Tag Archive for: running

3M Half Marathon Provides Good Times and a Good Time

Goals were achieved and hundreds of PRs were earned at the 2018 3M Half Marathon on Sunday, January 21st. More than 7000 participants registered, the most in event’s 24-year history, for the standalone half marathon, coming to Austin from 47 states and 19 countries. Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Austin, cheering on runners and ensuring this special day will be remembered by all, including Laurie Allen, 9-time IRONMAN finisher, who finished her first half marathon on a hand cycle in 2:29:59 (after an accident in 2015 rendered her a quadriplegic).

Laurie Allen and Kent Snead.

“Another spectacular race day made possible by the folks at High Five Events and my amazing group of friends,” said Allen. “I love being back out on the race course with my fellow runners. It was a perfect day!”

Allen started at 7:10 a.m. while the rest of the field began their race to the heart of Austin at 7:30 a.m. Navigating their way downtown, 5626 runners enjoyed a fully supported course, complete with eight aid stations with water and nuun, a CLIF Bar CLIF Zone handing out CLIF SHOTS near Mile 7, thousands of cheering spectators with cowbells and hilarious signs, and nine bands performing live music on course.

“I had two goals coming into the 3M Half Marathon: to PR by one minute and to stick with the 1:55 pacers, then pick up my pace the last couple of miles,” said Jillian Baaklini, who set her half marathon PR (1:53:19) at the 2018 3M Half Marathon. “About a mile out I realized I would beat my previous PR by three minutes. I had this unexpected burst of energy and sprinted to the finish!”

Austinite Jessica Harper (1:15:45) was the overall female winner; with Jennifer Hall (1:17:51) and Anita Perez (1:19:35) finishing second and third respectively. The top three female Master’s finishers were  Tammy Bogle (1:33:08), Rochelle McClanahan (1:33:39), and Anne Hughes (1:34:08).

Jessica Harper, 2018 3M Half Marathon female champion (1:15:45).

Syracuse alumnus Joey Whelan (1:09:06) crossed the finish line first. Bryan Morton (1:10:13) and Mike Kurvach (1:12:24) completed the overall men’s field, respectively. The male Master’s finishing in the top three consisted of Matt McCurdy (1:14:19), Adam Reiser (1:16:49), Kevin Kimbell (1:16:55).

“2018 3M Half Marathon was a great opportunity to test my fitness and get myself into a race environment,” said Whelan, who used this as a tune-up race before the Austin Marathon on Feb. 18th. “It was nice to work with Byran Morton while being cheered on by the Austin running community. I look forward to running these streets again in a month at the Austin Marathon.”

For those planning ahead to January 20, 2019, next year’s registration is open and set at the low price of $65. This amazing deal will be available until Wednesday, January 24th. Don’t miss out on one of the faster half marathon courses in the country and 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 boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will open registration for 2019 on Monday, January, 22nd. 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 near the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 300+’ net elevation drop.

The 2018 3M Half Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made the race so special. They would also like to thank 3M and Director Mark Holmstrom, Girlstart and Deputy Director Julie Shannan, H-E-B, Under Armour, Clif Bar, nuun, Heavenly Care Moving, Dole, Medicine in Motion, Oskar Blues Brewery, Ben Phillips – Engel & Völkers Austin, and Austin Massage Company.

2018 3M Half Marathon Introduces Under Armour as Presenting Sponsor

High Five Events is thrilled to announce Under Armour® as the presenting sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon, which takes place in Austin on January 21, 2018. The partnership will feature Under Armour’s innovative performance products and highlight their brand’s continued community involvement.

“The opportunity to make our mark on the renowned 3M Half Marathon is an exciting one,” said Topher Gaylord, GM of Run at Under Armour. “Austin is one of the most active and vibrant running markets in the U.S. and we look forward to amplifying the experience for runners in 2018.”

Under Armour, the originator of performance footwear, apparel, and equipment, will outfit participants and race volunteers with their HeatGear® running shirts, provide participants with sack packs, and provide pacers with the footwear and apparel they need to ensure participants hit their goal times. Additionally, Under Armour will outfit the 3M Half Marathon pace team with race kits and the newly-designed UA HOVR performance running footwear.

“Having Under Armour as presenting sponsor is a great fit because thousands of participants push themselves at the 3M Half Marathon in pursuit of a PR,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Under Armour’s commitment to runners and the sport of running will shine through on race day.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 24th year running in 2018. 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.

Oskar Blues Brewery Returns as Official Beer for 3M Half Marathon

High Five Events introduces Oskar Blues Brewery as the Official Beer Sponsor for the 2018 3M Half Marathon. The 3M Half Marathon will feature Oskar Blues signature Austin-brewed beers at the finish line festival’s beer garden for finishers 21+.

“The 3M Half Marathon is an Austin institution that fits with our get-up and go attitude of mixing great outdoor efforts with music, beer and good times,” said Oskar Blues’ marketing director, Chad Melis.

Oskar Blues Brewery Austin, the original craft beer in a can, 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. Available beers include Austin’s own Dale’s Pale Ale, Mama’s Little Yella Pils, and Oskar Blues IPA.

“Last year’s finish line festival was a huge celebration of great accomplishments highlighted by Oskar Blues Austin’s beers in the beer garden,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Runners could connect with friend and family, enjoy themselves post-race, and commemorate the moment with photos.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 24th year running in 2018. 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 300’+ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.