Tag Archive for: 26th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour

These Austin acts provided on-course music and energy during our 25th anniversary

Austin is The Live Music Capital of the World and we love celebrating that fact! Our on-course music showcases Austin’s diversity and provides participants with boosts of energy. The 25th anniversary of the 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour was no different. The largest field in our history enjoyed a range of sounds from South American Andes music to orchestral folk. Participants would even turn their own music off to enjoy the local, on-course music!

Inside Out Steelband (Mile 2)

Runners were treated to energetic on-course music at the 2019 3M Half Marathon.

Energetic on-course music was enjoyed by participants at the 2019 3M Half Marathon.

Inside Out Steelband set the tone for participants at Mile 2. Watching this group play in unison is something else! They’re a local nonprofit dedicated to the advocacy and advancement of steel drums in Austin and Central Texas. Since 2006, their work as musicians and advocates has made Austin a center of contemporary steel band activity.

Rhythmic Force (Mile 3)

When you need more percussion you add Rhythmic Force! They don’t use as much choreographed movement on race day as they do in their competitive performances, but that doesn’t stop them from providing hours of energy to participants. Rhythmic Force is an award-winning nonprofit whose mission is to create the leaders of tomorrow by focusing on three core tenants – integrity, education, and community.

Andean Fusion (Mile 4)

No stranger to performing during Austin’s road races, Andean Fusion plays music from the South American Andes (Peruvian Pan-flute music). They’ve been together for more than 25 years and have performed around the world. Their easy-going and melodic sound comes from the harmony of the group’s six members.

Austin Thaalam Percussion (Mile 9)

Participants always appreciate an extra boost of energy at Mile 9. Austin Thaalam Percussion does just that, re-energizing runners with their in-sync Chenda, South Indian percussion. They have been performing in Central Texas for more than three years. Chenda Melam is a 300-year-old art form. It’s still performed during major festivals in India.

American Dreamer (Mile 10)

DJ Gatsby provides on-course music at the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line festival!

DJ Gatsby provided the soundtrack to many celebrations at the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line festival!

American Dreamer’s sound explores the space between classical and folk music. The quintet’s orchestral folk sound derives from the group’s composition: three classically trained string players, a rock drummer, and a folk singer. All five members met at the University of Texas. 

Woode Wood (Mile 11)

Woode Wood’s music stems from his life’s experiences and is self-categorized as Americana, roots rock, and modern folk. He started making music in 1992 and has honed his easy-listening sound and writing ability ever since. He first moved to Austin in 1994 after watching Ann Richards talk about Austin’s vibrant music scene on Johnny Carson.

Chalkboard Poets (Mile 12)

This 3-piece band put on a performance worthy of the final mile, re-charging runners in their journey to the finish line. Here’s a quick video of their race-day performance. Chalkboard Poets is a fiddle-based Indie folk-rock band that calls Austin home.

DJ Gatsby (Finish line festival)

DJ Gatsby has you covered when you’re ready to party and celebrate! His high-energy beats kept the party going at the finish line festival. Participants celebrated accomplishments and PRs with friends and family to his tracks. He definitely enhanced the overall experience, including the beer garden!

We had a rocking good time during our 25th anniversary! Participants experienced first-hand why Austin is known as The Live Music Capital of the World. Follow us on Facebook to learn what on-course music we’ll feature on January 16, 2020, at the 26th annual 3M Half Marathon.

Grant continues 3Mgives’ support of local organizations focused on STEM

In support of 3M’s global initiative to advance equitable science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and educational outcomes for students, 3Mgives selects Austin Youth River Watch (AYRW) as the beneficiary of the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. This grant will allow the Austin-based nonprofit to continue offering a hands-on approach to environmental science, primarily to underserved high school students. 3Mgives continues their support of local organizations that educate youth and prepare them for a possible career in STEM. The 26th annual 3M Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2020, in Austin, Texas.

“Over the 26-year history of the 3M Half Marathon, 3Mgives is so proud to have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to local Austin nonprofits in order to advance STEM education,” said Stacey Claessens, 3Mgives Community Relations Manager of Austin. “We are pleased to again name Austin Youth River Watch as our race beneficiary so that they can continue to grow their program of providing peer mentoring and environmental education to underserved high school students.”

AYRW named beneficiary for the second year in a row

Austin Youth River Watch is a multi-year, after-school and summer program for high school students, combining peer mentoring with intensive environmental education. Their students collect, analyze, and publish water-quality data from Austin-area streams and rivers. They report their data to local and statewide agencies. Students also work with community partners on environmental restoration projects to improve watershed health. This grant will support AYRW’s program in environmental education and youth development and their efforts to bring STEM to life. In addition to the grant, students and staff will have a booth at the expo. They will also support an aid station on race day. This is the second year in a row that Austin Youth River Watch is the beneficiary.

“We are exceedingly grateful to 3Mgives for naming us as the beneficiary of the 3M Half Marathon for the second year in a row,” said Melinda Chow, Executive Director of Austin Youth River Watch. “Community partners like 3Mgives provide vital support for our programs engaging underserved youth in STEM service-learning activities to improve our environment and enhance collaborative skills. Furthermore, the River Watchers are inspired by being part of such an exciting event that brings Austinites and people from all over the world together in their hometown!”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. The stand-alone half marathon 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.