Tag Archive for: 2020 3M Half Marathon

Under Armour Returns as 2020 3M Half Marathon Presenting Sponsor

Partnership marks the third year of Under Armour supporting participants in their quest to PR

Runners cross the 2019 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour finish line.

Runners cross the 2019 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour finish line.

High Five Events is thrilled to announce the return of Under Armour, Inc. as presenting sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon. The third-year partnership will highlight Under Armour’s continued support of the running community and push runners to chase their personal edge on one of the country’s fastest half marathon courses. The 26th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour will take place on January 19, 2020.

“At Under Armour, there’s nothing we support more than helping athletes achieve their personal best. Our brand’s mission is to make athletes better and engineer the gear that helps them do just that,” said Josh Rattet, General Manager of Under Armour Run. “For this reason, we’re especially proud to support the 3M Half Marathon and runners from all over the world who will be chasing their PR this January.”

Supporting runners chasing their PR

Under Armour will outfit participants and event volunteers with their HeatGear® running shirts. Additionally, Under Armour will outfit the 3M Half Marathon pace team with race kits. They’ll also provide Under Armour HOVR high-performance running footwear. Under Armour’s support will be felt by runners on race day in their quest to set a personal best.

“Under Armour’s running footwear, apparel, and technology give runners the resources needed to chase their personal best, which is exactly what participants of 3M Half Marathon have done for 25 years,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re excited to work with them for a third year because it continues to provide both of our brands the opportunity to help runners create memories that will last a lifetime.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. The beloved half marathon will celebrate its 26th year running on January 19, 2020. 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 near the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 300+’ net elevation drop. Registration is currently open.

4 Reasons Every Runner Should Foam Roll

What is foam rolling and why should runners do it?

According to Wikipedia, foam rolling is: a lightweight, cylindrical tube of compressed foam. It may be used for many reasons, including increasing flexibility, reducing soreness, and eliminating muscle knots. Foam rolling is a method of self-myofascial release.  Studies show that the best results occur when the foam roller is used for 30 to 90 seconds on each muscle and combined with static stretching.  Rollers come in different sizes and degrees of firmness. The firmness (often identified by the color) can range from soft to firm, soft being best for beginners.

Runner is taking advantage of foam rolling and its benefits.

Top 4 reasons runners should foam roll.

Top 4 Reasons Runners Should Foam Roll

Increases Range of Motion and Relaxation

1.) Increase range of motion – It can help break the knots in our muscles, which restrict our range of motion. Foam rolling can help use our full range of motion. Range of motion is important for flexibility and performance. Regular use of foam rollers for myofascial release can alleviate muscle tightness, ensure optimal joint range of motion, and enhance overall movement.

2.) Increase feelings of relaxation – Part of the reason people love getting massages is because it helps them unwind and feel better. Foam rolling is like giving yourself a massage that takes only a few minutes each time but leaves you feeling much more relaxed.

Decreases Injury Risk and Recovery Time

3.) Decrease injury risk – It can help prevent common injuries. Tight muscles can be more prone to injury, so self-release of muscles and fascia can help loosen everything up and increase your overall performance.

4.) Decrease recovery time – Helps speed up recovery because it promotes better circulation of blood throughout the body. This helps in the natural healing process. No one wants to feel sore for long periods of time. Using a foam roller will help make the uncomfortable feeling go away faster so you can start training again with less soreness.

We at 3M Half Marathon prefer TriggerPoint foam rollers since it started in Austin, where this awesome race takes place. They were also a past partner of the race. There are now numerous creators of similar products you can explore and test out.

Grab one soon, if you don’t already own one, and get to foam rolling ASAP!

4 reasons runners should foam roll.

Infographic on benefits of foam rolling.

13.1 Reasons to Love 3M Half Marathon

Here are 13 of the many reasons runners love 3M Half Marathon

We hear from runners all the time about why they love 3M Half Marathon. We think it’s pretty awesome too! Everyone loves Downhill to Downtown for various reasons. Check out the list below; we’ve compiled the most frequent answers. Join us on January 19, 2020, to experience all we have to offer for yourself. 

1. Austin, Texas – shall we continue? You got it!

Runner runs in her Under Armour participant shirt, the shirt is just one reason you'll love 3M Half Marathon.

Participants love 3M Half Marathon because of the sweet Under Armour participant shirts!

2. Under Armour shirts – be the envy of your running friends who didn’t join you

3. The industry’s best gear bag – you’ll love all the useful 3M products

4. Commemorative, spinner finisher medal – slow-motion videos, boomerang GIFs, photos with the Texas State Capitol in the background, so many ways to show off your medal

5. 300+ ft. elevation drop – run our point-to-point course and see why hundreds set their half marathon PR every year; soak in all the on-course live music

6. Finish line festival – post-race massage, food trucks, hydration, live music, and so much more

7. Free finish line transportation – park at the start line, run to the finish line. We’ll take you back to the start line

Halfway there!

8. Amazing on-course support – hundreds of volunteers get up early and they stay late, helping you have the best experience possible

Participants celebrate their accomplishment in the beer garden, one reason people love 3M Half Marathon.

Participants (21+)celebrate their 3M Half Marathon accomplishments at the beer garden!

9. Expanded beer garden – because you and your friends need another place to celebrate

10. Pacers – the Twenty-Six Two pacers will keep you on track to finish when you want, helping you reach your goals

11. Two-day packet pick up and expo – purchase official 3M Half Marathon gear, check out the latest running products, and grab any last-minute needs

12. USATF-certified course – you won’t run anymore or less than you have to, we double-checked

13. Eight fully-stocked aid stations featuring Nuun Endurance – grab hydration, make a pitstop, or both (don’t forget to thank the volunteers)

13.1. Benefits Austin Youth River Watch – 3mgives selected this Austin nonprofit as the beneficiary for the second year in a row, helping this organization continue to positively impact Austin’s youth and our environment.

You just read 13.1 reasons runners love 3M Half Marathon. Your friends rave about it. Your running partners can’t stop talking about their experience. Now it’s your turn! Reserve your spot at the 2020 3M Half Marathon start line and experience all that we have to offer. And if 2020 won’t be your first time, you’re now on a mission to set your half marathon PR! Why do you love 3M Half Marathon? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

3M Half Marathon Tabs Oskar Blues Brewery as Official Beer Sponsor

2020 will mark the third year that local brewery is Official Beer Sponsor

In 2018, runner gets a beer from Oskar Blues, the Official Beer Sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon.

Runners grab an ice-cold Oskar Blues brew to celebrate their 3M Half Marathon accomplishments.

High Five Events announces Oskar Blues Brewery as the Official Beer Sponsor for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. The 3M Half Marathon will feature Oskar Blues signature Austin-brewed beers at the finish line festival’s beer garden. Only finishers that are over 21 years old will be allowed into the beer garden.  The 3M Half Marathon will take place on January 19, 2020. In 2018, nearly 7500 participants enjoyed 3M Half’s 25th anniversary.

 “This is more than a run, it’s also a celebration of hard work, adventure, and passion,” said Leilani Howard, Marketing Manager Oskar Blues Brewery Austin. “We are overwhelmed and grateful to be a part a community that celebrates and encourages that passion, not just of the people in our city, but those who have journeyed here to share their’s with us and their loved ones.”

Beer garden grows in popularity

Oskar Blues Brewery Austin will offer participants and spectators 21 and older their award-winning, Austin-brewed beers on race day. They’re the original craft beer in a can. The 3M Half Marathon’s beer garden will provide runners and their friends and family a place to gather. They can relax and celebrate their accomplishments. They’ll enjoy any one of Oskar Blues’ signature craft brews post-race. Available beers include Austin’s own Dale’s Pale Ale, Mama’s Little Yella Pils, and Oskar Blues IPA.

 “In 2019, nearly 7500 participants celebrated their accomplishments with loved ones and a cold Oskar Blues brew in the beer garden,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “The finish line festival is a massive party on the streets of Austin, highlighting race-day efforts and months of training.”

 The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 26th year running in 2020. 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 near the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.

10 Inspirational Running Quotes for 3M Half Marathon Training

Keep your fire burning bright with these inspirational running quotes

You’ve got big 3M Half Marathon goals and you have to train for them. They’re not going achieve themselves! From beginners to elites, half marathon training can last months. There will be highs and lows during that timeframe. If you need some inspiration or an extra boost of energy, read one of these inspirational running quotes. Remember why you’re training and keep pushing forward! Follow us on Instagram for a weekly inspirational running quote.

“In the midst of an ordinary training day, I try to remind myself that I am preparing for the extraordinary.” – Shalane Flanagan

“Do not let what you can not do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden

“There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” – Derek Jeter

“If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it.” – Ronnie Lott

“There is an expression among even the most advanced runners that getting your shoes on is the hardest part of any workout.” – Kathrine Switzer

“When you have the enthusiasm and the passion, you end up figuring how to excel.” – Deena Kastor

“It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.” – Jackie Joyner-Kersee

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

“Life (and running) is not all about time, but about our experiences along the way.” – Jen Rhines

“The strength within yourself is what you gotta have – find it, and you will succeed.” – Johnny Pesky