Tag Archive for: Austin Marathon

3M Half Marathon Expo Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss

These expo highlights showcase the must-visit booths

Hello, Running Enthusiasts! As we eagerly anticipate the 3M Half Marathon, don’t miss the action-packed 3M Half Marathon Expo & Packet Pick Up at the Palmer Event Center on the Friday and Saturday before the race. This is your golden opportunity to meet the official pacers, explore a wide range of exhibitors offering exclusive shopping experiences, and participate in fantastic giveaways and discounts.

Plus, keep an eye out for some special surprises that might just make your day! Join us for this pre-race celebration and gear up for an amazing event.

Image of the Post-it Wall from the 2019 3M Half Marathon expo covered in messages of support and inspiration. The Post-it Wall will be a 2020 expo highlight.

3M Post-it Lounge

Visit the ever-popular 3M Post-it Lounge and add your message to our giant post-it wall. Leave a message of inspiration for a loved one or all participants. Or just sit back and relax before you go another round about the expo. Kids can even join in on the fun with our photo booth.

Photo booths

There will be several fun photo opportunities set up throughout the expo including our GIF photo booth, a larger than life-size version of Blaze, course maps, and more. Visit them all!

A 3M Half Marathon Ambassador takes a photo of two runners and the oversized 2019 3M Half Marathon medal at the 2019 3M Half Marathon expo. Take your photo with a giant 2020 3M Half Marathon medal, one of the many 2020 expo highlights.

Don’t forget to tag us on social @3MHalfMarathon and #DownhilltoDowntown.

Austin Marathon

Visit the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and chat with their Ambassadors about race day! Thinking about registering for the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, or KXAN Simple Health 5K? Register at their booth and take advantage of their expo deals. You can even walk away with some cool swag! Rumor has it they are giveaway away free entries as well!

2025 3M Half Marathon Booth

As you exit packet pick-up, make your first stop at our dazzling 2025 3M Half Marathon Booth! Get early registration for next year’s race at our Best Pricing of $79. This is your chance to shimmer and shine, getting a taste of the excitement that awaits in 2025. Don’t miss out on this fantastic deal.

Fleet Feet Austin

Visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin and snag some gear to get you to the start line and beyond. They will have some Run Austin gear but it is limited so get there as soon as you can. They’ll also have hydration and nutrition from GU for your last-minute needs.

Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club

If this is your first half marathon or you’re chasing your 13.1-mile PR, visit these folks! Meet the runners who will pace you to the finish line! These pacers are veterans and know what they’re doing. Swing by their booth, chat about race day and get your last-minute questions answered.

EIGHT Beer

Runners, get ready to raise a toast to your upcoming triumph! Make sure to swing by the EIGHT Beer booth at the 3M Half Marathon Expo. This is more than just a sampling – it’s a sneak peek into your post-race celebration! Our friends at EIGHT Beer will also be at the finish line for all of our celebrations.

Ascension Seton CapTex Tri

Add a little variety to your running by trying out a triathlon! CapTex Tri is Austin’s only downtown triathlon and features 3 distances including the beginner-friendly Rookie Tri Distance. Or get your friends involved, make it a team effort, and sign for a relay. They have a mystery prize machine full of discounts.

Super Coffee

Before you hit the pavement, stop by the Super Coffee booth at the 3M Half Marathon Expo for a delicious energy boost. Their range of energizing coffees is the perfect pick-me-up, ensuring you’re charged and ready to conquer every mile!

Texas Drain Specialist 

Chat with Julian and his team while you make special cheer signs. As an official sponsor of 3M Half Marathon, Texas Drain Specialist is there for you on and off the course. They even have a team you can join that includes free group workouts!

SHRUNK 3D

Capture your biggest and sweetest moments with an exact 3D replica of you, your family loved ones, and pets! Stop by the Shrunk booth to get a 3D replica.

Kerrville Triathlon

TRI your luck and spin the slots at the Kerrville Triathlon Festival booth. This Texas destination triathlon is known for its two day festival complete with 7 different triathlon distances from the beginner Rookie Tri to the 70.3 half distance.

Visit these other booths

Evamor

Sandcastle Seasonings

Verb

Little Guys Movers

Card.io

Go For It Sports

Strong Atheltic

SPIbelt

Race Essentials

Smith Chiropractic

Lifespring

Cap10K

National Running Center

Pinnacle Eye Wear

HiDow

 

Introducing the 2020 Elite Field for the 3M Half Marathon

Some in the 2020 elite field are running their final tune-up before the Olympic Marathon Trials

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 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon. There are even runners in the 2020 elite field who will run 3M Half Marathon as their final tune-up before the Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta! Come out and support these elites as they give their all!

Jess Harper

Image of Jess Harper as she crosses the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line as the female champ. She is the 2018 and 2019 female champ and will run with the 2020 elite field.

Jess Harper plans to three-peat as 3M Half Marathon female champ!

Harper returns to defend her 2019 3M Half Marathon title! She is the back-to-back female champ (2018-’19). On January 20, 2019, Harper finished with a time of 1:14:23, an 88-second improvement from her 2018 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

Morton finished fourth overall at the 2019 3M Half Marathon (1:08:14) even though he had to stop at one point to re-tie his shoe. One month later, he was part of a trio who paced female elites to the Olympic Marathon Trials B Standard at the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Jared Carson

Image of Jared Carson, the 2016 3M Half Marathon champ. He will run with the 2020 elite field before the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials.

Jared Carson is the 2016 3M Half Marathon champ.

Carson is the 2016 3M Half Marathon champ, winning in 1:08:23. He and his family called Austin home for years before moving to Portland, Oregon. Carson, his wife, and their son visit Austin as often as they can. This will be Carson’s final tune-up before the Olympic Marathon Trials.

Taylor Dare

Dare resides in Fort Worth, Texas, with her husband of two years. She qualified for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials by running a 2:42:17 at 2019 Grandma’s Marathon. She’s in graduate school working towards her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Dare runs with Forth Worth Distance Project. She was accepted to the Austin Half Marathon Elite Athlete Program and the Austin Half Marathon will be her final tune-up before the Olympic Marathon Trials.

David Fuentes

Image of David Fuentes in his Hoka One One gear. He will run with the 2020 elite field at the 3M Half Marathon.

David Fuentes is a 3x Austin Half Marathon champ.

Fuentes was on the gold-medal-winning US team at the 2016 World Mountain Running Championships. He also has three Austin Half Marathon titles to his name. Fuentes made his half marathon debut at the 2010 3M Half Marathon. He logs his miles in the morning, is a software developer during the day, and a vintage vehicle restorer by night. This will be Fuentes’ final tune-up before the Olympic Marathon Trials.

Mark Pinales

Pinales is the 2017 3M Half Marathon champ (1:06:51). He was raised in Round Rock, Texas, just north of Austin. Pinales ran at The University of Texas. You can often find him running around town. Pinales also mentors Austin youth and volunteer coaches runners at Austin High.

Cate Barrett

Barrett is a native Austinite who ran the 1500m and 5K for the Baylor Bears track team. You can catch her riding her bike around town or running with her husband Jake, who is a member of the Austin Marathon pacer team. Barrett has a 2:43 marathon PR that she set in 2018. This will be Barrett’s final tune-up before the Olympic Marathon Trials.

Sarah Bishop

Image of Sarah Bishop running a race. She will run with the 2020 elite field at the 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Bishop will run 3M Half Marathon as her final tune-up before the Olympic Marathon Trials.

Bishop is a former active duty Air Force Lieutenant and current mother of four. She re-started her running career five years ago and qualified for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. Bishop recently turned to triathlon and placed second in the 35-39 age group at the 70.3 World Championships. This will be Bishop’s final tune-up before the Olympic Marathon Trials.

Hattie Schunk

Schunk played soccer collegiately at Texas Tech University. She eventually followed her passion and joined the Red Raider cross-country and track teams. She was academic All-Big 12 and a Mountain regional qualifier every year she was on the team. In 2018, Schunk was Tech’s nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year. Like her sister Sofie, Hattie is chasing an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifying time. She is currently is grad school at the University of Texas working towards her PhD in chemical engineering. Sofie is her sister.

Sofie Schunk

Image Sofie Schunk running a race on an open field. Schunk will run with the 2020 elite field at the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Schunk is co-founder of Diabetes Sports Project.

Schunk grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a multi-sport athlete, eventually playing soccer at Marquette University. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 16. She has since mastered and controlled her diabetes enough to run a 2:49:07 at 2019 CIM. Schunk is also the co-founder of the Diabetes Sports Project, a platform for others to be active with diabetes without fear. One of her main goals is to qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials while she continues her career in biomedical engineering research. Hattie is her sister.

Kaitlyn Johnson

Johnson is a grad student at the University of Texas studying biomedical engineering. Her research is focused on using math and computational tools to improve how they understand, predict, and optimize cancer treatments. She joined Rogue Running in 2017 and loves being a part of the Austin running community. She ran 1:24:02 at 2018 3M Half Marathon.

Philippe Rolly

Image of Philippe Rolly with hands in the air, about to cross a finish line. Rolly will run with the 2020 elite field at the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Rolly was named 2018 USATF Masters LDR Grand Champion in the M45-49.

Rolly was born in France and moved to the US in 1998. He is a Physical Therapist at Georgetown Hospital and has three kids. In 2018, he was named the USATF Masters LDR Grand Champion in the M45-49 age group. He recently ran a 2:32:18 at 2018 CIM.

Ryan Normand

Normand is originally from Phoenix, Arizona. He now calls Pflugerville home. He ran track and cross-country for Arizona State from 2014-2018. Normand began running marathons and half marathons soon after. He recently ran a 2:29:13 at 2019 Grandma’s Marathon and will compete in the 2019 Austin Marathon elite field.

Ben Munguia

Image of Ben Munguia and his wife Lauren overlooking a skyline. Munguia will run with the 2020 elite field at the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Ben and Lauren, his wife.

Munguia has called Austin home for 13 years. He’s primarily a triathlete, winning the 2017 Kerrville Triathlon half distance in 4:16:27. He recently ran a 1:16:39 at the 2019 3M Half Marathon. He lives with his wife, their 18-month-old daughter, and his favorite running buddy, Tucker the Vizsla.

Sarah Jackson

Jackson is an Austinite who will run with the 3M Half Marathon elites before she runs in the Austin Marathon elite field. The 2020 Austin Marathon will be her 14th. She ran a 2:58:41 at the 2018 Austin Marathon.

Daylight Saving Time Ends – 5 Running Tips to Keep You Safe

Running tips that can keep you safe now that daylight saving time has ended

If your clocks didn’t do it automatically, then you just made every clock you own “fall back.” Whether you like it or not, daylight saving time has ended and the sun will set much, much earlier than normal. In general, this means colder temperatures and less sunlight. But like they say, the training must go on! If you’re training for 3M Half Marathon or the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, these 5 running tips will keep you safe now that daylight saving time has ended. If you’re out driving, watch out for runners and cyclists!

Wear reflective clothing/lights

Reflective clothing is a must! In addition to reflective clothing, bright colors work too. Make sure you’re seen by everyone, from drivers to cyclists. Take your safety a step further and add lights. They’re lightweight and can ensure you’re seen from farther away. Depending on your preference, lights can be worn on your shoes, legs, arms, or your head.

Dress in layers

If it’s chilly outside, dressing in layers can help your body maintain its core temperature. This is critical in ensuring you don’t get sick. It also allows you to take off layers if you get too warm and put them back on when you cool down post-run. When dressing in layers, make sure the layer closest to your body has sweat-wicking material.

Adjust your schedule

Whether you like the time change or not, you should adjust your schedule now that daylight saving time has ended. If you can, run when the sun is out, coming up, or going down. This increases the chances that you’re seen by others. You also avoid running during the coldest parts of the day, especially early morning. You should always check the weather before you head out for a run.

Run defensively

Running defensively doesn’t mean you have to run slower. This could mean wearing reflective clothing/lights (like above), avoiding busy roads, or running in areas with high foot traffic. If you do run near busy roads, make sure you run against traffic. Expect the unexpected and briefly slowing down at intersections, parking garage entrances, and apartment/business driveways. As the amount of daylight diminishes, you need to protect yourself from others who aren’t paying attention or might want to cause harm to others.

Tell someone your workout

Before you take off, tell someone (loved one, co-worker, or roommate) your planned route, mileage, and when they can expect you back. Or ask them to run with you! If they don’t, knowing your route and mileage provides an idea of when they can expect you back and where to check should you not come back on time. Turn on the setting that allows someone to know your location, most smartphones have this.

Take your safety into your own hands with our tips. By being proactive, you increase the chances of completing a successful training run. With drivers paying less and less attention, runners need their safety even more seriously. We want you to make it to the 3M Half Marathon start line on January 19th fully healthy! Is there something you do that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Get to Know Austin via the 3M Half Marathon Course – Part II

Explore Miles 7-13.1 of the 3M Half Marathon course and get to know Austin

Austin is well-known for its culinary hot spots and picture-worthy locations. This is evident along Miles 7-13.1 of the 3M Half Marathon course. We highlight some of our favorite on-course spots, including the Texas State Capitol! Whether you’re an Austinite or in town for the 3M Half Marathon, get to know Austin with our list of seven on-course locations. Don’t miss out on Miles 1-6. Enjoy!

Stacks on stacks on stacks. Credit – Upper Crust Bakery Facebook.

Upper Crust Bakery (Mile 9)

Complete 3M Half Marathon, reward yourself with dessert! Makes sense, right?! Upper Crust Bakery (4508 Burnet Rd.) serves lunch too, but let’s be real, you’re coming here to satisfy your sweet tooth. Everything they make, cakes, pies, pastries, etc., is made from scratch. They’ve been in Austin for 28 years, so this isn’t some fly-by-night operation. Stop by and reward yourself!

Stinson’s Bistro (Mile 9)

Their menu is simple, but delicious. What they do make, they knock out of the park. Stinson’s Bistro (4416 Burnet Rd.) is perfect for date night, an outing with friends, or brunch after you complete 3M Half Marathon! Additionally, they serve beverages from coffee to cocktails. So if you’re watching friends or family, stop by for a coffee and a taco before heading to the finish line. Then make plans to come back and celebrate!

Hearty breakfast tacos from Stinson's Bistro. Get to know Austin when you visit places, like Stinson's Bistro, along the 3M Half Marathon course.

Hearty breakfast tacos from Stinson’s Bistro. Credit – Stinson’s Bistro Facebook.

Hyde Park Neighborhood (Miles 10-11)

Considered by many to be Austin’s first suburb, Hyde Park can trace its origins back to 1891. When you’re running through Hyde Park, soak in the massive trees and the beautiful architecture. If it’s not race day, take a leisurely stroll and check everything out at your own pace. If you’re out walking around make sure you check out the Elisabet Ney Museum, Quack’s 43rd St. Bakery, and Antonelli’s Cheese Shop.

Hancock Golf Course (Mile 11.5)

Stretch out your legs before your half marathon and play a round of nine holes at the Hancock Golf Course. The course (811 E. 41st St.) was founded in 1899 by former Austin mayor Lewis Hancock. It’s one of the oldest golf courses in Texas.

Runner passes through UT campus during the 2019 3M Half Marathon. Get to know Austin when you visit the places in our blog, like The University of Texas.

Runner passes through UT campus during the 2019 3M Half Marathon.

University of Texas (Mile 12)

One mile to go! The sights of the University of Texas will definitely help push you to the finish line. When you enter campus you’ll notice the street signs turn from green to burnt orange. Now you know the eyes of Texas are upon you! Before you pass the majestic Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (home to the Texas Longhorns football team), enjoy the great view of the UT Tower to your right. To your left is the Mike Myers Stadium and Soccer Field where Austin Marathon Celebrity Ambassador Leo Manzano won many awards and set many records!

Enjoy the chicken fried steak from Scholz Garten. Get to know Austin when you visit places, like Scholz Garten, along the 3M Half Marathon course.

You’ll enjoy the chicken fried steak from Scholz Garten. Credit – Scholz Garten Facebook.

Scholz Garten (Mile 13)

Even though they open at noon on Sunday, Scholz Garten (1607 San Jacinto Blvd.) is a great spot for a post-3M Half Marathon gathering. The German food is delicious, there’s plenty of seating (including outdoors), and the atmosphere is always lively! Scholz Garten was established in 1886 and houses one of the nation’s oldest bowling centers. Pro tip: we recommend everything on the menu!

Texas State Capitol (finish line)

The beautiful Texas State Capitol (1100 Congress Ave.) has a rich history and serves as a backdrop for many post-3M Half Marathon photos! Take a Capitol tour and learn about the building’s life and its connection to Texas history. Not a fan of tours? A leisurely stroll on Capitol grounds will get the job done. Don’t forget your camera! Fun fact: the Texas Capitol is taller than the US Capitol!

Miles 7-13.1 of the 3M Half Marathon course features flavorful options and a place to enjoy a relaxing night out. Add these hot spots to your must-visit list and get to know Austin even more. Check out hot spots along Miles 1-6 and complete the course. Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know what it is on Facebook or Twitter.

3M Half Marathon Expo Highlights

Our expo highlights showcase the booths you have to visit

The 3M Half Marathon Expo & Packet Pick Up is just days away! The expo is a chance for participants to visit our sponsors and partners and check out what they have to offer. From on-course hydration to Official 3M Half Marathon Under Armour gear, below are the expo highlights you can’t miss! There are tons of prizes, giveaways, and discounts. Think of them like Pokemon, you have to visit them all!

Photo Booths

There will be several fun photo opportunities set up throughout the expo including our gif photo booth, a larger than life-size version of this year’s finisher medal, Course Maps and more. Be sure to visit them all. 

Austin Marathon

Visit the Austin Marathon (booth #27) to chat with their team about race day! Thinking about registering for the Austin Marathon, half marathon, 5K, or Manzano Mile? Register at their booth and take advantage of their expo deals. BONUS: take a picture in front of their Austin backdrop!

Fleet Feet Austin

Visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin (booth #18) and snag your Official 3M Half Marathon Under Armour gear before it’s gone! Supplies are limited. They’ll also have hydration and nutrition for your last-minute needs.

Rookie Triathlon

The Rookie Triathlon (booth #28) will have bean bag toss where you can win prizes. Rookie Triathlon is a sprint triathlon (300m swim, 11.2-mile bike, 2-mile run) that will take place on Sunday, May 5th. Make sure you check out their expo-only deals and make Rookie Tri the first triathlon of your life or the first triathlon of your 2019 season.

Nuun

Sample all of nuun hydration’s flavors at booth #33. Say hey and learn how you can win Texas-themed nuun bottles. BONUS: the first 5 people to show up to the nuun booth and complete the following for each day will win one bag of nuun performance.

  • Friday – say “Nothing but nuun on race day!”
  • Saturday – tell your favorite positive race mantras and what flavor of nuun you train with

Airrosti

Airrosti Treatment Teams (booth #44) will offer complimentary injury assessments and taping to any participants suffering from pain or an injury. The assessments are 15-minute appointments.

Ready to Run

Ready to Run will have a photo booth contest at booth #13. They’ve designed a custom local Austin backdrop and custom photo props. Visit them, enter the contest, and learn how you can win a pair of Aftershokz Air Wireless Headphones or a $75 Ready to Run gift card.

SPIbelt

SPIbelt (booth #11) will have a spinning wheel out sporadically during the event where people can spin to win! Stop by, say hey, learn about their new products, and spin to see what you could win.

Cap10K

Register at the Cap10K booth (booth #39) and receive a free Cap10K pop socket for your mobile device OR a free pair of Cap10K running socks. That’s a great deal for the largest 10K in Texas!

Hilton

Hilton will have a photo booth set up, raffle wheel, and giveaways at booth #51. Take a picture at their booth and post it online to spin the raffle wheel and win a prize. Visitors that are Honors members or download and enroll with their Honors app will have an opportunity for a second spin at the wheel. Prizes include tote bags, luggage tags, and chances to win a grand prize which includes hotel stays.

Heavenly Care Moving

Hang on the Heavenly Care Moving (booth #1) bar for 90 seconds and you’re entered into the drawing to win a bike! It’s that simple.

  1. The drawing will be held on Facebook Live on Monday, February 21st, at 6:00 p.m.
  2. All that’s required for eligibility is to “like” their Facebook page
  3. Everyone that at least attempts the hang will be entered to win a free entry to the 2020 3M Half Marathon. (one male and one female will be selected)
  4. Everyone that lasts the full 90 seconds will be entered to win the city cruiser!