The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Unveils First Wave of Elite Runners for 2024

December 15, 2023

Prize purse totals $20,000 for Marathon Distance

AUSTIN, Texas, December 15, 2023 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k is proud to announce the initial selection of elite athletes for the 2024 event. This long standing program aims to assemble a competitive field of top-tier male and female runners while also identifying emerging talents, elevating the overall standard of competition to Olympic levels. FloTrack’s live coverage will capture the intensity among elite marathoners and half marathoners, providing a spotlight on their performances. The 2024 Austin Marathon, owned and managed by High Five Events, is scheduled for February 18, 2024.

“The investments we’ve made into the Elite Athlete Program are beginning to bear fruit with the overall growth and several elites qualifying for the Olympic Marathon Trials,” remarked Emily Stevens, Athletes Services Manager for High Five Events. “The competition adds another layer of excitement to an already energetic Austin Marathon weekend.”

The initial round of elite athletes for the 2024 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon includes:

Marathon Female Elites:

Returning 2021 Half Marathon Champion – Sophie Anders, Fort Collins, CO – Marathon PR: 2:45
Raychel Figurski, Wyoming, MI – PR: 2:49

Christine Ramsey-Hardy,l Austin, Texas – PR: 2:41

Leah Rotich, Coon Rapids, MN – PR: 2:42

Marathon Male Elites:
Anderson Chepkwony, Nakuru, Njoro, Kenya – PR: 2:29

Peter Ngetich Kericho, Rift Valley, Kenya – PR: 2:12

Brendan Sage St., Michael, MN – PR: 2:20

Denis Kiura, Grand Prairie, TX – PR: 2:13

Half Marathon Female Elites:

Lineth Chepkurui, Eldoret, Rift Valley, Kenya – Half Marathon PR: 1:11

Half Marathon Male Elites:

Ridley Holmes, Austin, TX – Marathon PR: 2:27

Eric Klein, Las Vegas, NV – Marathon PR: 2:29

Jordan West, Waco, TX – Marathon PR: 2:23

For 2024, the prize purse for the marathon elite field has been elevated to an impressive $20,000. While no prize money is allocated for the half marathon, elite runners can avail themselves of a complimentary entry if they meet the specified standards (refer to the guidelines below).

Applicants interested in joining the Elite Field must adhere to the following requirements:

1. Submit the Elite Application before the December 31 deadline.

2. Non-U.S. applicants must be represented by a Coach or Sponsor.

3. Rolling applications accepted until December 31, 2023. Submissions received post-deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with athletes notified of their selection by a representative of The Austin Marathon.

All athletes, including those in the Elite Field, are subject to random pre- and post-race drug testing. Prize checks will be mailed post-race upon completion of the drug testing protocol. Only Full Marathon runners accepted into the Elite Field are eligible for prize money, and they are not eligible for age group awards. All prize money and elite field awards are based on gun time, not chip time.

For questions or additional information, please contact elites@youraustinmarathon.com. Please allow 7-10 business days for a response.

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1991, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 30 countries. With a course that spans every quadrant of this dynamic city, offering a festive atmosphere with live music throughout, the marathon culminates in a vibrant finisher party. The event also serves as a powerful force for good, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for various non-profit organizations. The Austin Marathon elevates Presidents Day weekend into a grand showcase of athleticism and community spirit, making it a bucket-list event for athletes, enthusiasts, and supporters from all over the world.

About High Five Events: High Five Events is the parent company of the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k, 3M Half Marathon, CapTex Triathlon and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. 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.