If you live in Austin and you're a runner, chances are you've run 3M. Billed as "Downhill to Downtown" it touts a fast course. This is rare in Austin where hills are all around! That being said, there are some little hills (the biggest one at mile 9) but the net elevation overall is downhill which makes this a fast course.

For 2019, the 3M Half Marathon happened to fall on the same day as the Houston Marathon (and Half Marathon). Houston is known to be flat and fast. 3M is known to be slightly downhill. I've done both and I like 3M better! :)

SWAG! A sponsor like 3M= really cool, unusual swag! Like tape, and shipping tape, and Post-Its, etc. Just really neat non-running swag and a lot of it! Seriously great swag! T-shirt was Under Armour as they sponsor this race too and its actually something you could wear that's cute!

The award for the top three per age group was sweet. A beautiful plaque that sits upright with "25th" anniversary and capital skyline.

All in all, a great prep race for a spring marathon or in general a fun race to do in Austin. If you have to pick between 3M or the Austin Half Marathon by far, pick 3M!