26th Annual 3M Half Marathon Enjoys Picture-Perfect Weather and Plenty of PRs

January 20, 2020

Thousands of participants, friends, and family celebrate at the finish line festival in downtown Austin

AUSTIN, Texas, January 20, 2020 – Start time temperature in the mid-30s quickly gave way to a cloudless sky and slight tailwind at the 26th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour on Sunday, January 19th. Nearly 7000 participants, the second most in event history, traveled to Austin from 47 states and 22 countries. They ran Austin’s streets on one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. The unforgettable day was highlighted by hundreds of PRs and the event’s first 3-time female champion. Everyone celebrated the day at the massive finish line festival that showcased live music, a beer garden, and local food trucks.

“3M Half Marathon is my favorite race to start the year and shake off the holiday cobwebs,” said Austinite Jess Harper, 2020 3M Half Marathon female champ (1:13:41) and back-to-back-to-back (2018 – ‘20) female champ. “I love the race-day support from the running community and am ecstatic to win for the third consecutive year!”

Austinite David Fuentes (1:06:31) won the 2020 3M Half Marathon in his final tune-up before the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. Ryan Normand of Pflugerville, Texas, finished in second place (1:08:23). Wrapping up the men’s podium with the third-place finish was Nicholas Sterghos of Boulder, Colorado (1:09:47). Phillippe Rolly of McLean, Virginia,  was the male Master’s champion (1:10:33).

“The goal of today was to feel confident, to feel in control, and to make this a great dress rehearsal for the Olympic Marathon Trials (Feb. 29th),” said Fuentes, who is also a 3-time Austin Half Marathon champ (2010, ‘11, ‘15). “I love racing in Austin because I love racing in my city and winning is very important. I’m proud of today’s victory!”

Harper (1:13:41) was the female champion for the third time in as many years. Bolivia’s Tania Chavez Moser, (1:14:32) and Elizabeth Northern of Fort Worth, Texas, (1:15:42) finished second and third respectively. Austin’s Michelle Cleveland (1:24:29) was the top female Master’s finisher.

Despite chillier than normal temperatures, thousands of spectators lined the Austin streets. They cheered thousands on the point-to-point half marathon course that began in north Austin and finished near the Texas State Capitol. Spectators hosted parties, played musical instruments, and handed out additional nutrition and hydration. The festival atmosphere stretched from the start line to the finish thanks to the on-course support of Austinites.

“I’ve been trying for years to run sub-90 minutes for 13.1 miles and it finally came together today at 3M Half Marathon,” said Carlos Jaramillo, who crossed the finish line in 1:27:59. “I’ll never forget what I accomplished at my favorite race in Texas!”

For those planning ahead to January 17, 2021, next year’s registration is open and set at the low price of $79. This amazing deal will be available until Wednesday, January 22nd. Don’t miss out on one of the faster half marathon courses in the country and the best packet in the industry, full of useful 3M products. Participants can see their results on the 3M Half Marathon website and continue to share their memorable experiences on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Runners can expect their FinisherPix race day photos to be ready in 24-48 hours after the race.

The 3M Half Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made the race so special. The following sponsors and partners made this successful race day possible: Under Armour, Fleet Feet Austin, Ascension Seton, SPIbelt, GU Energy Labs, Austin Sports Commission, H-E-B, nuun hydration, Heavenly Care Moving, Dole, Oskar Blues Brewery, Goodwill Austin, Hilton, Camp Gladiator, Austin Massage Company, Chameleon Cold Brew, City of Austin, Austin Police Department, Department of Public Safety, CapMetro, and Travis County EMS.

About High Five Events: Beginning with the launch of a single triathlon in 2003, High Five Events has grown to become one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States. High Five Events is a community-centric company based in Austin, Texas. Their staff has more than 100 years’ combined experience organizing large events across different venue types in a variety of locations.