This guide contains a quick look at most of the information you will need for the 2024 3M Half Marathon.
If you can’t find what you are looking for, please check the other pages on our website for more detailed information. We are also available through email and chat (located at the bottom right-hand corner) to help with any questions.
Packet Pick-Up Details
When:
Friday, January 19, 2024 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 20, 2024 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pro Tip: Remember, the first hour of both days is always the busiest time, so consider coming after. There is no race day Packet Pickup and packets cannot be mailed.
Where:
Palmer Event Center
900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
The Pick-Up Process:
- Have your photo ID.
- Go to the kiosk that corresponds to your bib number to pick up your race bib. Look up your bib number
- Next, pick up your official participant shirt and 3M swag bag. The shirt exchange is after you pick up your shirt from the sizes available.
- Exit into the expo and check out what our awesome vendors have to offer.
What you get:
Packets include gear check bag, participant shirt, Swag bag, bib number with timing device attached, and safety pins. The clear plastic bag you receive at Packet Pickup must be used for your gear check bag if you choose to check in gear.
Expo Parking:
Parking at the Palmer parking garage is $7. You must mention that you are there for the 3M Half Marathon packet pick to get the discounted rate, otherwise it is $10. There are also parking meter spots located at Butler Park and limited free 2-hour parking across the street at Auditorium Shores.
Transportation
Shuttle Tickets: Sold out!
Wristband Collection: Pick up your shuttle wristband at the Expo (Shuttle Bus Kiosk post-shirt pickup) or the Finish Line information tent.
For Non-Ticket Holders: If you don’t have a shuttle ticket, plan for a drop-off at the start line and a pick-up at the finish line.
Shuttle Location & Schedule: Post-race shuttles are at San Jacinto between 12th & 11th Street, running from 8:45 AM to 12:45 PM.
No shuttles are available before the event; downtown participants are advised to use rideshare or taxi services to the start line.
Unsure if you bought a ticket? Use bib look up and see if there is a green check mark under bus pass. You can also log into your EventDog.com account to see all your purchases.
Gear Bags
The clear plastic bag you receive at Packet Pickup must be used for your gear check bag.
A few essentials about your gear bag for the race:
- Use the clear plastic bag from Packet Pickup for gear check. Write big clear numbers for your bib number using a permanent marker
- Drop off your bag from 6:00 AM at the trucks in the Gateway parking lot, near the start line. It will be moved to the finish line for you.
- Avoid placing valuables in the bag. Consider using a SPIbelt to carry them with you on the course or if needed, secure them within a larger gallon-sized clear bag inside. We are not responsible for lost items.
- Pick up your bag at 12th & San Jacinto after the race, using your bib number. If someone else needs to collect it, arrange this at the information tent.
Race Day Parking
Start Line Parking
Do not move or drive around any signage, barricades, or cones. The shopping center will tow.
The start line is on Stonelake Blvd, south of Capital of Texas Hwy (Loop 36). Please plan to arrive by 6:00 a.m. or earlier to allow time for possible traffic congestion.
If you are getting dropped off at the race start, use one of the following addresses as your drop off point.
Parking is available at:
Dave & Buster’s (9333 Research Blvd)
Sam’s Club (9700 N. Capital of Texas Hwy)
Parking Garage (9509 Stonelake Blvd)
Please observe the following:
• Do not park in reserved spots (shops/restaurants) or fire zones.
• No parking in handicapped spots unless your vehicle is properly marked.
• Do not park in Gateway Shopping Center at all, they will tow your car!
• Observe all road closures and do not move barricades or cones and all other road signs and laws before choosing a parking spot.
Finish Line Parking
3M Half Marathon Finish Line Parking is available in the Capitol Complex Garage A, B, and F, between 13th and 17th Streets and San Jacinto and Trinity Streets. All garage access is on Trinity Street.
If you are coming from MoPac, take the Enfield exit, continue to 15th St, turn right on Guadalupe St, left on 11th St, and left on Trinity St. If you are coming from IH35, take the 12th St exit, head west on 12th St, turn right on Trinity St.
Please note the following: San Jacinto between 11th and 15th, E 14th St, E 13th St, and E 12th west of Trinity St will be closed around the Capitol Complex. E 15th St will have limited access crossing San Jacinto.
Athlete Tracking
Athlete tracking is live! We will update the database periodically between now and race day, so if you just registered you might not show up right away.
Track in Web Browser | Tracking Mobile App
Spectator Information: While we want spectators throughout the course, we’ve located some of the best “cheer points” for you. Make a plan before race day.
Course Review
The 3M Half Marathon is a downhill point-to-point course held in beautiful Austin, Texas. The race starts in North Austin and ends near the historic Texas State Capitol building. You will enjoy Live Music along the 13.1-mile net downhill course lined with cheering spectators and amazing volunteers.
Interactive Course Map on Google Maps
Aid Stations: Will be stocked with water and Lemon Lime nuun endurance. There will also be restrooms with hand sanitizer stands.
Energy Zone: Located at Mile 7 GU will have an energy zone stocked with:
- Strawberry chews (Caffeine)
- Lemon Sublime gel (No Caffeine),
- Chocolate Outrage gel (Caffeine), and
- Salted Watermelon gel (Caffeine).
Get your on course nutrition planner from GU.
Pacers:
We will have pace groups for the following finishing times: 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, 2:50. Pace groups are free to run with and you are welcome to join or drop from the group at any time. Read more about pace groups.
Meet the 2024 Pacers: read more about the awesome crew that will be leading each time.
Relays
Format: Teams of 2, total distance 13.1 miles
- Runner One: 6.2 miles
- Runner Two: 6.9 miles
Exchange Zone: At 3M Half Marathon 10K marker, near Great Northern Dog Park
Relay Transition
- Transport to Finish Line: No shuttle service from relay zone. First runner can park near exchange zone or use rideshare.
- Medal Collection: Available at the finish line. Either runner can collect.
Parking:
- Options near Far West Blvd. and neighborhood parking. Follow all signs and don’t block driveways.
Team Responsibilities:
- Know when your runner arrives at the exchange zone.
- Exchange chips safely and courteously in the designated area on the right side of the road
Best Pricing For Next Year!
Extra Early Access Just for You – The 2025 3M Half Marathon Awaits!
It’s never too early to start dreaming about next year’s adventure!
That’s right, we’re talking about the 2025 3M Half Marathon – and we’ve got something super special for you! Early bird pricing is now available, and you, our stellar 2024 athletes, get first dibs!
Why wait and pay more later? Click the link below to lock in the best pricing for 2025
Other Commonly Asked Questions
Am I allowed to wear headphones during the race?
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.
Can I push a stroller?
No, for the safety of all participants, strollers are not permitted on the run course.
Can I run with my dog?
We wish we could allow it, but, no, animals are not permitted on the run course.
