Tag Archive for: marathon

TriggerPoint to Partner with 3M Half Marathon

High Five Events is pleased to announce the partnership between the 2017 3M Half Marathon and TriggerPoint, the Official Recovery Product of Downhill to Downtown.

“TriggerPoint’s innovative products are known around the world and we are proud to have them as a partner to educate and support runners through their training and recovery,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events.

Based in Austin, Texas, TriggerPoint, creates innovative products that are supported by simple instructions that empower anyone to recover faster and move better. The company’s products are designed to provide safe, effective self-massage both before and after workouts to relieve tight muscles, improve mobility, speed up recovery, and improve movement. TriggerPoint’s signature foam rollers, massage balls, and hand-held rollers will be available in the 3M Half Marathon Recovery Zone to all racers.

“Our mission at TriggerPoint is to empower individuals to live out their passion through an active and healthy lifestyle,” said Janelle Ronquillo, Brand Director for TriggerPoint. “By partnering with the 3M Half Marathon, we can support runners during and post-training with products and education on how to recover faster and move better.”

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.

An Athlete’s Perspective – Issue 2

An Athlete’s Perspective is a blog series of event and/or training experiences written firsthand by the athlete themselves. An Athlete’s Perspective is a completely unscripted and raw look into the mind and daily life of an athlete as they prepare for their next race. Readers will discover training regimens, eating tips, gear recommendations, and an uncut perspective into the lives of people like you and me.

My Return to Austin

Preparing for Downhill to Downtown

by: Becki Spellman

2nd place 2008 Austin Marathon (2:43:43).

I can not wait to arrive in Austin! The city holds a special place in my heart. In 2008 I begged my way into the Austin Marathon as an elite. It was my first marathon, and while I was unsure about my ability over the distance, I wanted to compete well to thank John Conley, the race director at the time, for the opportunity.  That day, I qualified for the 2008 Olympic Marathon Trials.

I have since gone on to have nine successful years of running, qualifying for the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials. And it all started on the streets of Austin. If I hadn’t already adored Austin for its quirky, fun loving vibe, that race would have made me love it for sure. So coming back on January 22nd is very exciting for me; I am hoping Austin has a little magic left in store for me! I know I will pour my heart out on the course, take some chances, and hopefully come home with a PR!

Training has gone well, I have gone through a different cycle than I have in the past. I came out of the fall very strong, having run four marathons in 21 months, and wanted to work on some speedier things. So I made up my mind to come into the 3M Half under-cooked on the mileage side with more speed in my legs. I have averaged between 60-70 miles per week and have had some of the faster tempo runs I have been able to do in years.

2016 Olympic Marathon Trials (2:44:44).

I am eager to put my mental and physical strength to the test and see what I am currently capable of. As the nerves start settling in over the coming weeks, I will remind myself of the opportunity. It’s a privilege to be able to race and test my limits. I will remind myself of all the times I wanted to back down in training but instead told myself, “No one is going to hand this to you. You do the work, you meet your goals.” I have had to tell myself that countless times, and I am stronger for it. I coming into the 3M Half Marathon with hopes of a new PR (under 1:16:05). I know it will be a fun weekend, full of amazing people, an awesome race, and all in a place that I love!

To everyone racing, enjoy celebrating your hard work!  When the race gets tough, remember you are tougher! Good luck on race day! I am so excited to chase down goals alongside you!

Balega and 3M Half Marathon Partner

High Five Events is happy to announce that Balega will be the Official Sock of the 2017 3M Half Marathon. In addition to being the Official Sock, Balega will sponsor promotions and giveaways leading up to race day and offer discounted product at the 3M Half Marathon Packet Pickup & Expo.

“Just about everyone, from elite endurance athletes to your recreational joggers, loves their Balega socks,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their technically advanced socks allow athletes to perform at their very best and we know they’ll power PRs on one of the faster half marathons in the country.”

Balega, a leading performance sock brand in the run and outdoor specialty market, is known for their technical excellence, superior fit and unbelievable comfort. The company provides foot solutions to help runners perform at their personal peak. Balega’s socks are known around the world, but on January 20-21 they can be found at the Austin Convention Center during the 3M Half Marathon Packet Pickup & Expo. Balega’s socks are manufactured at both their state-of-the-art facility in Cape Town, South Africa, and in Hickory, North Carolina.

“As a running brand, the 3M Half Marathon is the place to be and we’re thrilled to showcase Balega and our products to this enthusiastic community,” said Tanya Pictor, VP of marketing of Implus Specialty. “Balega is designed for high performance achievements and we look forward to celebrating all the runners’ accomplishments on January 22nd.”

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.

Austin Distance Challenge to Culminate with Austin’s Two Premier Running Events

Austin Marathon and Half Marathon and 3M Half Marathon set to be final two events

 

High Five Events is excited to continue their ongoing partnership with the Austin Runners Club (ARC) and their Austin Distance Challenge (ADC). The Austin Marathon and Half Marathon presented by NXP and the 3M Half Marathon are confirmed to be the final two events of the Austin Distance Challenge.

The Austin Distance Challenge, organized by the Austin Runners Club, is a competitive running series that allows runners to compete across five different events. Each race’s distance increases as the series progresses. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Austin Distance Challenge is a perfect fit with many Austin runners’ marathon training programs. Other events include Run Free Texas 8K, Run for the Water 10 Mile, and the 38th Annual Decker Challenge Half Marathon.

“The Austin Distance Challenge has become an Austin tradition and we’re glad to be involved during its 20th year,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “The 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon presented by NXP will close out the ADC’s 20th year in style.”

The Austin Marathon and Half Marathon will be the culminating event for the Austin Distance Challenge. Runners participating in the Distance Challenge have the option to run the full marathon or the half marathon to complete their specific track. Whether you run 26.2 or 13.1 miles, this year’s finish line festival will be one to remember.

“The Austin Distance Challenge is a unique event series that provides participants a great way to prepare themselves for the big stage on race day,” said Austin Distance Challenge Coordinator Megan Baker, referring to the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon.

The 3M Half Marathon will be the fourth out of the five Austin Distance Challenge events. This is your event if you’re looking to run a good time and have a good time. Runners have been PRing at this Austin favorite for years. Starting in north Austin and finishing in front of the Texas State Capitol, runners will enjoy a 306’ net elevation drop.

“We’re excited to celebrate the ADC’s 20th Anniversary with two of Austin’s premier running events,” said Elaine Chung, Vice President of the Austin Runners Club. “From tackling longer distances to flying down the 3M Half Marathon’s famously fast course, participants are united by one goal – to join the ranks of Distance Challenge Finishers.”

Austin Distance Challenge participants will receive a tech shirt, free ARC membership (first time participants only), access to the famous ADC Hospitality Tent, specialized goodies, and an invitation to the End-of-Season party. The Austin Distance Challenge beneficiary will be The Trail Foundation. Registration is open for the Austin Distance Challenge.