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

Elites Running the 3M Half Marathon

Meet the elites running 3M Half Marathon

Elite runners love the 3M Half Marathon course! It’s known for being one of the country’s faster half marathon courses. Elites run 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour to secure fast times, obtain PRs, try new hydration/nutrition plans, and/or prepare for the Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon. Come out and support these elites as they give their all on Sunday, Jan. 20th!

Jessica Harper

Jessica returns to defend her 2018 3M Half Marathon title! She is the female champ and finished with a time of 1:15:45. She ran collegiately at The University of Texas from 2011-13. When she’s not traveling, you can find her running around Austin!

Bryan Morton is one of the elites running the 2019 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Bryan Morton. Credit: Ed Sparks

Bryan Morton

Bryan is an accomplished runner who finished second overall at the 2018 3M Half Marathon (1:10:13). He is also part of a trio who will pace female elites to the Olympic Marathon Trials B Standard at the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour on Feb. 17th.

Zach Meineke

Zach just moved to Austin from Wisconsin. He heard about 3M Half Marathon after reading about it in Runner’s World as being one of the best half marathons. Zach is a physical therapist at TexPTS and a father of two. He does a lot of his training pushing a double stroller with his 3- and 1-year-old (which they love). Zach most recently ran the 2017 Colorado Colfax Marathon in 2:32:34. He loves exploring the city of Austin through running and is very excited to get the grand tour during the 3M Half.

Andrew Leahey

Andrew is a born and raised Oklahoman who just can’t get enough wind! He competed in cross country and track at Southern Nazarene University. He earned various levels of recognition, from conference champion to All-American. A fun fact about Andrew is that when he was young his family were emu ranchers (yes the large dinosaur-like birds). His training started at a young age when these large, flightless birds would chase him. He now appreciates them!

Sarah Bishop

Sarah Bishop is one of the elites Running the 3M Half Marathon

Sarah Bishop.

Sarah ran collegiately as an 800m runner and hung it up after 8 years of competitive running. After getting married and having 4 children in 3.5 years, she needed an outlet from the stress of daily life and to do something for herself. In 2014, she set a goal to break 1:30 in the half marathon. In the past 4 years, she has whittled down her PRs to 1:16:40 in the half marathon and 2:42:46 in the marathon, qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. She won the 2017 Marine Corps Marathon (2:45:06) along the way.

Michael Morris

Michael has been running competitively since 2004 when he started running for Wills Point High School. After a successful high school career, he ran for Texas State University in 2008. While there, he set the school record in the steeplechase with a time of 9:02. After graduating, he started coaching at San Marcos High School. He is currently the head cross country and track coach.

Goose Pedraza

Goose is an alum of the University of Texas-Permian Basin where he competed in cross country and track. He also attended Texas A&M-Kingsville where he also competed in cross country and track. Goose is a Fleet Feet Austin employee who has a half marathon PR of 1:13:02. He lives in San Marcos, Texas, with his girlfriend and dog Domino. Goose and his girlfriend will soon welcome their newborn daughter.

Natasha van der Merwe

Natasha van der Merwe is one of the elites Running the 3M Half Marathon

Natasha van der Merwe.

Natasha is a transplant from South Africa, a mom to a 2-year-old daughter, and has been racing as a professional triathlete since 2010. Her racing success includes multiple victories at Austin’s local triathlon championship race – the Rookie Tri, a win at Lifetime’s Cap Tex Tri event in 2018, and multiple top-10 finishes at Ironman and 70.3 events over the last 10 years. She is also the 2017 Decker Challenge half marathon female champ (1:26:27).

3M Half Marathon Partners with Goodwill Central Texas

Goodwill Central Texas will play an integral race-day role

High Five Events announces 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour will once again partner with Goodwill Central Texas. Their involvement will ensure the course and surrounding areas are left in better condition than before race day. The 3M Half Marathon will take place on Jan. 20, 2019.

“We’re fortunate to work with nonprofits like Goodwill Central Texas because they care deeply for the community,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their commitment to Austin and the community shines on race day and they help us leave the course in better condition than before race day.”

Goodwill Central Texas will have collection barrels at the beginning of the event to collect any discarded clothes. Their team will also collect items discarded during the first mile. This collection leads to increased items for Goodwill and job training skills opportunities.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. It will celebrate its 25th year running in 2019. 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. Registration is currently open for all options.

Pro Tips: 3M Half Marathon Style

Implement these 3M Half Marathon pro tips for a smooth race week

The 25th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour is less than three weeks away. Can you feel the excitement? There no better time like the present to take a look at some race week pro tips. These pro tips range from week of tips to what we strongly encourage you do once you cross the finish line. Whether this is your first 3M Half or your 13th, these pro tips will set you up for success! 

Customize race day

  • Let the professionals from FinisherPix capture your race day memories. Take advantage of the pre-race prices and order your photos today. Once the race begins prices go up! BONUS – follow these tips to get your best race-day photos.
  • Show off that PR! Customize your commemorative 25th anniversary 3M Half Marathon spinning medal. Learn how you can personalize it with your name and finishing time. 

The expo’s first hour is always the busiest

  • It’s no secret, the first hour of expos is always the busiest. There’s an energy because of race weekend, the opening of the expo, and the industry’s top vendors gathered all in one place. Add the buzz from amped participants wanting their Under Armour shirt and world-famous 3M Half swag bag and you have a recipe for a busy first hour! 
  • Participants must pick up their own packet at the expo. Don’t forget your photo ID and confirmation number!

Stay near the start line

  • Get a good night’s sleep before race day, wake up feeling refreshed, and walk to the start line! Book your hotel today and utilize the great rates secured by onPeak, our hotel partner. Just think, you won’t have to worry about parking race morning!
  • Want something specific at the finish line? Don’t forget to drop off your gear bag. We’ll take it to the finish line for you, for FREE!

Run with the pacers

  • The excitement at the start of the 3M Half Marathon is undeniable. Don’t get caught up and go out too fast! Running with the professional, Austin-based Twenty-Six Two Pace Team is an excellent way to reign in your desire to lay down the hammer.

Post-race transportation

  • If you stayed near the start line, shuttles will take you from the finish line back to the start line after the race. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time for you to celebrate with friends and family at the finish line festival! Shuttles will be located on San Jacinto Street between 11th and 12th Street. NOTE – shuttles are not available prior to the race.

Running Movies You Should Watch

Add these running movies to your “Must Watch” list

With the holiday break just days away you might find yourself with some extra time on your hands. Or maybe you want to relax after eating a little too much. Perhaps you just need some time away from your crazy uncle Nathan. Maybe you need some downtime after your 3M Half Marathon training long run. Whatever your reason, get your favorite hydration, grab your foam roller, and click play on these running movies.

Forrest Gump

If you’ve never watched this classic and paid attention to the way running is portrayed, well, it happens… Do yourself a favor and watch Forrest Gump now! The use of running in this film reflects a number of reasons why many of us run: because we’re told we can’t, escape from danger, score touchdowns, and because you feel like running. While this might not be a running-themed movie like the others on this list, the role running plays is undeniable. Just like the role running plays in your life.

The Barkley Marathons

This documentary covers what some call the toughest ultramarathon in the world The Barkley Marathon. There were zero finishers in 2018. The ultramarathon is held in Frozen Head State Park, near a tiny Tennessee town. It accepts 35 runners a year. Lazarus Lake created the race, mocking a failed prison escape that took place nearby. The unmarked course changes every year. Participants must find hidden books and remove pages that are associated with their bib number as proof.

McFarland, USA

Everyone loves the underdog story. Kevin Costner plays a former football coach turned track coach. At this new school, he discovers that some of the students he teaches are exceptional runners. They’re driven by the same factors that drive you: a desire to get better and commitment to the team. Follow their journey as they grow from beginner runners to champions.

Chariots of Fire

Based on a true story, Chariots of Fire is a 1981 drama that won Oscars and Academy Awards. The film follows two sprinters who compete in the 1924 Paris Olympics for different reasons. Erik Liddell believes he must succeed to spread the word of his faith. Harold Abrahams runs to be accepted and prove that Jews are not inferior. Follow the runners during their training, driven by their desires. You’ll see that the themes presented (commitment, sacrifice, devotion) mirror what you endure as a runner too.

Running Brave

Running Brave is about Billy Mills, a Native American who grew up on a South Dakota reservation. Mills shocked the world at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics when he won the 10,000-meter run. He was a member of the Sioux tribe, ran track at the University of Kansas, and earned a spot in the Tokyo Olympics. He defeated a world-class field. No American had ever won the 10,000-meter before. The closest since Mills’ run, when Galen Rupp took silver at the 2012 London Olympics.

Ascension Seton Named 3M Half Marathon’s Official Medical Provider

Professionals from Ascension Seton bring decades of experience to race day

High Five Events names Ascension Seton as the Official Medical Provider for the 2019 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. At the finish line medical tent, their experienced team will provide the best care available should participants need it. Similarly, they’ll have an on-course presence during the race. The 3M Half Marathon will take place on Jan. 20, 2019.

“Ascension Seton is excited to be a partner with the High Five Events team and the Official Medical Provider for the 3M Half Marathon,” said Adam Bauman, vice president of business development at Ascension Seton. “We are proud to support and care for the vibrant running community in the city of Austin and beyond.”

As the Official Medical Provider, Ascension Seton doctors and nurses will staff the finish line medical tent and work with Travis County EMS on course. They will have a presence at the two-day expo. Ascension Seton is part of the largest nonprofit health system in the U.S. and the world’s largest Catholic health system.

“Participant safety is paramount at every event we produce,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We know that the thousands of 3M Half Marathon participants will be in good hands with the Ascension Seton doctors and nurses should they be needed.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. It will celebrate its 25th year running in 2019. 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. Registration is currently open for all options.