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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.

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Meet the 2020 Pacing Group for the 3M Half Marathon

Get to know your 2020 pacing group

You’re registered. You’re training. You have a goal time in mind. This is your first half marathon. You want to PR. You want to beat last year’s time. Whatever your race day goals, the Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club pacing group will guide you. Meet your 2020 3M Half Marathon pace team, learn where to find them on race day, and read a few dos and don’ts of running with your 2020 pacing group.

Find your 2020 pacing group:

Look for the Twenty-Six Two pacing group in the starting corrals holding pace signs. Those signs correspond to the paces designated by signs in the corrals. There will be two pacers per each pace group (finish times of 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, 2:30). The pacers will also wear matching Under Armour running outfits that say “PACER” or otherwise designated them as official 3M Half Marathon pacers.

1:30

(6:52 min./mile)

 Matt Fletcher John Golden

1:35

(7:15 min./mile)

 Joe Terracina Leland Mangrum

1:40

(7:37 min./mile)

 Jonathan Garner Jose Reyes

1:45

(8:00 min./mile)

 Charlie Werth Talaya Frazier

1:50

(8:23 min./mile)

 

 Karim Elmarabet Eliot Franklin

1:55

(8:46 min./mile)

 Jennifer Goetz Laura Hitt

2:00

(9:09 min.mile)

 Eric Johnson Sam Gammage

2:05

(9:32 min./mile)

 Steve Pina Summer Smith

2:10

(9:55 min./mile)

 Claire McGuiness Kelvin Lam

2:15

(10:17 min./mile)

 Rocio Villalobos Jillian Baaklini

2:20

(10:40 min./mile)

 Ted Kvapil Son Ha

2:25

(11:03 min./mile)

 Jessica Mangrum Kelly Peck

2:30

(11:26 min.mile)

 Devangi Parikh Juanita Bowling

Race day dos: 

  • DO ask questions before the start about your pacing group’s race plan. Most will run slightly slower at first, and then pick up speed in the middle miles of the race. However, each pace group is slightly different, so make sure to ask any questions before the race begins.
  • DO drink at water stations along the way if you normally take water or sports drink during the race. The pacing group will slow down slightly to allow runners to catch up after water stops.
  • DO ask questions or introduce yourself during the race if you are inclined. The pacers are all accustomed to racing at paces faster than what they are pacing, so they should be able to answer your questions.

    pace team

    Summer (4256) and Steve (4530) will lead the 2:05 group for 2020. Claire (5241) will lead the 2:10 group for 2020.

  • DO ask what your splits should be at each mile marker, and compare the pacers’ times with your watch or GPS device. You want to make sure that you are “in sync” with the pacers’ official times.
  • DO relax and let the pacing group guide you! They are trained to finish at (or slightly faster than) their designated finish times.

Race day don’ts:

  • DON’T struggle to stay right next to or behind the pacers, especially at the beginning when it is crowded. As long as you are near them along the way, you will have plenty of time to stick with them after a few miles.
  • DON’T try to start out with a pacing group that is significantly faster than you are accustomed to running. Find the pace group that is right for you, and enjoy the race as the pacers lead you to the finish line.
  • DON’T forget that the pacing group is targeting a finish that corresponds to their own chip time, not the official “gun time.” If your pace group crosses the start line several minutes after the race begins, the pacers will be following their own chip time, not the “clock” time at the finish. Make sure to ask along the way what the pacers’ time is, and compare it to your own time. If you are unsure whether you are “ahead of” or “behind” the pacers’ time, ask them! They will answer your questions.

Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club (TST) is an Austin-based nonprofit group that provides low-cost training to men and women marathoners and half marathoners throughout the year. Since 2005, TST has trained hundreds of runners for races in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, San Antonio, and many other cities (and countries). TST’s Pace Team provides pacers for races year-round and is comprised of club members who have run multiple marathons and half-marathons.

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3 Different Under Armour Shoes To Replace Your Old Pair

Retire your current pair and replace them with these Under Armour shoes

When looking for a new pair of shoes you want to make sure they’re right for your feet. The right pair of shoes can help protect your joints and muscles. We spoke with our friends at Under Armour and recommend the following Under Armour shoes. Make sure they’re right for your feet. Then visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin to get your new pair today. This MapMyRun blog post informed this piece and has more helpful tips for finding the right running shoes.

Are your shoes wearing out? Is their mileage count running high? Wear and tear beginning to show? Sounds like you need a new pair of running shoes. Our helpful blog post will tell you how to test your old shoes and break in your new Under Armour shoes!

We recommend these Under Armour shoes

HOVR Velociti 2

The Velociti 2 is designed for those who want a light shoe for racing, speedwork, or daily training. They offer Under Armour’s patented HOVR cushioning technology. Track your mileage and log your workouts when you sync their Bluetooth version with the MapMyRun app. Best for efficient runners who don’t overpronate.

HOVR Infinite

Under Armour shoes like the cushioned Infinites are great for those who have moderate-to-high arches, strike midfoot or forefoot when running, and need maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial (arch-side) support. They offer Under Armour’s patented HOVR cushioning technology. Track your mileage and log your workouts when you sync their Bluetooth version with the MapMyRun app. Not recommended for overpronators.

HOVR Guardian

Shoes like the Guardians are best for runners who are mild-to-moderate overpronators and need extra support and durability. They provide good arch support and midsole cushioning. They offer Under Armour’s patented HOVR cushioning technology. Track your mileage and log your workouts when you sync their Bluetooth version with the MapMyRun app.

These Under Armour shoes can replace your retired pair or be your second pair when you alternate. Either way, make sure they’re right for you and fit your foot. They can help you keep crushing your 3M Half Marathon training! Don’t forget to visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin or underarmour.com to purchase your new pair of Under Armour shoes today. Images courtesy of 3M Half Marathon presenting sponsor, Under Armour.

3M Half Marathon Extends Partnership with SPIbelt

SPIbelt named Official Race Belt of the 3M Half Marathon

High Five Events names SPIbelt as the Official Race Belt of the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. SPIbelt will partner with 3M Half Marathon for community activations, product giveaways, and race-week engagement. The 3M Half Marathon will take place on January 19, 2020.

“We are excited to continue supporting the Austin running community,” said Kim Overton, SPIbelt founder and owner. “It’s always incredible to see so many of our running belts on the streets of Austin come race day. We wish all of the athletes the best of luck and we will be cheering you on in January!”

Another Austin original

SPIbelt, the leader in fitness accessories and creator of the original small personal item belt, was founded in 2006 by Austinite Kim Overton. Its bounce-free products are well-known within the endurance sports industry for their ability to conveniently carry keys, bottles, gels, and your phone while on the go. SPIbelt and 3M Half Marathon will team up at community events to support the running community. Visit the SPIbelt booth at the 3M Half Marathon expo to see their entire range of accessories, including the new 2020 color palette and the all-new Dual Pocket PRO – equipped with two larger pocket sizes for even more storage.

“SPIbelt’s mission and product line have allowed countless individuals to do what 3M Half Marathon participants do every year – chase their personal best,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re excited to partner with this Austin company and continue to support the endurance community as they chase their goals.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. It 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.

3M Half Marathon Continues Partnership with Nuun

3M Half Marathon Continues Partnership with Nuun

Since 2017, Nuun has hydrated thousands of 3M Half Marathoners

AUSTIN, Texas, November 15, 2022 — High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, welcomes back Nuun as the Official Hydration of the 3M Half Marathon. The agreement means Nuun will hydrate runners chasing their half marathon Personal Records (PR) through 2023. The 29th annual 3M Half Marathon takes place on January 22, 2023.

“The Nuun team is thrilled to be back on the streets of Austin hydrating one of the most fun and fastest half marathons in the country,” said Kevin Rutherford, Nuun President and CEO. “Together with High Five Events we are realizing our mission of inspiring more movement and we look forward to cheering on the runners again at the 3M Half Marathon.”

Nuun will provide Nuun Endurance to all participants. Endurance will be available at all aid stations and the start and finish lines. Endurance is a Non-GMO and Informed-Sport verified sports hydration drink mix designed to be used during high intensity and/or prolonged endurance exercise. It contains a precise mix of multiple carbohydrate sources and highly bioavailable electrolytes to help deliver fluids as well as minimize gastric distress during endurance exercise. In addition, Nuun and the 3M Half Marathon will increase community engagement and product awareness by offering free samples and product discounts, sampling Nuun at running stores, and supporting various demo runs around Austin.

“Nuun continues to hydrate thousands of PRs at 3M Half Marathon and we’re glad they’ll fuel thousands more,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We will continue to expand our community engagement opportunities and educate athletes on the benefits of an effective hydration plan with Nuun.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. Runners 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.

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. High Five Events is a community-centric company based in Austin, Texas. Their staff has more than 100 years’ of combined experience organizing large events across different venue types in a variety of locations.  The company has landed on Inc. 500 fastest growing companies in both 2019 and 2020.  

About Nuun & Company: Nuun is a hydration company with a mission to inspire more movement. Nuun electrolyte tablets and powders provide functional hydration optimized for exercise, daily health, travel, immune support, and rest. Clean and Non-GMO Project verified ingredients, a refreshing taste and low sugar make Nuun a favorite amongst active consumers. Nuun tablets are convenient to carry and add to water, and they are better for the environment than traditional bottled sports drinks. Consumers adding Nuun tablets to their reusable water bottles helped save the shipping of over 100 million pounds of water in 2018 alone. 15-year-old Nuun is the #1 selling sports drink supplement brand in running, cycling, outdoor and natural foods stores. The Seattle-based company has been recognized by Outside Magazine, who ranked Nuun on the 2017 and 2018 ‘Best Places to Work’ lists. To learn more, visit www.nuunlife.com  or follow them at @nuunhydration and #nuunlife.