February 23rd, 2012 
Skyline view of Runners (Photo Credit: Laura Heathcott)
On Sunday, February 19th, thousands of runners from around the globe made the trek to Texas’ capital city to make a serious dent in their personal bucket lists. These fearless athletes ran the LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon® and the Paramount Break-a-Leg 5K. By the end of Sunday afternoon, the hilly streets of Austin felt the pitter patter of around 20,000 runner’s shoes. For non-participants in Austin, this event marks a day of road closures, tons of outdoor entertainment, and fantastic drink specials around town.
Andrea Smit of Colorado (Photo Credit: Laura Heathcott)
The Paramount Break-a-Leg 5K is the official 5K of this marathon and the proceeds from this run benefit Austin’s Paramount Theatre. I spoke with Andrea Smit of Boulder Colorado moments after she victoriously glided across the finish line, leaving the picturesque capital building in her dust. When asked what motivated her to participate in the 5k, the newly pregnant racer proudly replied, “My husband is running the half marathon and I wanted to be a part of the event too!” Thousands of stories just like Andrea’s make the LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon® and the Paramount Break-a-Leg 5K a staple charitable event in the Austin community and beyond.
If you’re itching to begin training for the 2013 runs, visit here for information and motivation!
