Tag Archive for: Run Austin

26th Annual 3M Half Marathon Ready to Run Austin’s Roads

Thousands will chase their 13.1-mile PR at the 26th annual 3M Half Marathon

High Five Events is putting the final touches on the 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. More than 6500 participants have registered, with 47 states and 20 countries represented. Thousands of runners will chase their half marathon PR on Austin’s roads. Additionally, several elites will run their final Olympic Marathon Trials tune-up. The 26th annual 3M Half Marathon will take place on January 19, 2020.

Image of David Fuentes crossing the 2018 Austin Marathon finish line in 4th place. He is running in the 26th annual 3M Half Marathon's elite field.

David Fuentes will run 3M Half Marathon as his final tune-up before the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials.

“I’m excited to return to the first half marathon I competed in nearly 10 years ago (2010),” said David Fuentes, 3x Austin Half Marathon champion (2010, ‘11, ‘15). “3M Half Marathon will provide a good test with great competition for my tune-up prior to competing in the Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta.”

Downhill to Downtown perks

Participants will receive their 26th anniversary Under Armour participant shirt and world-famous swag bag filled with useful 3M products at the Expo & Packet Pick Up. Race day begins near The Domain in north Austin. Thousands will run the predominantly downhill course in search of their PR. They’ll cruise through beautiful Shoal Creek Blvd., historic Hyde Park neighborhood, and the world-renowned University of Texas at Austin.

Elevated image of 2019 3M Half Marathon participants celebrating at the Oskar Blues Austin beer garden.

Participants enjoy celebrating at the 3M Half Marathon beer garden!

Everyone will finish near the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin. The 3M Half Marathon’s finish line festival will celebrate finishers and their efforts. They’ll receive their customizable spinning finisher medal, post-race hydration, and snack bag. Delicious food from local food trucks will be available. Participants 21 years old and older can enjoy Oskar Blues Austin brews in the beer garden. Sponsors, vendors, and partners will populate the finish line festival, celebrating runners and their achievements.

“Austin has been so good to me since I moved here last May and I’m excited to celebrate the city with this run,” said Alex Rosenfeld, who’s running his first 3M Half Marathon. “I’m excited to run with my friends and see why everyone loves 3M Half Marathon.”

Image of 3 Austin Youth River Watch representatives at their booth at the 2019 3M Half Marathon. 3Mgives selected Austin Youth River watch as the beneficiary of the 26th annual 3M Half Marathon on January 19, 2020.

3Mgives selected Austin Youth River Watch as the event beneficiary for the second year in a row.

2020 beneficiary

Austin Youth River Watch is the beneficiary of the event. 3Mgives will contribute $68,000 to support Austin Youth River Watch’s educational programs in conjunction with the race. Austin Youth River Watch is a multi-year, after-school and summer program for high school students, combining peer mentoring with intensive environmental education. Their students collect, analyze, and publish water-quality data from Austin-area streams and rivers. They then report their data to local and statewide agencies. Students also work with community partners on environmental restoration projects to improve watershed health.

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. Registration is currently open.

Perform Your Best with GU’s 13.1-Mile Nutrition Planner

Following GU’s nutrition planner can help you perform your best

You train for months to chase your 13.1-mile PR at 3M Half Marathon. All of your hard work leads up to Sunday, January 19th. GU Energy Labs, the Official Energy Gel and Chew of 3M Half Marathon, is here to help you perform your best! Their products are scientifically proven to give you the energy you need. Their on-course Nutrition Station will be near Mile 6.5. GU will provide the following ROCTANE Energy Gels, Cherry Lime (35 mg of caffeine), Chocolate Coconut (35 mg of caffeine), and Lemonade (no caffeine) on course. GU Blueberry Pomegranate Energy Chews (no caffeine) will also be available. Read their tips below, download their Nutrition Planner, and prepare to perform your best!

Advice from the experts at GU

Image of GU Energy Labs' half marathon nutrition plan. GU is the Official Energy Gel and Chew of the 3M Half Marathon. Click on this image to download the nutrition plan that can help you perform your best on race day.Here are some tips for making sure you’re giving your body what it needs so you perform your best on race day. Planning what to eat during a race can be overwhelming. With so many variables, it’s hard to determine what the “right” answer is for you. When deciding what to eat and drink, we think it’s helpful to break it down by looking at the nutrients your body needs.

A successful nutrition plan takes into account the amount of calories your system can handle in an hour. It should also factor in your body’s need for electrolytes, amino acids, water, and protein. When thinking about your nutritional need for a race or training session, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. Every day is different. For example, body size, air temperature, activity type, intensity, and personal preference will affect your nutritional needs.

That’s why we recommend mixing and matching products to find out what works for you. For example, if you prefer to drink your calories, you can bottle up your fuel using ROCTANE Energy Drink. We developed a half marathon Nutrition Planner to help you dial in your plan for race day. We all know things can change on race day, but it helps to start with a plan! Download the Nutrition Planner and follow the steps below.

Here’s how to use our Nutrition Planner

  1. Pick your goal finishing time and find out what your average pace will be
  2. Use the table to determine your total nutritional need for the event
  3. Mix and match your favorite products and flavors, then calculate your totals
  4. Make sure your plan meets your body’s demand for each nutritional element

3M Half Marathon and GU Energy Labs Forge Two-Year Partnership

GU is 3M Half Marathon’s Official Energy Gel and Chew

High Five Events names GU Energy Labs (GU) as the Official Energy Gel and Chew of the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. GU will support participants at the on-course Nutrition Station that will be stocked with gels and chews. 3M Half Marathon has also taken GU’s TerraCycle pledge. The goal is to upcycle all sports nutrition wrappers and divert them from the landfill. The 26th annual 3M Half Marathon, produced by High Five Events, will take place on January 19, 2020.

“GU Energy Labs is thrilled to fuel 3M Half Marathon participants with ROCTANE Energy Gels and Energy Chews at the on-course Nutrition Station,” said Bridgette Travis, Experiential Marketing Manager at GU. “Since the 3M Half Marathon is one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country, we are stocking aid stations with ROCTANE Energy Gels. ROCTANE Energy gels are packed with up to three times as much sodium and three times as many branched-chain amino acids compared to our original Energy Gels so runners can push themselves harder and further on race day.”

Taking the GU TerraCycle pledge

On race day, GU will provide the following ROCTANE Energy Gels, Cherry Lime (35 mg of caffeine), Chocolate Coconut (35 mg of caffeine), and Lemonade (no caffeine) on course. GU Blueberry Pomegranate Energy Chews (no caffeine) will also be available. In addition to other green initiatives, 3M Half Marathon has taken the GU TerraCycle pledge. TerraCycle-labeled bins will be available throughout race weekend. The goal is to divert as many sports nutrition wrappers from the landfill as possible. This free recycling program is in addition to other green efforts. Race weekend efforts include recycling, donating additional food and water, and donating discarded clothing to local nonprofits.

“Our two-year partnership with GU goes beyond Energy Gels and Chews,” said Jack Murray, co-owner High Five Events. “We’re adding another green initiative to race weekend and our extended agreement allows us to impact the Austin running community year-round.”

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. Registration is currently open.

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!