September 5, 2024

Austin Marathon® and Austin International Half Marathon Unite Runners with Training Events and Exciting Prizes

Austin, TX – September 4, 2024 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The countdown to the highly anticipated Ascension Seton Austin Marathon® and Austin International Half Marathon, previously known as the 3M Half Marathon, has commenced with the unveiling of Run Austin® Kickoff Week. Scheduled from September 9th to September 17th, 2024, this week-long celebration promises an exhilarating blend of fitness, camaraderie, and exciting prizes, designed to inspire the Austin community’s passion for running.

Run Austin® Kickoff Week is an annual event that unites experienced runners, aspiring athletes, and running enthusiasts in celebration of the upcoming Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half & 5k (February 16, 2025) and Austin International Half Marathon (January 19, 2025). Dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and an active lifestyle, this week-long series of events offers the perfect opportunity for participants to prepare and energize for the main races.

During Run Austin® Kickoff Week, runners of all abilities are encouraged to join in a series of group runs that capture the vibrant spirit of Austin’s running community. With over 35 group runs scheduled across the city and its surrounding areas, there’s something for everyone. The week wraps up with a final group run, culminating in a celebratory post-run happy hour.

A key highlight of Run Austin® Kickoff Week is the chance to win fantastic prizes. Each day, participants can enter to win a variety of fitness-related prizes from our sponsors, including premium gear and nutrition products. With the cumulative prizes exceeding $4,000, these daily opportunities add an extra dose of excitement to the already dynamic schedule of events.

“We’re thrilled to kick off Run Austin® Kickoff Week, celebrating the spirit of the Austin Marathon and the newly named Austin International Half Marathon. This event truly captures the excitement and energy of our running community, and we can’t wait to see everyone join in the fun!” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events, the producers of both running events. “This week is more than just training; it’s an opportunity for runners to unite, inspire each other, and celebrate their love for the sport. We’re excited to witness the shared enthusiasm and connections that will light up this incredible week of events.”

“We’re excited to support Run Austin® Kickoff Week as the Austin running community gears up for their 2025 race goals. As the Official Running Store of High Five Events, Fleet Feet Austin is proud to partner once again with the 3M Half Marathon, now known as Austin International Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. Together, we’re committed to creating unforgettable experiences for all participants. We’re looking forward to a season of inspiring races and can’t wait to welcome the Austin community,” said Ari Perez, Operating Partner at Fleet Feet Austin.

For a detailed schedule of events and more information about Run Austin® Kickoff Week, please visit the official event website at http://werunaustin.com/.

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1992, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 50 countries. With a course that spans every quadrant of this dynamic city, offering a festive atmosphere with live music throughout, the marathon culminates in a vibrant finisher party. The event also serves as a powerful force for good, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for various non-profit organizations. The Austin Marathon elevates Presidents Day weekend into a grand showcase of athleticism and community spirit, making it a bucket-list event for athletes, enthusiasts, and supporters from all over the world.

About the Austin International Half: The Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon, has been one of Austin’s premier running events since its establishment in 1995. With a reputation for its fast and picturesque course, the race attracts runners of all levels from around the world. Organized by High Five Events, the Austin International Half is a celebration of athleticism, determination, and the vibrant running community in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit DownhillToDowntown.com.

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AUSTIN — The Texas Longhorns are bringing the ice to Ann Arbor for Saturday’s matchup against the Michigan Wolverines.

Texas Football revealed on social media Wednesday the team’s uniform combo for the top-10 matchup, as the Longhorns will be wearing their icy whites against the 10th-ranked Wolverines.

Texas released a short hype video to shares the news, which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering that the Longhorns typically wear white as the away team.

“Icy Whites – Unlocked,” the team tweeted.

Take a look:

The Longhorns also wore white in their Week 2 win over Alabama last season. Perhaps the team finds more of that good fortune against a Michigan team that will be sporting the classic maize and blue in front of its home crowd at The Big House.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and co. know the kind of team they’re up against in what will be one of the program’s biggest non-conference matchups in recent memory.

“(We have) a ton of respect for this program, for this team,” Sarkisian said. “You don’t go to three straight College Football Playoffs if you don’t have a great program, and they’ve got a great program obviously, capping it off  last year being national champs.”

The Wolverines and head coach Sherrone Moore have been showing similar respect leading up to the game.

“We’re super excited for the challenge. Coach (Steve Sarkisian) has done a really good job with the program,” Moore said. “On offense, they present challenges because of the way he calls the game, what he does, his creativity, his rhythm… They have a really great quarterback. Skill players, fast everywhere. Running back is really good. The O-line is as good as you’ll see in the country. I know our defense is excited for the challenge.”

Texas and Michigan will kick off on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT.

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas ended Alabama’s long home winning streak last season with Quinn Ewers throwing to big and fast receivers who are now in the NFL.

The No. 3 Longhorns play at No. 10 Michigan on Saturday with Ewers throwing to a mostly new receiving corps, one rebuilt through the transfer portal with smaller but fast players who could pose a challenge for a Wolverines secondary that features preseason All-American cornerback Will Johnson but only one other player with extensive starting experience.  

The game at the Big House is the first regular-season matchup of the two historic programs, and the only top-10 matchup of the week. The Longhorns (1-0) and Wolverines (1-0) have not played with each other since the 2005 Rose Bowl. Michigan, the defending national champion, has won 23 in a row at home.

Texas will be throwing it around. Ewers spread the ball to 10 different receivers in the first half alone of Texas’ 52-0 opening romp over Colorado State. Top transfers Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden and Silas Bolden all caught touchdowns in their debuts.

“We need like two quarterbacks back there to throw to all those guys,” Ewers said.

In a way, Texas did. Ewers left the game in the third quarter for top backup Arch Manning to throw his first career TD pass.

Texas lost its top five receivers from the 2023 Big 12 championship team. Ewers’ favorite targets then were Xavier Worthy and A.D. Mitchell, who combined for three touchdowns in the big win at Alabama. That game set up the Longhorns’ run to the program’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff.

But even before they left campus, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns had propped the transfer portal wide open with an enticing invitation for 2024: join an elite offense with a big-armed QB just as the program heads into its first season in the SEC.

Golden was the first one in. He caught two touchdowns against the Longhorns last season with Houston, then caught two more in his burnt orange debut last week. One was a no-look pass from Ewers.

Next in was Bond, who left Alabama after coach Nick Saban retired. Bond was the Crimson Tide’s leading receiver last season. Bond has not yet met with reporters at Texas, but told ESPN in January that the chance to play with Ewers was a big factor in his decision.

“(Ewers) is top pick in the draft next year. I’m also going to be a top pick. It’s going to be a good duo,” Bond said.

A few days later, Bolden committed from Oregon State, where he was the Beavers’ top receiver. He is also the Longhorns No. 1 punt returner, and set up Golden’s second touchdown last week with a 35-yard return.

“We’ve got a lot of weapons,” Golden said.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian praised all three, and Ewers’ leadership in spring practice and summer workouts, for the seamless transition within the offense.

“They played with a lot of confidence. That’s half the battle. When you know what to do, you play fast. And that’s where we’re pretty dangerous,” Sarkisian said.

As a group, the newcomers are on the small side. Golden is the biggest at 6-foot, 195 pounds. But all bring top-level speed that can stretch a defense and burn up chunks of yards in the blink of an eye. Sarkisian’s offense thrives on personnel mismatches in open space.

“They’re all fast. They’re all playmakers,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. “The big thing that stands out is their speed, their ability to separate.”

Texas goes deeper than just those three. The Longhorns have a legitimate six-man rotation that also boasts freshman Ryan Wingo, a five-star recruit who had four catches for 70 yards in the opener.

“(Last year) we had to keep guys on the field that were probably too tired to play at a really optimal level. Now we have a really good rotation and they’ve earned our trust. I’m very comfortable with those six guys,” Sarkisian said.

Michigan has played Bond before. He caught four passes for 47 yards but did not score against the Wolverines in last season’s Rose Bowl playoff matchup that Michigan won in overtime. Johnson, Michigan’s shutdown corner, remembers Bond from that game. And he was on a 7-on-7 team with Golden in high school.

The Longhorns won’t just yield the field to Johnson. Fresno State didn’t last week, when Johnson allowed five catches before closing out a 30-10 Michigan win with an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown.

“They are very explosive with a lot of experience,” Johnson said of Texas. “When the ball is thrown my way, I have to make a play.”