Tag Archive for: SPIbelt

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.

Stay Safe on Your Training Runs with these 7 Tips

7 tips that’ll help you stay safe during your runs

Running outside has tons of benefits no matter what type of run you’re completing! You can hit up the trails, take in the sights of a new city, breathe fresh air, say hey to folks you know, and so much more! But with those benefits comes some potential harm. There are many ways to ensure you finish your run just as healthy and safe as when you began. Whether you’re running one mile at your local track or 20 miles on your favorite trail, these 7 tips will help keep you stay safe.

Run with a friend

Two runners stay safe by running together and carrying their phone.

Stay safe on your next run when you run with a friend and carry your phone.

The best way to stay safe is to run with a friend. You’re more likely to be visible to vehicles and less likely to be the victim of a crime, think strength in numbers. Should something happen to one of you, the other will be quicker to get help and assist until help arrives. Plus, everyone knows it’s better to train for and run 3M Half Marathon with friends!

Listen to your surroundings

Whether you’re running the roads or the trails, pay attention to your surroundings! Music can help us power through our run, but it can also prevent us from hearing what’s going on around us. If you run with earbuds, keep one out. You can also ditch the earbuds and play your music out loud. If you love new running technology, check out AfterShokz Titanium headphones. They use bone conduction technology with their open-ear design, allowing you to enjoy your tunes and hear what’s going on around you.

Run against traffic

It’s important for you to see drivers and for drivers to see you. Running against traffic allows you to see what’s coming your way. Avoid running against traffic on blind corners, drivers won’t have enough time to react if they don’t see you until the last second. 

Look both ways when crossing the street

This tip goes all the way back to elementary school. When running, you should pay attention to everything. Don’t assume vehicles will stop, chances are they don’t see you. Also, just because you pushed the button to cross the street doesn’t mean it’s immediately safe to cross the street. Pay attention to all signals, when it’s your turn, still look both ways! Even though you think you know the light sequence, it could’ve changed. Don’t assume anything!

Wear reflective clothing

Reflective clothing will help with visibility, which is vital when running outside. You want to be seen by vehicles so they can plan accordingly. Light-weight lights can also be placed on your arms, shoes, ankles, or hat. We recommend SPIbelt’s SPIbeams LED Arm Band. Reflective clothing and lights will also help you be seen by cyclists and other runners.

Carry your phone

Your phone can do more than just play music or track your GPS. It’s the most beneficial tool you can have in the event of an emergency. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you take off on your run. If you’re ever in an accident or come upon one, having your phone available can make a massive difference.

Tell someone your plan

Before you take off, tell someone your planned route, mileage, and when they can expect you back. This person can be a loved one, co-worker, or roommate. This gives them an idea of when to expect you back and where to check should you not come back on time. Turn on the setting that allows someone to know your location, most smartphones have this. Pro tip: vary your route. Switching up your route is not only great for your training, it reduces the chances of someone harming you on your run.

By utilizing one or all 7 of these tips, you increase the chances that you stay safe on your next run. Chances are you already use some of these. Step it up and make sure you’re using them all the time! Is there a tip you use that we didn’t mention? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

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.