Tag Archive for: Austin

Runners of Austin: Part I

A special series featuring four Austin runners and their journey as they train for the upcoming 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. Brought to you by CLIF Bar & Company, the Official Sports Nutrition of #downhilltodowntown17.

Name – Abi

Club – Austin Runners Club

Area to run – South Austin (St. Edward’s University)


1. What got you into running?

I started running as a way to cope with difficulties in my life. Running has been an outlet for me, a way to de-stress. It has improved my self-confidence, reduced my negative thought processes, and brought stability and peace. Time spent running is time for me to reflect on myself and how far I have come.

2. How long have you been a runner?

I ran cross country and track in high school. I quit when some mental and physical difficulties took over my life. As an adult, I began to run again in early 2015 and I don’t foresee that ending any time soon!

3. What continues to motivate you to run?

I am motivated to continue to run because of the dedication that it takes when it gets hard – both mentally and physically. I am motivated by that “special” feeling I get after I finish a run. I am also motivated by my fellow ARC runners, the multiple health benefits that result from running, and the ability to explore the city that I live in by using my feet.

4. What does a typical long run Saturday look like?

I live near the St. Ed’s campus in South Austin and find myself training through those neighborhoods, around the downtown trail, and when my schedule permits, with ARC.

Red Bull to Partner with 3M Half Marathon

High Five Events is excited to introduce Red Bull as an official partner for the 2017 3M Half Marathon. The partnership will provide participants with Red Bull during their race day experience. Additional race day activations are still being planned and will enhance the finish line festival.

“We’re glad to have Red Bull involved with the 3M Half Marathon,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their crew will bring an energy to this event that will help participants fly through the downhill-to-downtown half marathon course on their way to a PR. ”

The original Red Bull energy drink and Red Bull sugarfree will be available to all participants at the start and finish lines and at every aid station along the half marathon course. Red Bull, first created 29 years ago in Austria, is well-known for their sponsorship of and involvement with sports, racing, and extreme adventures. In addition to product support throughout the course, the Red Bull team is currently working on additional audio and visual race day activations.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 23rd year running in 2017. 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 in front of the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop. Participants can register and book their hotel on the website.

3M Half Marathon and Oskar Blues Brewery Austin Joining Forces

High Five Events is thrilled to introduce Oskar Blues Brewery Austin as the Official Beer Sponsor for the 2017 3M Half Marathon. The 3M Half Marathon will feature Oskar Blues signature Austin-brewed beers at the finish line festival’s beer garden and finishers 21+ will enjoy two complimentary beers.

“We’re thrilled to be part of the 3M Half Marathon and offer ice-cold, anti-ficial ‘recovery’ drinks for all 21 and over race finishers,” said Diana Ralston, Director of Sponsorships for Oskar Blues. “We’ve got some great ideas that we’ll bring to the finish line festival and are excited to bring an OB vibe to this much-loved Austin tradition.”

Oskar Blues Brewery Austin, the first craft beer brewery to can craft beer, will offer 21+ finishers and spectators their award-winning, Austin-brewed beers on race day. The 3M Half Marathon’s beer garden will provide runners and their friends and family a place to gather, relax, and enjoy any one of Oskar Blues’ signature craft brews post-race.

“Having Oskar Blues at our finish line festival’s beer garden will truly enhance the event for our finishers and spectators,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Oskar Blues has been a staple in the endurance and outdoor activity scene and we’re glad to add their award-winning craft brews on race day.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 23rd year running in 2017. 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 in front of the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop. Participants can register and book their hotel on the website.

3M Half Marathon Price Increase Coming Soon

The next price increase for the 3M Half Marathon will take place at 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday, November 14th. The price will increase from $95 to $105. The 3M Half Marathon is scheduled for January 22, 2017 in Austin, Texas. With registration at its current pace, it is expected that the event will reach capacity.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 23rd year running in 2017. 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 in front of the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop.

Runners traveling from outside of Austin can take advantage of one of 3M Half Marathon’s newest partners, onPeak, the leading hotel booking solution for large-scale events. Event participants who utilize onPeak’s services will receive competitive rates at hotels conveniently located near the start and finish lines as well as fully flexible reservation policies for adjustable planning.

Participants can register today. After the November 14th price increase, the next price increase will occur on January 2nd. Individuals and groups interested in volunteering are encouraged to apply today.

3M Half Marathon to Utilize onPeak’s Hotel Booking Technology

High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, is pleased to announce that the 3M Half Marathon will implement the services of onPeak, the leading hotel booking solution for large-scale events. Through the platform, registrants can secure the best hotel rates near the start line or the finish line.

onPeak’s forward-thinking housing services and tech solutions factored into the decision to partner with event. Customer service is a high priority of High Five Events and onPeak will make the hotel booking experience an easier process for participants and spectators who travel to Austin.

onPeak’s services include competitive rates at hotels conveniently located near the race venue and fully flexible reservation policies for adjustable planning. The onPeak hotel reservation interface provides an easy way to make and manage bookings for groups of all sizes. onPeak offers a dedicated staff for personal service and any special customer requirements.

“Providing the best experience for our registrants is our top priority and that includes the hotel booking experience,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “onPeak has great rates, is simple to navigate and book, and provides top-notch customer service.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 23rd year running in 2017. 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 in front of the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop. Participants can register and book their hotel on the website.

About High Five Events: Beginning with the launch of a single triathlon in 2003, High Five Events has grown to become one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States. In addition to the events it owns and produces, the Austin, Texas-based company offers consulting and event production services to dozens of additional events each year. High Five Events is community-centric and has more than 83 years’ experience organizing large events across different venue types in a variety of locations. Follow High Five Events on Twitter (@highfiveevents), Instagram (@highfiveevents), and Facebook (facebook.com/HighFiveEventsWorldWide/) for news and updates.

About onPeak, LLC: onPeak is the leading hotel booking solution for large-scale events. The company’s unmatched customer service, operational excellence, and award-winning marketing connect event planners and their customers with the right accommodation solutions to maximize room blocks and strengthen hotel and destination relationships. onPeak’s creative business strategies are delivered with a personal touch and global reach, elevating the event housing of more than 100 clients who span an array of industries.