Tag Archive for: Fleet Feet Austin

Plain and Simple, Downhill to Downtown is Better with Friends

You know it and we know it – 3M Half Marathon is better with friends

It’s no secret, 3M Half Marathon is better with friends. Invite your friends to run with you, cheer for you, or celebrate with you once you cross the finish line. Of course we couldn’t do this without some of our friends. They provide the sweet participant shirts, stock the beer garden, offer amazing hotel deals, design official 3M Half Marathon gear, and more. Check out some of the friends who will help make our 26th anniversary unforgettable! Don’t forget – RSVP to the Facebook event to receive the latest details.

Image of the men's and women's Under Armour 2020 3M Half Marathon participant shirts. This blog has everything you need to get ready for the 2020 3M Half Marathon!

Don’t miss out on these custom Under Armour shirts!

Meet the folks who will help make race day unforgettable

Under Armour – UA returns as presenting sponsor for the third year in a row! The commemorative participant shirt is made with their game-changing material. Participants from all over love to wear them!

Fleet Feet Austin – Fleet Feet Austin is our home away from home. They host weekly runs and provide runners with everything they need, from custom-shoe fitting to restocking your hydration. Swing by their booth at the expo to check out the official 3M Half Marathon gear!

Participants enjoy a cold Oskar Blues beer, the Official Beer Sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon.

Celebrate at the Oskar Blues beer garden!

Oskar Blues – The makers of Dale’s Pale Ale and Mama’s Little Yella Pils are back for another year! Oskar Blues Austin will put the beer on ice while you’re running and get the party started when you visit the beer garden.

Ascension Seton – We hope you don’t need them, but if you do we’re proud to have Ascension Seton back as our Official Medical Provider.

Hilton – our Official Hotel Provider has special deals near the start line and finish line. Either way, you’re guaranteed to be near the action. Don’t forget – free shuttle take folks to the start line after the event.

Austin Youth River Watch – This Austin nonprofit returns as our beneficiary for a second year! Learn why 3Mgives selected this amazing group and how even just a small donation can make a big difference.

H-E-B – Some say H-E-B is the best grocery store in the world and we agree! The post-race snacks comes directly from their stores and straight to our finish line.

Sara Ferniza, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, poses with giant 2019 3M Half Marathon medal.

Our Ambassadors are great!

Ambassadors – Our Ambassadors are top-notch! You see them at events, running around town, and professing their love for 3M Half Marathon on social media.

Volunteers – Show this group some love! They get up early and give you their energy so you can chase your 13.1-mile PR.

Pacers – This crew from Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club will pace you to your goals and/or PR on race day. Get to know them and swing by their booth at the expo to ask questions and talk about race day.

SPIbelt – They’re an Austin original and have supported 3M Half Marathon for as long as we can remember. We’re proud to have SPIbelt as our Official Race Belt, but they’re more than just a belt. Visit them at the expo to check out all the other products they have to offer!

CG trainers cheer on runners at the 2019 3M Half Marathon. Expand your summer training with Camp Gladiator trainers!Camp Gladiator – This crew will get your blood flowing with the pre-race warm you up. Keep an eye out for them on course because they’ll be cheering and giving out high fives at their Official Cheer Stations!

GU – The Official Energy Gel and Chew will be on course providing you with gels and chews to help you chase your PR. We’re also working with them to recycle nutrition wrappers and prevent them from ending up in the landfill.

Chameleon Cold Brew – Want some caffeine after you cross the finish line? Visit the Chameleon Cold Brew tent and recharge with their delicious brews!

Elites – You’ll complete the same course as some fast runners. Meet the elites and see who will run 3M Half Marathon as a final tune-up before the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials!

Dole Sunshine – If you crave something sweet after you finish then Dole has you covered! Their fruit cups are delicious and contain coconut water (which aids in recovery!).

Nuun – Our Official Hydration will be available at every aid station and the finish line. We’re making our water count!

Show these folks some love on social media and race day! Without them, 3M Half Marathon wouldn’t be as amazing as it is year-after-year. Invite your friends and family to join you on Jan. 19th because Downhill to Downtown is better with friends! Don’t forget to RSVP to the Facebook event to receive the latest details. See y’all soon!

Everything You Need for the 2020 3M Half Marathon

We’ve compiled everything you need to make the most out of race weekend

2020 is here and that means it’s race month for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour! We’re just as pumped for Year 26 as you are to chase your 13.1-mile PR. There has been a ton of information shared since we celebrated our 25th anniversary. We put this blog together to provide you with everything you need to make 3M Half Marathon race weekend the most memorable one yet! Check it out and RSVP to the Facebook event to receive the latest details.

13.1 reasons

Image of the men's and women's Under Armour 2020 3M Half Marathon participant shirts. This blog has everything you need to get ready for the 2020 3M Half Marathon!

Don’t miss out on these custom Under Armour shirts!

Runners constantly tell us why they love 3M Half Marathon. We took the 13.1 most common reasons and put them in this blog. The reasons listed are in no particular order!

Commemorative medals and shirts

Every year we take the design of the commemorative spinner finisher medal and Under Armour participants shirt and crank it up a notch. The 2020 editions are no different! We can’t wait to see the streets of Austin filled with runners in these custom UA shirts. And we’re just as pumped to place the 2020 spinner finisher medal around your neck once you cross the finish line!

Image of runner showcasing the 2020 3M Half Marathon finisher medal. This blog has everything you need to get ready for the 2020 3M Half Marathon!

Your 3M Half Marathon finisher medal!

Our favorite on-course spots

It doesn’t matter if you live in Austin, a different state, or another country, you can still check out some of our favorite places along the 13.1-mile course. There were so many places that we had to break the course into two different blog posts. Check out our favorite spots along Miles 1-6 and Miles 7-13.1. Pro tip: this applies to spectators too!

Event weekend

Expo – This is where you can get all the goodies, including the world-famous swag bag filled with 3M products! Make sure you visit Fleet Feet Austin and scoop up your limited-edition 3M Half Marathon gear.
Hotels – Stay near the start line or the finish line, it’s up to you. There’s still time to book with Hilton, our Official Hotel Partner.
Course – our point-to-point, USATF-certified course is 13.1 miles, we double-checked!

Image of two runners celebrating at the Oskar Blues Austin beer garden at the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line festival. This blog has everything you need to get ready for the 2020 3M Half Marathon!

Celebrate with friends and family at the Oskar Blues Austin beer garden!

Finish line festival – Once you cross the finish line the real party begins. Find your friends and family and check it all out. Visit the Oskar Blues Austin beer garden (21 and older), grab something from a food truck, take selfies with the finish line, or enjoy the music! Pro tip: free shuttles will take you to the start after the event only.

Good tunes

Good tunes can make a huge difference! If you’ve followed us on Twitter then you know about our #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist on Spotify. Check out our November and December additions to the playlist. Put it on shuffle or use the songs to make your own playlist!

Share on social media

Image of a 3M Half Marathon Ambassador taking a photo of two runners at the 2019 3M Half Marathon expo. This blog has everything you need to get ready for the 2020 3M Half Marathon!

Take a pic, share it with us on social media!

If you don’t post it to social media did it really happen? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Tag us when you share your race-day memories. We can’t wait to check them out!

Virtual 3M Half

What’s that? Can’t make it to Austin? Don’t sweat it. You can still join us from wherever you are! Check out all the benefits of the Virtual 3M Half Marathon, including the aforementioned world-famous swag bag filled with 3M products.

Foam rolling 101

Don’t forget to foam roll after you’ve crossed the finish line and celebrated with friends and family. Check out the foam rolling benefits and make sure you recover in time for the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon.

Now you’re caught up and have everything you need to make 3M Half Marathon weekend epic. Share this with your friends and family when y’all start planning event weekend. If you have questions just let us know on social media. Don’t forget to RSVP to the Facebook event to receive the latest details. See y’all soon!

,

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 Celebrates 25 Years with PRs and Perfect Weather

3M Half Marathon’s celebration continued with an expanded finish line festival and beer garden

The largest field in 3M Half Marathon history enjoyed perfect weather on Sunday, Jan. 20th.

The largest field in 3M Half Marathon history enjoyed perfect weather on Sunday, Jan. 20th. Credit – Ed Sparks

Start time temperature in the mid-30s quickly gave way to a sun-filled sky and slight tailwind at the 25th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour on Sunday, January 20th. Nearly 7500 participants registered, the most in event history, for the standalone half marathon. Participants traveled to Austin from 47 states and 13 countries. Memorable performances by thousands were highlighted by numerous PRs, an epic duel between the first and second place males, and a repeat female champion.

“I always love this course, it’s just so fun,” said Courtnee Doyle, who completed her fourth 3M Half Marathon and earned a nine-minute PR. “The conditions today were race-perfect to go fast and get a new PR.”

Exciting elite finish + back-to-back champ

The elite men provided an exciting race, with a pack of 4-5 running together most of the race. The sprint to the finish featured a dual. Texas State University alumnus Michael “Slim” Morris (1:07:19) crossed the finish line first. Oklahoma City’s Andrew Leahey (1:07:21) gave a hard final push and finished just two seconds after Morris. Monterrey, Mexico’s Ivan Ortiz (1:08:00) completed the overall men’s field. For the second year in a row, Matt McCurdy (1:11:55) was the male Master’s champion.

“It was a great, honest and fast race,” said Morris, 2019 3M Half Marathon champion (1:07:19). “Loved all the support from the crowds throughout the course!”

Jess Harper is all smile after her second 3M Half Marathon victory in as many years.

Jess Harper is all smile after her second 3M Half Marathon victory in as many years. Credit – Ed Sparks

Austinite Jessica Harper (1:14:23) was the female champion for the second time in as many years. Emily Parker of Kerrville, Texas, (1:19:00) and Anissa Angelosante of Ypsilanti, Michigan, (1:19:16) finishing second and third respectively. Tammy Bogle (1:27:57) was the top female Master’s finisher for the second year in a row.

Despite chillier than normal temperatures, thousands of spectators lined the Austin streets. They cheered thousands on the point-to-point half marathon course. The course began in north Austin and finished near the Texas State Capitol. Some spectators hosted parties, played musical instruments, and handed out extracurricular nutrition and hydration.

“The energy that the 3M Half Marathon has followed you straight through the city to downtown,” said Jess Carroll, who completed her first 3M Half Marathon in 2:10:04. “The amount of Austin residents that came out to cheer us along the course was truly incredible, the motivation those cheers provide is indescribable.”

Plan for 2020 now!

For those planning ahead to January 20, 2019, next year’s registration is open and set at the low price of $75. This amazing deal will be available until Wednesday, January 23rd. Don’t miss out on one of the faster half marathon courses in the country. It features the best packet in the industry, full of useful 3M products. Participants can see their results on the 3M Half Marathon website and continue to share their memorable experiences on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Runners can expect their FinisherPix race day photos to be ready in 24-48 hours after the race.

The 3M Half Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made the race so special. This includes 3M’s Carl Wentzel, the 3M Half Marathon’s longest standing volunteer, and Austin Youth River Watch’s Executive Director Melinda Chow, the 3Mgives beneficiary. The following sponsors and partners made this successful race day possible: Under Armour, Fleet Feet Austin, Ascension Seton, SPIbelt, Austin Sports Commission, H-E-B, nuun hydration, Heavenly Care Moving, Dole, Oskar Blues Brewery, Goodwill Austin, Hilton, Camp Gladiator, Austin Massage Company, City of Austin, Austin Police Department, Department of Public Safety, CapMetro, and Travis County EMS.

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!