon or their fiftieth.
Son Ha
I live in Round Rock, TX. I ran my first half-marathon in 2016 and joined Twenty-Six Two in 2019. I enjoy running outside with my dog.
Eric Johnson
Eric’s a veteran of 12 marathons and countless half marathons. His enthusiasm and care as a pacer is well-known, as he consistently manages and motivates his timing block, supporting them from start through the finish line….with a smile.
Katie Carmona
Katie is a long-time 3M Half Marathon pacer who has completed 50+ half marathons and 25+ marathons, including Boston, New York, Chicago, London, and Berlin. Katie is looking forward to completing her Sixth Abbott Major in Tokoyo in 2024. Katie’s approach to pacing the 3M Half Marathon is to maintain an even pace per mile with adjustments as needed when climbing hills. It’s okay to slow down when running up hill because you can make it up with less effort running down the other side of the hill. Make sure to say hello and introduce yourself when you join Katie’s pace group!
Jessica Mangrum
Jessica has run three marathons and has completed over 30 half marathons! She has completed the Austin Distance Challenge several times – both full and half-track. Jessica likes to run Lady Bird Lake and around town with her rescue dog, Ginny.
Stephanie Swanzy
Stephanie trained with Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club for her first Austin marathon in 2008. During this training she ran her first 3M Half Marathon on her birthday, and fell in love with the course and spirit of both runners and spectators. She has completed over fifteen marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and many half marathons over the last fifteen years. Running as a returning pacer for 3M, Stephanie looks forward to the excitement of race day and helping runners reach or exceed their race goals.
Ted Kvapil
I have run one marathon and about 15 half marathons. I believe this will be my 12th 3m
Fran Rodda
I began running more than twenty years ago. In 2014, I decided to take running to the next level and ran my first half marathon. A week later I signed up to train for a marathon. I’ve been hooked ever since and have run six marathons and numerous half marathons.
Kelvin Lam
I’ve been engaging with running for last 10 years. Love helping new runners achieve their goals through pacing
Monica Helgesen
Im been running since 2008. I have done 25 half marathons & 6 full marathons. It is my second time pacing 3m. I’m so excited to run it again. Running is my passion and always makes me feel great. As a Mom of 3, life can get busy and sometimes running is the only way for me to help with stress.
Lexie Perez
Lexie turned to running after a sports-ending injury, and she’s glad she did! Austin’s 3M Half Marathon was her first race, and she hasn’t stopped running since. She has completed 7 half marathons, 1 marathon, and countless 10ks. Lexie knows what it’s like to overcome challenges, and she’s here to help you do the same. Let’s cross that finish line together!
Christina Barry
I have been running long distances for about 12 years. A friend said, “Hey, want to run a half marathon?” That sounded like a good idea and I’ve been running ever since. I enjoy the challenge of training and sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a race. Running is life!
Edith Flores
Edith has ran the Austin Marathon twice and recently the Big Bear Revel Marathon. She has also ran the 3M Half Marathon three times. She enjoys running with the Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club in Austin. Edith enjoys running all over Austin to maintain mental and physical health.
Alison Reis
Alison Reis has been a runner for over 25 years. She has completed 8 marathons and 16 half-marathons. In addition to running, she enjoys pilates classes and being outside as much as possible. Her cooldown routine includes a bit of foam rolling and a big cup of coffee.
Cassandra Medrano
Cassandra Medrano is a lifetime Austinite and a joyful runner. Cassandra was the official pacer for the 2005, 2006, 2007 Austin Marathon and the official pacer for the 2005 Rock ‘N Roll San Diego. Cassandra dedicates each mile she runs to a child with special needs and anyone who’s battling cancer. Cassandra recently was scheduled to pace the 3M Half Marathon in 2022, but COVID did not allow for groups to run together. Cassandra paced 3M Half Marathon in 2023 and is looking forward to pacing in 2024.
Sara Hall
I picked up running around 2015 after finishing grad school and suddenly having a lot more time in my hands. Connecting with the running community in Austin has helped me push myself to complete 7 half marathons and 1 marathon. I’m excited to be a first time pacer and give some support to other runners crushing their goals!
Landon Alleman
I will be pacing the sweep group aka the party group at the back!
Kate Carmona
Coach Paul’s Daughter. I will be pacing the sweep group aka the party group at the back!
