Tag Archive for: half marathon

Point-to-Point Course Explained

3M Half Marathon is one of the fastest point-to-point courses

Courses come in many different flavors: loops, out-and-back, and even lollipops. A favorite flavor amongst many runners is the point-to-point course. Unlike most courses, point-to-points don’t finish where they started. The logistical challenge of getting athletes back to the start after the race makes them rare, but for the runner, there are many things to love.

3M Half Marathon is considered one of the fastest 13.1-mile, point-to-point courses in the country.

Check out 3M Half Marathon’s point-to-point course!

The 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour is one of the most popular point-to-point runs in the country. Dubbed “Downhill to Downtown,” it boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. Starting in North Austin, the course takes athletes on an unforgettable tour of Austin. The finish line is right on the edge of The University of Texas near the Texas State Capitol within walking distance of downtown Austin.

300 ft. net elevation drop

Most courses start and finish in the same location so any elevation drop you enjoy will have to be made up for with an uphill. 3M Half Marathon participants can take advantage of a net elevation drop of almost 300 feet. There’s enough climbing to keep you honest, but the inclusion of several long, steady downhills gives a well-trained runner the opportunity to crush their personal best. And, let’s face it, there is a certain thrill in running 13.1 miles and actually getting somewhere as opposed to just finishing where you started. Pro tip – incorporate these downhill running tips to save your legs!

When asked to list their favorite thing about the 3M Half Marathon most runners immediately mention the world-famous 3M swag bag. But coming in a close second is the amazing course.

A survey of some of our running friends yielded these opinions of point-to-point racing and the 3M Half Marathon:

  • I like any course that doesn’t take you within the line of sight of the finish line until you are actually finishing. – Holly
  • I loved the run down Shoal Creek. It was a beautiful winding street with lots of spectators. Gave me that extra wind to finish. – Melanie
  • It’s fun to finish somewhere different than you started and know that there’s little to no overlap. – Iram

There are many reasons to love a point-to-point course. What makes 3M Half Marathon a favorite is the net elevation drop and finish near downtown Austin. Is there a specific reason you love 3M Half Marathon’s point-to-point course? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

2020 May Running Playlist: Your PR-Chasing Soundtrack

The 2020 May running playlist is the anthem you need to chase your 13.1-mile PR

We’ve got more tunes for you because Austin is The Live Music Capital of the World. We’re sharing our favorite tunes with you every month so you can train for and chase your half marathon PR. Often times one song (or several!) can power you through a tough time during an intense workout or a long run. Trust us, we speak from experience! Jam out to the entire May running playlist or take your favorites and make your own list. The 2020 May running playlist has the music you need, from the guitar-shredding Tash Sultana to Austin’s next big music act, Black Pumas. We share every song on the massive #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist and Twitter. Follow us so you know what’s next!

Playlist pro tips:

1) drag the 2020 May Running Playlist to your ‘Playlists’ section for quick access

2) click the download button so you can listen even if you’re offline

Utilize the May running playlist and these 5 self-care tips to maximize your training. Keep the volume at a level where you can pay attention to your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you! Is there something you like that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Nominate Mom to Win a Free SPIbelt in our Mother’s Day Giveaway

10 lucky moms will get a FREE SPIbelt during our Mother’s Day giveaway

Moms give so much, it’s time to give back to them! They act as role models, care for us, and make sure we have what we need. All while they train to achieve their next goal at the next finish line. Nominate whomever you call mom and tell us why they’re awesome and deserve a new, FREE SPIbelt. We’ll randomly select 10 lucky moms the day before Mother’s Day (May 9th). Their new gear should ship the following week. Who knows, we just might stuff a couple running-related goodies in the SPIbelt for this Mother’s Day giveaway! You can tell your mom about this if you want, but we’ll keep your nomination a secret so she’ll be surprised. What y’all should discuss – training for and completing the 2021 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour together! Pro tip: yes adults can help younger kids submit their nomination!

Image of a mom posing with her son and husband at the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line. Nominate your mom in this blog post for the Mother's Day giveaway!Let us know how she stands out from the rest! Perhaps they live near you and help watch their grandkids. Maybe they live across the country and provide that calming voice on the other end of the phone. They could be keeping you in line at this very moment all while reading this blog post! Whomever you call mom, they mean something to you. But running also means something to them. When you submit your nomination, tell us what makes your mom special. Nominations will remain open through the end of Friday, May 8th.

Once you’ve submitted your nomination for the Mother’s Day giveaway, contact mom and tell her what you just told us. Remember: keep the giveaway a secret if you want her FREE SPIbelt to be a surprise. Best of luck to all the moms! Massive thanks to our friends at SPIbelt, the Official Race Belt of the 3M Half Marathon. Follow them on Instagram!