Returning to Auditorium Shores for the third consecutive year is the nation’s second largest standalone marathon relay event — the Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay. This year’s big news is that the winners will not only take home the thrill of victory, but also a Guinness Book World Record for the fastest five-person marathon relay.

Any runner that raises $500 will gain free entry into the rest of the races in the distance challenge (DC). DC runners also get a $30 shoe coupon. Corporate teams can compete for the corporate cup, high school runners can show what they’ve got and masters can teach the juniors how it’s done — whoever you are, there’s a division for you!

The five person Relay Race benefits Junior Achievement — a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching children about financial literacy, entrepreneurship and workforce readiness. The event consists of five relay legs, run in the following order: 12K, 10K, 10K, 5K and 5K. This September’s race is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself while having a blast with friends, family co-workers — even perfect strangers!

Make friends, make history, make it your own summer party. It’s all happening on Sunday, September 27th at 7 a.m. at Auditorium Shores.

Competition expected; enthusiasm encouraged. Bring it.

DREW HEBERT
Drew will be running in the Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay for a third time this September. “Last year our team did a great job,” he says. “I was proud of my time and the other four guys on our Dell team. We took home first place in the corporate division and we’d like nothing better than to improve upon our times this year to take home another corporate cup! The Relay is really a great opportunity to participate in a unique event with friends and colleagues.”

KACIE CASE
Kacie teaches third grade students at AISD’s Andrews elementary school and just started getting into running this year. This year will be her first Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay race.

“I’m going to be running with my husband and three of our closest friends,” she says. “While I may not be the most skilled runner, I’m really excited to participate with my friends at such a great, worthwhile event. I love the fact that the Relay proceeds will go to benefit Junior Achievement. As a teacher, I’ve seen first-hand how productive the program can be.”

VINCE TERRACINA
Vince took part in the 2007 event and is ready to compete once again. He’ll be attending the Relay with his wife, Barbara, and four children, Cecilia, Grace, Nicholas, and Camille.

“The Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay is truly the perfect family event,” he says. “Family, friends, co-workers; it includes everyone and anyone wanting to participate. Our kids love to run, so my brother, Joe, and I are excited to get the whole family involved. When we last participated in 2007, my wife had been diagnosed with cancer. Now in remission, she and I are excited to return to Auditorium Shores, stronger than ever!”

JOANNE RYAN
Joanne is a runner, triathlete, and owner of gojocards.com. She and her husband are both Ironman finishers and have three sport-loving kids. She’ll be running with her husband and members of the OFRC running club.

“I enjoy spending time with my friends and family at fun, exciting and kid-friendly events like this one,” she says. But what I enjoy most is that I get to be part of a ‘marathon’ without all the long runs! I met my husband through running and with this event we can both participate and bring the kids along. We'll spend less on our entry fee than we'd pay hiring a sitter for an evening out!”

MANDY OLIVARES
Mandy is an IT manager at Silicon Labs, veteran Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay runner and Junior Achievement (JA) volunteer. She believes strongly in JA’s vision and selfless practice.

“I run in the Relay to support Junior Achievement, Silicon Labs and the Austin running community,” she explains. “I’ll be running with some of my coworkers in the Corporate Team Challenge. I have participated in the Marathon Relay every year since its inception and it gets better every year. To me, this even means a sense of community. It brings runners of different ability levels together to an event that supports a great cause.”