Almost all of the races in the Austin Distance Challenge are held on tough, hilly courses that aren’t conducive to fast times. The 3M Half Marathon—the fifth of six races in the Austin Distance Challenge—is also on a hilly course. But, it’s a mostly downhill course which is just about ideal for setting a PR.

One of the best half marathons in the country, 3M has earned a substantial national recognition due to its lightning-fast, north-to-south course, peerless race organization and logistics. But it’s the course which has runners coming back in droves. The point-to-point course starts in the far reaches of north Austin at the Gateway Shopping Center and plunges south on a mostly downhill trek toward downtown (but with a few short uphills) through neighborhoods and skirts the UT campus where it finishes on Trinity Street. The finish line borders Waterloo Park where all the post-race festivities (and dry clothing pickup) are held.

Making the course even faster are long straightaways and if there’s a north wind, it’s at your back for much of the race. The weather for 3M has usually been ideal and this year appears to be no exception. Race morning forecasts indicate that it should be clear and chilly with temps in the mid to high 40s at the start.

The 15th annual 3M Half will begin at 7 a.m. at the traditional starting spot: on Stonelake Boulevard (between Baby A’s and the Embassy Suites) right outside the Gateway Shopping Center in north Austin. Race officials urge runners to arrive in the starting area no later than 6:15 a.m. The earlier you can there the better, as traffic on MoPac is always a mess.

With more than 5500 runners expected for 3M, parking is also a nightmare. The best places to park are at Gateway near Dave & Busters. Sam’s or in the parking garage closest to Microsoft. Following the race, there will be transportation back to Gateway, beginning at 8 a.m. and running until 11. Race officials urge runners to park at Gateway as there is more parking than near the finish.

Although there’s a two-person relay and a kids run, almost all the registrants are in the individual half marathon and most are hoping for a fast time. There’s always plenty of incentive to run fast at 3M. The race boasts one of the premier half marathon courses in the country and it has drawn the attention of elite runners from around the world. Total prize money of $18,250 tends to get the top runners’ attention. Winners get $1500 (with incentives for event records) and goes down through the top 10. There’s also prize money in the masters divisions, wheelchair and military.

The elite field will not have either defending champion—Ridouane Harroufi of Morocco and Jacqueline Nyetipeh of Kenya. Harroufi nipped Andrew Lemoncello of Scotland last year to win in 1:03:11 and Nyetipeh won in 1:09:34. Lemoncello and Martin Fagan of Ireland are expected to run on Sunday and could be challenged by Bernard Manirakiza of Austin. Also returning is Kathy Butler of Great Britain (who lives in Colorado) who was fifth last year. Top local women Chris Kimbrough and Kelly Williamson are planning to run.

The field for this year’s race has been capped at 6000 and there will be last-minute registration at packet pick up on Friday and Saturday at 3M. If you can’t get up there to pick up your race packet, there will be race morning packet pick up from 5:30-6:30 a.m. near the starting line.

Again, packet pick up will be at 3M and not at RunTex where it is normally hosted. The 3M Innovation Center at 6801 River Place Boulevard will have packet pick up from 7-7 on Friday and 8-6 on Saturday.

To get to 3M off MoPac, go west on 2222. At the top of the hill, go right at the second light (River Place Blvd.)and then go right at 3M Drive.

Please don’t go to RunTex expecting to pick up your packet.
Another change will be the use this year of the disposable D-Tag strip bar code that will be attached to your race number. You must peel it off your number and then attach it to your shoe. After the race, you can toss it out. But if you own a timing chip, do not wear it at 3M.

Beneficiary of 3M is the Any Baby Can Foundation of Austin.. The sponsoring 3M Corporation has guaranteed a $30,000 donation to the foundation from race proceeds. Over the years, 3M has raised more than $300,000 for worthy Central Texas charities.