Who is behind the 2008 Silicon Labs Marathon Relay?

Austin’s 2008 Silicon Labs Marathon Relay is supported by Junior Achievement, Silicon Labs and RunTex Events. Junior Achievement is a non-profit organization focused on education for young people. Silicon Labs is an Austin-based technology company that focuses philanthropy efforts on education oriented organizations, and RunTex is the leader in race production and is affiliated with the popular RunTex retail running stores.

Was the 2007 Silicon Labs a success?

Yes! The 2007 Relay was ranked the 4th best running event in Austin and was the 3rd largest stand alone Relay in the country! We expect the Relay to grow even bigger and better in 2008!

When and where will the race be held?

The Silicon Labs Relay is Sunday, September 21, 2008 and is being held at Auditorium Shores. The format remains the same – common start and finish line with the course divided into five legs, 10k, 11.1k, 11.1k, 5k, 5k. The distances are set so that the course can be divided into two equal ½ marathons – the first two legs equal a ½ marathon distance and the last three legs equal a ½ marathon distance.

I’ve never run a marathon before, or any race, can I still participate?

The Relay is a perfect first time race! Split into five different legs with beginning, intermediate and advanced distances, all you need is a team to get started.

I need to find some team mates, can you help?

There is a Forum posted on our site to help runners find teams. You can also encourage your workplace to support the race and create a team with co-workers, neighbors, friends from church, school, etc. There are 23 different divisions for the race so you can find the right one for your team.

I want to be a Team Captain, what do I have to do?

Team Captains are the key to a successful Relay event. All you have to do is 1) recruit your team; 2) get your team registered; 3) serve as a team coordinator 4) pick up your teams race packets; 5) make sure your team is pumped up and ready to race on Sunday, September 21st!

What is the race course?

The Relay will stage at Auditorium Shores. The Shores serve as the common start/finish and exchange points. The five legs of the Relay branch out of the central start/finish line. The final course is still in development and will be posted by early summer 2008.

What does it cost to enter a team?

The entry fee for a five person team is only $150. Also available are Premiere Teams for $1,000; the Premiere Teams compete as part of the Corporate Challenge racing to win the President’s Cup. All proceeds from the Premiere Team entry fees go directly to Junior Achievement.

Does my entry fee benefit a charity?

Team entry fees beyond those expected to cover the costs of the race will benefit Junior Achievement. Silicon Labs also donated $100,000 to Junior Achievement in conjunction with the race that will be used to support their program outreach to Central Texas’ school children.

Is this race endorsed by anyone?

Yes, the Mayor of Austin, Mayor Will Wynn, has endorsed the race and made it a part of his “Austin In Motion” initiative to get Austin to be the fittest city by 2010. Governor Rick Perry also endorses the Relay and is entering a team to participate. The Austin Chamber of Commerce and various running clubs in Central Texas all are looking forward to participating in the Silicon Labs Relay.

Do we need five runners to make up a team?

Yes and no. Five runners constitute a team, but if you enter a team with less than five, someone will have to run more than one leg. That’s fine. With the design of the course you can also enter a two person team and each person would run a ½ marathon. Runner 1 runs legs 1 & 2 and Runner 2 runs legs 3, 4 & 5 each equaling a ½ marathon distance.

Can I do a solo?

Sure. If you want to run a full marathon, be our guest and enter yourself as a team. At least you won’t have arguments about who runs which leg of the Relay.

Are high-school teams permitted to run?

Definitely. In fact, there is a special rate just for high school teams – they can run in the Relay for $50 per team.

Can I bring my family?

Absolutely! The Silicon Labs Relay is a family friendly event. There will be activities for all ages – inflatable obstacle course, rock wall and face painting, to name a few. Families, friends, co-workers are all encouraged to attend and cheer on their favorite Relay team.

Can I bring chairs/blankets/picnic items?

Yes. Chairs, blankets and pop-up tents are allowed on Auditorium Shores. You can create your team’s “home base” by setting up an area for all your team mates to hang out while each person is running their respective leg of the course. Picnic items are encouraged – fruit, water, snacks. What not to bring – alcohol. Alcohol is not allowed to be brought in by individual attendees; a beer garden will be located on-site for participants 21 and older.