4 Reasons to Run the 2020 Virtual 3M Half Marathon

Can’t join us in Austin? Run the 2020 virtual 3M Half Marathon

We’ve got great news for you if you’re bummed that you’ll miss the 26th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. You can run the 2020 virtual 3M Half Marathon! You can still join the fun even if you can’t run Austin’s streets because of work or previously scheduled events. See what the virtual option is all about!

Hyuntai Kim, of South Korea, completed the 2019 virtual 3M Half Marathon.

South Korea’s Hyuntai Kim completed the 2019 virtual 3M Half.

Receive the famous swag bag filled with 3M products

That’s right, we ship the world-famous swag bag filled with 3M products to all virtual participants. Add to your supply of Post-it Notes, Scotch Tape, and Command Hooks. We’ll even throw in a tube of nuun tablets to keep you hydrated!

Run from anywhere in the world

You can participate in the virtual edition from anywhere you choose. Join the action whether you’re from Austin and traveling race weekend or you’re from another state and can’t join us in Austin. Runners, like South Korea’s Hyuntai Kim, love this option because they’re still part of the action!

Achieve your goal

Have you had your eye on our commemorative spinner finisher medal? You can still achieve your goal of earning that sweet bling through the virtual option! Virtual times must be submitted by March 4, 2020. Then we’ll ship your bling directly to you. BONUS: part of your registration will support Austin Youth River Watch. 3Mgives selected them as our 2020 beneficiary!

Train for a marathon

If a marathon is on your to-do list, add this to your calendar. This is a great way to see where your training is and perfect your hydration and nutrition plans. 13.1 miles is in your training plan if you’re training for 26.2 miles. Run the virtual 3M Half, submit your time, and see where you stand in the results!

Register for the 2020 Virtual 3M Half Marathon

If you can’t join us in-person on Jan. 19th don’t stress! The virtual 3M Half Marathon is the next best thing. Participants will have the option to purchase a commemorative, Under Armour participant shirt during registration. Are you running the virtual 3M Half Marathon? Reach out on Facebook or Twitter and let us know where you plan to run.

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Meet the 2020 3M Half Ambassadors

Take a few minutes to meet the 2020 3M Half Ambassadors

Meet the 2020 3M Half Marathon Ambassadors, follow them on social media, and say hey to them in-person at expos and on January 19, 2020! This group loves the 3M Half Marathon, but they love running even more! Learn a little about the 3M Half Marathon Ambassadors and how running impacts their lives. They share their Ambassador codes often, so make sure you follow them on social media for a discount on the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Agatha Kerr, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, takes a selfie during a trail run.Agatha Kerr

Agatha works full time as the Project & Process Manager at her church. She’s a single mom of two lovely daughters (ages 7 and 16) and is an ultrarunner. Her distance PR is 152 miles! She’s self-admittedly not fast, but has the courage to endure. She runs when her schedule allows because running is her release. It’s her quiet time and how she’s met some of her closest friends. She applied to be a 3M Half Marathon Ambassador because she loves the course and the people, not to mention the great medals and swag!

Airon Andrews, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, poses for the camera.Airon Andrews

Airon is a native Austinite and avid endurance athlete. She’s a Program Analyst and also a Run Lead at Lifetime South Austin. She participates in various running, biking, and triathlon events. She enjoys running on the Hike and Bike trail in Austin. Airon is proud to be an ambassador to promote the 3M Half Marathon organized by High Five Events. Follow her on Instagram.

Ashley Rollins, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, smiles for the camera.Ashley Rollins

Ashley is a running coach with Rogue Running in Austin. Her running journey started as a way to relieve stress in college and accelerated when she moved to Austin in 2010. When she’s not found running the local streets, she’s the editor-in-chief of her healthy lifestyle blog, Swift. She’s excited to be a 2020 3M Half Ambassador and spread the Downhill to Downtown love! Follow her on Instagram.

Barbara Bussey, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, poses for the camera.Barbara Bussey

Barbara began her running career just trying to get an “A” in her PE class in nursing school. Luckily for her, the exercise stuck (and yes, she got the “A”).  That was back in 2000. Since then, she has run 12-15 half marathons, more 5Ks and 10Ks than she can count, and this September, she will complete her second 70.3 triathlon at Kerrville Triathlon Festival. Running feels like freedom to her. Freedom from worries, freedom to truly enjoy the outdoors, freedom to challenge herself to be better. Running has also brought her closer to her daughter, who seems to have caught the same bug her mother did all those years ago. Now they challenge each other to reach greater achievements than they thought possible.

Brittany Bussey, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, poses with giant 2019 3M Half Marathon medal.Brittany Bussey

Brittany is 25 and began running at the end of 2013 to live a healthier lifestyle and to lose weight. She ran her first half marathon by 2015. Starting off 2017 with a bang, Brittany and her mother ran their first marathon. Three short years later, they will run the 3M Half Marathon half for the second year in a row and enjoying the time they spend together. Her favorite part of running is being able to enjoy the journey with her mom. She is her rock and inspires her to be a better person. Follow Brittany on Instagram.

Katrina Green poses in her 2020 3M Half Ambassador shirt.Katrina Green

Katrina loves being active. Her favorite thing to do is to combine vacations with running race events and enjoying the outdoors. Because of this, she started working towards a goal to complete a marathon in all 50 states. She has completed six states so far with #7 coming this fall. She has participated in the 3M Half Marathon three years in a row and continues to tell everyone that it’s her favorite half marathon (maybe even favorite race as it’s one of the few races she’s repeated). Follow her on Instagram.

Lauren Dehdari, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, poses at the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line.Lauren Dehdari

Lauren lives in Plano with her wife and their dog, Penny. She works as a Medical Librarian at a hospital in Dallas. She came to love running in high school on the cross country and track team and have been on the move ever since! With more than 25 half marathons and 5 full marathons under her belt, her love for the sport continues to grow with each race start line she crosses. She is honored to represent the 3M Half Marathon again in 2020 and run the streets of Austin! Follow Lauren on Instagram.

Liubov Lomonosova, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, crosses the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line with excitement.Liubov Lomonosova

Liubov is originally from Ukraine. She moved to Austin in 2014. When she came to the US she was not a runner nor an active person. In 2015, she began her transformation journey by running just 20 minutes a day, 3 times a week. She lost 50 pounds! Eventually, she became a run addict and her favorite distance is the marathon. Running has changed her lifestyle and mindset and made her a better person. She wants to inspire people by showing how she became healthier and happier. Follow her on Instagram.

Rachel Meador, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, smiles for the camera.Rachel Meador

Rachel is like most runners: she loves running, she hates running, she loves running, she hates running! A self-described fitness freak, taco connoisseur, and coffee lover, being a 3M Half Marathon Ambassador makes her complete! Her running journey has allowed her to run for those who can’t. She wears bibs for fallen soldiers, those challenged with health issues, and those in memoriam. Follow her on Instagram.

Sara Ferniza, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, smiles for the camera.Sara Ferniza

Sara discovered her passion for running more than 20 years ago while living in her hometown of Chicago. She has run 50 marathons. Sara moved to Austin 10 years ago and loves the amazing Austin running community. She had a brain tumor removed in 2015. Thankfully the tumor was benign, but she had a long road of recovery ahead of her. She ran her first 50K ultra race seven months after brain surgery. She is the Director of Volunteer Services for the Austin Runners Club, a local nonprofit organization. Volunteering and working with visually impaired and disabled athletes has been a very rewarding experience for her. Follow her on Instagram.

Scott Firth, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, runs the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon.Scott Firth

Scott is 63 years old and has been running off and on for more than 30 years. He mostly ran shorter distances and completed his first half marathon, the 2016 3M Half Marathon. Scott lives in Georgetown and volunteers with the Georgetown Running Club. Scott said the great thing about 3M Half is the significant net downhill, making it the perfect half marathon for someone running their first 13.1 miles. Follow him on Instagram.

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13.1 Reasons to Love 3M Half Marathon

Here are 13 of the many reasons runners love 3M Half Marathon

We hear from runners all the time about why they love 3M Half Marathon. We think it’s pretty awesome too! Everyone loves Downhill to Downtown for various reasons. Check out the list below; we’ve compiled the most frequent answers. Join us on January 19, 2020, to experience all we have to offer for yourself. 

1. Austin, Texas – shall we continue? You got it!

Runner runs in her Under Armour participant shirt, the shirt is just one reason you'll love 3M Half Marathon.

Participants love 3M Half Marathon because of the sweet Under Armour participant shirts!

2. Under Armour shirts – be the envy of your running friends who didn’t join you

3. The industry’s best gear bag – you’ll love all the useful 3M products

4. Commemorative, spinner finisher medal – slow-motion videos, boomerang GIFs, photos with the Texas State Capitol in the background, so many ways to show off your medal

5. 300+ ft. elevation drop – run our point-to-point course and see why hundreds set their half marathon PR every year; soak in all the on-course live music

6. Finish line festival – post-race massage, food trucks, hydration, live music, and so much more

7. Free finish line transportation – park at the start line, run to the finish line. We’ll take you back to the start line

Halfway there!

8. Amazing on-course support – hundreds of volunteers get up early and they stay late, helping you have the best experience possible

Participants celebrate their accomplishment in the beer garden, one reason people love 3M Half Marathon.

Participants (21+)celebrate their 3M Half Marathon accomplishments at the beer garden!

9. Expanded beer garden – because you and your friends need another place to celebrate

10. Pacers – the Twenty-Six Two pacers will keep you on track to finish when you want, helping you reach your goals

11. Two-day packet pick up and expo – purchase official 3M Half Marathon gear, check out the latest running products, and grab any last-minute needs

12. USATF-certified course – you won’t run anymore or less than you have to, we double-checked

13. Eight fully-stocked aid stations featuring nuun performance – grab hydration, make a pitstop, or both (don’t forget to thank the volunteers)

13.1. Benefits Austin Youth River Watch – 3mgives selected this Austin nonprofit as the beneficiary for the second year in a row, helping this organization continue to positively impact Austin’s youth and our environment.

You just read 13.1 reasons runners love 3M Half Marathon. Your friends rave about it. Your running partners can’t stop talking about their experience. Now it’s your turn! Reserve your spot at the 2020 3M Half Marathon start line and experience all that we have to offer. And if 2020 won’t be your first time, you’re now on a mission to set your half marathon PR! Why do you love 3M Half Marathon? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

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3M Half Marathon Tabs Oskar Blues Brewery as Official Beer Sponsor

2020 will mark the third year that local brewery is Official Beer Sponsor

In 2018, runner gets a beer from Oskar Blues, the Official Beer Sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon.

Runners grab an ice-cold Oskar Blues brew to celebrate their 3M Half Marathon accomplishments.

High Five Events announces Oskar Blues Brewery as the Official Beer Sponsor for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. The 3M Half Marathon will feature Oskar Blues signature Austin-brewed beers at the finish line festival’s beer garden. Only finishers that are over 21 years old will be allowed into the beer garden.  The 3M Half Marathon will take place on January 19, 2020. In 2018, nearly 7500 participants enjoyed 3M Half’s 25th anniversary.

 “This is more than a run, it’s also a celebration of hard work, adventure, and passion,” said Leilani Howard, Marketing Manager Oskar Blues Brewery Austin. “We are overwhelmed and grateful to be a part a community that celebrates and encourages that passion, not just of the people in our city, but those who have journeyed here to share their’s with us and their loved ones.”

Beer garden grows in popularity

Oskar Blues Brewery Austin will offer participants and spectators 21 and older their award-winning, Austin-brewed beers on race day. They’re the original craft beer in a can. The 3M Half Marathon’s beer garden will provide runners and their friends and family a place to gather. They can relax and celebrate their accomplishments. They’ll 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.

 “In 2019, nearly 7500 participants celebrated their accomplishments with loved ones and a cold Oskar Blues brew in the beer garden,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “The finish line festival is a massive party on the streets of Austin, highlighting race-day efforts and months of training.”

 The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and 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.

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10 Inspirational Running Quotes for 3M Half Marathon Training

Keep your fire burning bright with these inspirational running quotes

You’ve got big 3M Half Marathon goals and you have to train for them. They’re not going achieve themselves! From beginners to elites, half marathon training can last months. There will be highs and lows during that timeframe. If you need some inspiration or an extra boost of energy, read one of these inspirational running quotes. Remember why you’re training and keep pushing forward! Follow us on Instagram for a weekly inspirational running quote.

“In the midst of an ordinary training day, I try to remind myself that I am preparing for the extraordinary.” – Shalane Flanagan

“Do not let what you can not do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden

“There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” – Derek Jeter

“If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it.” – Ronnie Lott

“There is an expression among even the most advanced runners that getting your shoes on is the hardest part of any workout.” – Kathrine Switzer

“When you have the enthusiasm and the passion, you end up figuring how to excel.” – Deena Kastor

“It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.” – Jackie Joyner-Kersee

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

“Life (and running) is not all about time, but about our experiences along the way.” – Jen Rhines

“The strength within yourself is what you gotta have – find it, and you will succeed.” – Johnny Pesky

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Check Out the On-Course Music at the 2019 3M Half Marathon

These Austin acts provided on-course music and energy during our 25th anniversary

Austin is The Live Music Capital of the World and we love celebrating that fact! Our on-course music showcases Austin’s diversity and provides participants with boosts of energy. The 25th anniversary of the 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour was no different. The largest field in our history enjoyed a range of sounds from South American Andes music to orchestral folk. Participants would even turn their own music off to enjoy the local, on-course music!

Inside Out Steelband (Mile 2)

Runners were treated to energetic on-course music at the 2019 3M Half Marathon.

Energetic on-course music was enjoyed by participants at the 2019 3M Half Marathon.

Inside Out Steelband set the tone for participants at Mile 2. Watching this group play in unison is something else! They’re a local nonprofit dedicated to the advocacy and advancement of steel drums in Austin and Central Texas. Since 2006, their work as musicians and advocates has made Austin a center of contemporary steel band activity.

Rhythmic Force (Mile 3)

When you need more percussion you add Rhythmic Force! They don’t use as much choreographed movement on race day as they do in their competitive performances, but that doesn’t stop them from providing hours of energy to participants. Rhythmic Force is an award-winning nonprofit whose mission is to create the leaders of tomorrow by focusing on three core tenants – integrity, education, and community.

Andean Fusion (Mile 4)

No stranger to performing during Austin’s road races, Andean Fusion plays music from the South American Andes (Peruvian Pan-flute music). They’ve been together for more than 25 years and have performed around the world. Their easy-going and melodic sound comes from the harmony of the group’s six members.

Austin Thaalam Percussion (Mile 9)

Participants always appreciate an extra boost of energy at Mile 9. Austin Thaalam Percussion does just that, re-energizing runners with their in-sync Chenda, South Indian percussion. They have been performing in Central Texas for more than three years. Chenda Melam is a 300-year-old art form. It’s still performed during major festivals in India.

American Dreamer (Mile 10)

DJ Gatsby provides on-course music at the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line festival!

DJ Gatsby provided the soundtrack to many celebrations at the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line festival!

American Dreamer’s sound explores the space between classical and folk music. The quintet’s orchestral folk sound derives from the group’s composition: three classically trained string players, a rock drummer, and a folk singer. All five members met at the University of Texas. 

Woode Wood (Mile 11)

Woode Wood’s music stems from his life’s experiences and is self-categorized as Americana, roots rock, and modern folk. He started making music in 1992 and has honed his easy-listening sound and writing ability ever since. He first moved to Austin in 1994 after watching Ann Richards talk about Austin’s vibrant music scene on Johnny Carson.

Chalkboard Poets (Mile 12)

This 3-piece band put on a performance worthy of the final mile, re-charging runners in their journey to the finish line. Here’s a quick video of their race-day performance. Chalkboard Poets is a fiddle-based Indie folk-rock band that calls Austin home.

DJ Gatsby (Finish line festival)

DJ Gatsby has you covered when you’re ready to party and celebrate! His high-energy beats kept the party going at the finish line festival. Participants celebrated accomplishments and PRs with friends and family to his tracks. He definitely enhanced the overall experience, including the beer garden!

We had a rocking good time during our 25th anniversary! Participants experienced first-hand why Austin is known as The Live Music Capital of the World. Follow us on Facebook to learn what on-course music we’ll feature on January 16, 2020, at the 26th annual 3M Half Marathon.

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3Mgives Names Austin Youth River Watch Beneficiary of 3M Half Marathon

Grant continues 3Mgives’ support of local organizations focused on STEM

In support of 3M’s global initiative to advance equitable science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and educational outcomes for students, 3Mgives selects Austin Youth River Watch (AYRW) as the beneficiary of the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. This grant will allow the Austin-based nonprofit to continue offering a hands-on approach to environmental science, primarily to underserved high school students. 3Mgives continues their support of local organizations that educate youth and prepare them for a possible career in STEM. The 26th annual 3M Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2020, in Austin, Texas.

“Over the 26-year history of the 3M Half Marathon, 3Mgives is so proud to have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to local Austin nonprofits in order to advance STEM education,” said Stacey Claessens, 3Mgives Community Relations Manager of Austin. “We are pleased to again name Austin Youth River Watch as our race beneficiary so that they can continue to grow their program of providing peer mentoring and environmental education to underserved high school students.”

AYRW named beneficiary for the second year in a row

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 report their data to local and statewide agencies. Students also work with community partners on environmental restoration projects to improve watershed health. This grant will support AYRW’s program in environmental education and youth development and their efforts to bring STEM to life. In addition to the grant, students and staff will have a booth at the expo. They will also support an aid station on race day. This is the second year in a row that Austin Youth River Watch is the beneficiary.

“We are exceedingly grateful to 3Mgives for naming us as the beneficiary of the 3M Half Marathon for the second year in a row,” said Melinda Chow, Executive Director of Austin Youth River Watch. “Community partners like 3Mgives provide vital support for our programs engaging underserved youth in STEM service-learning activities to improve our environment and enhance collaborative skills. Furthermore, the River Watchers are inspired by being part of such an exciting event that brings Austinites and people from all over the world together in their hometown!”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. The stand-alone half marathon 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.

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2020 3M Half Marathon Opens Registration on May 1st

Register for 2020 3M Half Marathon on May 1st and receive a free personalized nameplate

Registration for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour will open, Wednesday, May 1st. Registration will begin at $89 for those who take advantage of the Early Pricing. Participants who register on May 1st will receive a free nameplate to personalize their 2020 spinning finisher medal. The 26th annual 3M Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2020, in Austin, Texas.

Register for 2020 3M Half Marathon on May 1st and you'll get a free personalized nameplate!

Register for 2020 3M Half Marathon on May 1st and you’ll get a free personalized nameplate!

“I’m excited to run the 2020 3M Half Marathon with my daughter, Kayleigh, for a second time,” said Austinite Sandy Williamson, who has completed 3M Half Marathon six times. “I look forward to watching her crush her 2019 time with a sub-4 hour finish!”

Nearly 7500 participants registered for the 2019 3M Half Marathon. That represented the largest field in the event’s 25 years running the streets of Austin. The standalone half marathon, also known as Downhill to Downtown, is excited to see its registration numbers continue to grow. Planning began months ago for one of Austin’s favorite running events.

2019 recap

The 2019 3M Half Marathon showcased a competitive elite field. Michael “Slim” Morris (1:07:19) and Jessica Harper (1:14:23) were the male and female champions. $50,000 was donated to Austin Youth River Watch in conjunction with 3Mgives. The energetic finish line festival provided participants an opportunity to meet up with family and friend to celebrate their accomplishments. Participants enjoyed the Oskar Blues beer garden, a live DJ, and food trucks. Participants enjoyed a fully supported course, complete with eight aid stations stocked with nuun and water, a Gatorade Endurance Zone, and thousands of cheering spectators with hilarious signs. The 2019 commemorative finisher medals featured a new, fresh look, complete with a spinning number 25 in the center.

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. Participants can register on the website starting May 1st.

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8 Reasons to Include Cross-Training This Summer

Increase strength and get leaner when you include cross-training this summer with Camp Gladiator

There are some days where it feels like summer is already here. That means the constant heat and humidity is right around the corner! Most runners reduce the number of long runs from their training because of these conditions. As we know (because we’re runners too!), runners want to consistently better. Add Camp Gladiator workouts to your running schedule and include cross-training to your summer workouts. The benefits will be numerous when fall arrives. Check out the following 8 reasons you should include their 4-week training cycles.

CG trainers cheer on runners at the 2019 3M Half Marathon. Expand your summer training with Camp Gladiator trainers!

Expand your summer training with Camp Gladiator trainers!

Don’t forget! The Camp Gladiator crew warmed you up before the 2019 3M Half Marathon and cheered for you as you charged to the finish line.

Camp Gladiator Benefits

  • 4-week training cycle provides variety and proper progression to keep your body able to do what you love
  • Increase and maintain strength in your upper body, lower body, and core
  • Full-body workouts make you a more well-rounded athlete
  • Improve posture and strength for your long races and those final miles
  • Train in ALL planes of motion, not just the repetitive linear motion (like swimming, biking, running)
  • Reduced chance of injury by training different muscles and foundational movement patterns
  • Build speed and endurance with the training volume and intensity provided at camp
  • Increased agility, balance, and coordination will help you move better and more efficiently

Visit Camp Gladiator to get started and find an Austin location near you! Not in Austin? Find a workout near you.

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Always Better with Friends

It’s no secret, 3M Half Marathon is better with friends

Much like happy hour and weekend brunch, 3M Half Marathon is always better with friends!

Friends hold you accountable during your 3M Half Marathon training. They support you at the end of long runs when you’re feeling sluggish. Often times they lighten the mood when you just don’t want to run, making the miles pass. And they’re always there to celebrate your accomplishments.

On race day, they cheer for you. They might pace you to your first half marathon. If they get ahead, they wait for you at the finish line. And they’re always the first to take a selfie with your new Downhill to Downtown medals and post it on social media.

You might have folks that do this for you. Just remember: this is a two-way street. What your buddies do for you, you do just as much for them in return. That’s why you should train for and run 3M Half Marathon with friends!

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