Austin Marathon Foundation Formed

We completely missed this newsworthy running-related bit when it first came out, but that's probably because after the SiLabs Marathon Relay we've gradually replaced the PowerAde with scotch. The next big race, after all, isn't until next month (although you might consider participating in this weekend's Aquarena Sprint Triathlon in San Marcos).

Earlier in July, the Austin Marathon Foundation was formed. This not-for-profit corporation now serves as the parent organization of the annual Freescale Marathon & Half-Marathon, already the 15th largest marathon in the United States with over 10,000 runners. AMF's charter is to turn this race into a "world-class marathon", of such magnitude that it "galvanizes the community, brings national attention to the region, promotes health & fitness and benefits both local and national charities." It seems like an event such as this would hardly require a proper business structure, until you realize that the race already enlists over 3,000 volunteers and brings in over $5.5 million of revenue to local businesses. To take it to the next level, therefore, probably requires complicated tax forms and city grants and other things we don't understand.

AMF will be hosting a happy hour at the South Lamar RunFAR on August 5th with free snacks and drinks, plus a special appearance by running legend Jeff Galloway, who has the enviable distinction of having run a 2:16:35 marathon. That's a mile time of 5:11. Needless to say, we're planning to bogart our way into getting his top-secret running strategies. You'll also be able to sign up at the early bird discounted rate for next year's Freescale Marathon ($65) and this Fall's Distance Challenge ($50 off, we'll tell you more about it next week).