Tag Archive for: Texas State Capitol

Get to Know Austin via the 3M Half Marathon Course – Part II

Explore Miles 7-13.1 of the 3M Half Marathon course and get to know Austin

Austin is well-known for its culinary hot spots and picture-worthy locations. This is evident along Miles 7-13.1 of the 3M Half Marathon course. We highlight some of our favorite on-course spots, including the Texas State Capitol! Whether you’re an Austinite or in town for the 3M Half Marathon, get to know Austin with our list of seven on-course locations. Don’t miss out on Miles 1-6. Enjoy!

Stacks on stacks on stacks. Credit – Upper Crust Bakery Facebook.

Upper Crust Bakery (Mile 9)

Complete 3M Half Marathon, reward yourself with dessert! Makes sense, right?! Upper Crust Bakery (4508 Burnet Rd.) serves lunch too, but let’s be real, you’re coming here to satisfy your sweet tooth. Everything they make, cakes, pies, pastries, etc., is made from scratch. They’ve been in Austin for 28 years, so this isn’t some fly-by-night operation. Stop by and reward yourself!

Stinson’s Bistro (Mile 9)

Their menu is simple, but delicious. What they do make, they knock out of the park. Stinson’s Bistro (4416 Burnet Rd.) is perfect for date night, an outing with friends, or brunch after you complete 3M Half Marathon! Additionally, they serve beverages from coffee to cocktails. So if you’re watching friends or family, stop by for a coffee and a taco before heading to the finish line. Then make plans to come back and celebrate!

Hearty breakfast tacos from Stinson's Bistro. Get to know Austin when you visit places, like Stinson's Bistro, along the 3M Half Marathon course.

Hearty breakfast tacos from Stinson’s Bistro. Credit – Stinson’s Bistro Facebook.

Hyde Park Neighborhood (Miles 10-11)

Considered by many to be Austin’s first suburb, Hyde Park can trace its origins back to 1891. When you’re running through Hyde Park, soak in the massive trees and the beautiful architecture. If it’s not race day, take a leisurely stroll and check everything out at your own pace. If you’re out walking around make sure you check out the Elisabet Ney Museum, Quack’s 43rd St. Bakery, and Antonelli’s Cheese Shop.

Hancock Golf Course (Mile 11.5)

Stretch out your legs before your half marathon and play a round of nine holes at the Hancock Golf Course. The course (811 E. 41st St.) was founded in 1899 by former Austin mayor Lewis Hancock. It’s one of the oldest golf courses in Texas.

Runner passes through UT campus during the 2019 3M Half Marathon. Get to know Austin when you visit the places in our blog, like The University of Texas.

Runner passes through UT campus during the 2019 3M Half Marathon.

University of Texas (Mile 12)

One mile to go! The sights of the University of Texas will definitely help push you to the finish line. When you enter campus you’ll notice the street signs turn from green to burnt orange. Now you know the eyes of Texas are upon you! Before you pass the majestic Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (home to the Texas Longhorns football team), enjoy the great view of the UT Tower to your right. To your left is the Mike Myers Stadium and Soccer Field where Austin Marathon Celebrity Ambassador Leo Manzano won many awards and set many records!

Enjoy the chicken fried steak from Scholz Garten. Get to know Austin when you visit places, like Scholz Garten, along the 3M Half Marathon course.

You’ll enjoy the chicken fried steak from Scholz Garten. Credit – Scholz Garten Facebook.

Scholz Garten (Mile 13)

Even though they open at noon on Sunday, Scholz Garten (1607 San Jacinto Blvd.) is a great spot for a post-3M Half Marathon gathering. The German food is delicious, there’s plenty of seating (including outdoors), and the atmosphere is always lively! Scholz Garten was established in 1886 and houses one of the nation’s oldest bowling centers. Pro tip: we recommend everything on the menu!

Texas State Capitol (finish line)

The beautiful Texas State Capitol (1100 Congress Ave.) has a rich history and serves as a backdrop for many post-3M Half Marathon photos! Take a Capitol tour and learn about the building’s life and its connection to Texas history. Not a fan of tours? A leisurely stroll on Capitol grounds will get the job done. Don’t forget your camera! Fun fact: the Texas Capitol is taller than the US Capitol!

Miles 7-13.1 of the 3M Half Marathon course features flavorful options and a place to enjoy a relaxing night out. Add these hot spots to your must-visit list and get to know Austin even more. Check out hot spots along Miles 1-6 and complete the course. Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know what it is on Facebook or Twitter.

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 Endurance – 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!

3M Half Marathon Prepares for Largest Field in Their 25-Year History

3M Half Marathon will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Jan 20th

Jess Harper, 2018 3M Half Marathon female champ. Credit – Ed Sparks

High Five Events is making final preparations for the 25th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour on January 20th. With registration numbers nearing 7500 participants, this will be the largest field in the event’s history. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m., feature a competitive elite field, benefit Austin Youth River Watch, and highlight thousands of runners chasing after their half marathon PR.

“I’m excited to return to the 3M Half Marathon and defend my title against the largest field in their history,” said Jess Harper, 2018 3M Half Marathon female champ (1:15:45). “This event has been an Austin staple for 25 years and I’m ready to help them celebrate their anniversary!”

Participants will receive their 25th anniversary Under Armour participant shirt and world-famous swag bag filled with useful 3M products at the Expo & Packet Pick Up. Race day begins near The Domain in north Austin. Thousands will run the predominantly downhill course in search of their PR, cruising through beautiful Shoal Creek Blvd., historic Hyde Park neighborhood, and the world-renowned University of Texas at Austin before finishing near the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin. The 3M Half Marathon’s finish line festival will celebrate finishers and their efforts. They’ll receive their customizable spinning finisher medal, post-race hydration, and snack bag. Participants 21 years old and older can enjoy Oskar Blues Austin brews and devour delicious food from several food trucks. Sponsors, vendors, and partners will populate the finish line festival, celebrating runners and their achievements.

“The 3M Half Marathon has been a staple running event in Austin for 25 years and we’re proud to feature the largest field in the event’s history,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Working with great sponsors like 3M, Under Armour, nuun hydration, Fleet Feet Austin, and Ascension Seton will ensure our 25th anniversary is a memorable event for participants, spectators, and volunteers alike.”

3M Half Marathon beneficiary

Austin Youth River Watch is the beneficiary of the event. 3Mgives will contribute $60,000 to support Austin Youth River Watch’s educational programs in conjunction with the race. Austin Youth River Watch is a multi-year, after-school and summer program for high school students. They combine peer mentoring with intensive environmental education. Their students collect, analyze, and publish water-quality data from Austin-area streams and rivers. They then report their data to local and statewide agencies. Students also work with community partners on environmental restoration projects to improve watershed health.

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. Registration is currently open for all options.