Meanwhile Brewing Co. as Official Brewery Partner for 2026 Spurs Austin International Half

The popular South Austin brewery will host the Finish Festival beer garden

The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly named 3M Half Marathon, announced today that Meanwhile Brewing Co. has been named the official Brewery Partner for the 2026 race. This collaboration ensures that runners and spectators can celebrate their achievements at the finish festival beer garden with local, high-quality craft beverages provided by the Austin-based brewery. The partnership aims to elevate the race day experience on Sunday, January 18, 2026, combining elite athletics with celebrated local culture.

“We strive to create an event that truly captures the spirit and vibrancy of Austin, and partnering with Meanwhile Brewing achieves exactly that. There is nothing quite like celebrating a major athletic achievement with friends, family, and a cold, locally brewed beer. We are thrilled that Meanwhile will provide that perfect celebratory moment for our runners.” – Megan Frausto, Partnership Manager, Spurs Austin International Half

Meanwhile Brewing will be the exclusive provider of beer within the official finish line beer garden. This area serves as a central point for runners to relax and recover after completing the challenging 13.1-mile course through the city. The activation reinforces the Half Marathon’s commitment to supporting local Austin businesses while offering participants a premium post-race experience.

“The Spurs Austin International Half is one of those events that captures the energy and spirit of Austin, and we’re proud to help bring that to life on race day. We can’t wait to raise a can with runners as they celebrate their accomplishment.” – William Jaquiss, Founder, Meanwhile Brewing Co. 

The Spurs Austin International Half is set to take place on January 18, 2026, featuring a scenic course that highlights many of Austin’s iconic landmarks. Registration for the event, which includes the half marathon and 2-Person Relay, is currently open. Organizers emphasize the finish festival as a key component of the overall experience. Participant registration for the January 2026 event is available on the official race website AustinInternationalHalf.com 

 

 

About Spurs Austin International Half: The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon, is one of Texas’ fastest and most exciting 13.1-mile events. Established in 1995, it features a net-downhill course that winds through Austin’s most iconic neighborhoods and finishes downtown. Runners enjoy a high-energy experience with live music, enthusiastic spectators, and top-tier course support. With PR potential, great swag, and an unbeatable Austin spirit, this event welcomes runners of all levels. Learn more at AustinInternationalHalf.com. 

About Meanwhile Brewing Co.:  Founded in 2020, Meanwhile Brewing Co. is a community hub for specialty beer, food and entertainment on 3.7 acres in southeast Austin. The passion project of founder and brewmaster Will Jaquiss, Meanwhile operates a 15-barrel, three-vessel brewhouse, producing a lineup of highly drinkable beers, including year-round canned offerings — the widely celebrated Meanwhile Pilsner, Meanwhile Secret Beach San Diego Style IPA and Tender Robot Hazy IPA — as well as a rotating selection of lagers, IPAs, seasonal brews and collaborations. More than just a brewery, Meanwhile is a gathering place. The grounds feature a thoughtfully designed taproom, a spacious beer garden, a stage and screen for live music and events, a regulation soccer pitch, sand volleyball courts, and a playground. A rotating selection of celebrated food trucks completes the experience, making Meanwhile a go-to destination for craft beer and community. Meanwhile Brewing Co. is one of Austin’s largest independent craft breweries. Its beers are distributed throughout Central Texas, from Georgetown to Buda, with expansion into San Antonio underway. For more information, visit www.meanwhilebeer.com or follow @meanwhilebeer on Instagram and Facebook.

Getting Ready for Race Day: How to Stay on Track During the Fall Months

As the leaves change and the air turns cooler, fall is the perfect season to keep building momentum toward your January race. The comfortable weather makes it easier to train, but busy schedules and shorter days can make it tempting to skip a run. Staying consistent through the fall is what will set you up for a confident and strong race day at the Spurs Austin International Half.

Stay Consistent with Your Training

The fall months often bring new routines and responsibilities, but consistency is the key to success. Schedule your runs at the same time each week so they become a habit. If your motivation fades, remind yourself why you started and what finishing strong in January will feel like. You can also run with a group or a friend to make it easier to stay accountable and enjoy the process.

Adjust to the Cooler Weather

Fall mornings can be chilly, so be prepared with comfortable, breathable layers that you can easily remove as you warm up. Lightweight gloves or a running hat can make early runs more enjoyable. As the days get shorter, remember to wear reflective gear and stay visible. Feeling prepared for the weather helps you stick to your plan without hesitation.

Prioritize Recovery and Health

Training consistency also means giving your body the rest and care it needs. Stretch after every run, stay hydrated even when it’s cool outside, and get enough sleep to recover well. Seasonal fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, apples, and spinach are great options to keep your energy levels high. Taking care of your body now ensures you stay strong through winter training and beyond.

Keep Your Goal in Sight

It can be easy to lose focus when race day still feels far away, but every step you take this fall brings you closer to your goal. Visualize yourself crossing the finish line and use that image to fuel your motivation. Remember that the effort you put in now will pay off when you line up in January feeling ready and confident.

Celebrate Your Progress

Fall training is not just about distance or pace. It’s about showing up, staying consistent, and enjoying the journey. Celebrate your small victories, whether it’s completing a long run or pushing through a day you didn’t feel like running. Every run counts and brings you one step closer to race day success.

Keep moving forward, stay healthy, and trust the process. Your hard work this fall will help you shine at the Spurs Austin International Half this January.

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Spurs Austin International Half Closes Pro Field Applications December 31

Deadline Approaches for Pro Field Entry in Austin’s Fast, Net-Downhill Half Marathon

The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly known as the 3M Half Marathon, is issuing a final call for elite runners to apply for its 2026 Pro Field. Applications for the elite field will close on December 31, 2025, ahead of race day on January 18, 2026, when thousands of athletes will take to Austin’s renowned net-downhill course.

Known for speed, scenery, and its reputation as one of Texas’ premier half marathons, the Spurs Austin International Half continues to attract top-tier athletes chasing personal bests and competitive racing opportunities. The 2026 event will once again feature a $10,000 prize purse, split evenly among male and female finishers.

“We’re entering the final stretch for elite field applications and are excited to welcome another outstanding group of professional athletes to Austin,” said Emily Stevens, Athlete Services Director at High Five Events. “The prize purse and our fast course combine to create one of the most competitive half marathon environments in the region.”

2026 Pro Field Prize Purse
 Total: $10,000 ($5,000 men / $5,000 women)
 1st Place — $2,000
 2nd Place — $1,500
 3rd Place — $750
 4th Place — $500
 5th Place — $250

Qualified elite athletes may receive complimentary entry, and full standards are available on the event website. All elite field applications must be submitted via the online form by December 31, 2025. For inquiries, email info@runAIH.com

 

 

About Spurs Austin International Half 

The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon, is one of Texas’ fastest and most exciting 13.1-mile events. Established in 1995, it features a net-downhill course that winds through Austin’s most iconic neighborhoods and finishes downtown. Runners enjoy a high-energy experience with live music, enthusiastic spectators, and top-tier course support. With PR potential, great swag, and an unbeatable Austin spirit, this event welcomes runners of all levels. Learn more at AustinInternationalHalf.com.

Join the Team Behind Austin’s Biggest Endurance Events

High Five Events, the parent company behind the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and other premier endurance events, invites individuals passionate about event production to join a recruitment session for prospective team members on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at 7:00pm. The event will be held at the High Five Events office in Austin, Texas, and offers an exciting opportunity to learn about joining the team as a part-time staff member.

 

The session is open to everyone and will provide insights into the dynamic world of event production. Attendees can engage in a Q&A session and network with current full-time and part-time staff, gaining valuable perspectives on what it takes to help bring some of Austin’s most iconic events to life.

 

“Every event weekend takes a team effort, and our part-time staff make it all possible,” said Dan Carroll, co-owner of High Five Events. “This recruitment session is a great way to learn how you can be part of that excitement and contribute to some of Austin’s most iconic races.”

 

No prior event experience is required to apply. Ideal candidates should be ready to work outdoors and on weekends, with part-time staff typically supporting events during the weekend and potentially in the week leading up to the event.

 

Below is the schedule of events for part-time work in 2026:

Spurs Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon – January 18, 2026

Ascension Seton Austin Marathon – February 15, 2026 

Statesman Cap10K – April 12, 2026

CapTex Tri – May 25, 2026 

Kerrville Triathlon Festival – September 26-27, 2026 

Livestrong Challenge – October 18, 2026

 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to join the recruitment session to explore the exciting opportunities available at High Five Events. This is your chance to take the first step toward becoming an essential part of the team that brings world-class endurance events to life. To RSVP and share your contact details, please complete this form.

About High Five Events:  High Five Events is the parent company of the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k and the Austin International Half. With over 150 years of combined experience, the High Five Events team specializes in organizing large-scale events across diverse venues, solidifying their presence on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in 2019 and 2020.

How to Safely Increase Mileage and Avoid Burnout

Building endurance is an important part of half marathon training, but it is essential to increase your mileage the right way. Pushing too hard too soon can lead to fatigue, injury, or burnout, which can set back your progress. The good news is that with a steady and thoughtful approach, you can build up your mileage safely while keeping your body and motivation strong.

Follow the 10 Percent Rule

One of the simplest ways to avoid overtraining is by following the 10 percent rule. Do not increase your weekly mileage by more than 10 percent from the previous week. This gradual buildup allows your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system to adapt to the additional workload. For example, if you ran 20 miles this week, aim for around 22 miles next week. Small and steady progress always leads to better results than rushing your training.

Prioritize Rest and Recovery

Your body needs rest days just as much as it needs training runs. Schedule at least one or two days each week for rest or active recovery. Stretching, foam rolling, yoga, or light cross training such as swimming or cycling can help your body recover while keeping you active. Recovery gives your muscles time to repair and strengthen, helping you perform better over time.

Listen to Your Body

No one understands your body better than you. If you notice unusual soreness, tightness, or fatigue that does not go away, it may be time to ease up. Skipping one run to rest is far better than missing several weeks because of an injury. Pay attention to signs like persistent pain or exhaustion, and allow yourself time to recover when needed.

Add Variety to Your Training

Running the same pace and route every day can cause physical strain and mental fatigue. Add variety by including different types of workouts such as easy runs, long runs, speed sessions, and hill training. Changing your routine challenges different muscle groups and helps improve both endurance and strength while keeping training enjoyable.

Fuel and Hydrate Properly

As your mileage increases, your body will need more energy and hydration. Eat balanced meals that include carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Remember to refuel after runs with a recovery snack to help your body rebuild and stay energized. Drink enough water before, during, and after your runs to prevent fatigue and maintain performance.

Schedule Cutback Weeks

Every few weeks, include a cutback week where you reduce your total mileage by about 15 to 20 percent. This allows your body to absorb the training benefits and recover fully. Think of it as a reset week that helps you stay strong and avoid overtraining as you prepare for the next phase of your training.

Building mileage safely is about being patient and consistent. Trust your plan, listen to your body, and focus on recovery as much as training. With smart preparation, you will arrive at race day feeling strong, confident, and ready to enjoy every mile of the Spurs Austin International Half.