Austin Marathon’s Philanthropic Program Receives Grant, Unveils New Name

Austin Marathon Gives presented by the Moody Foundation, formerly Austin Gives Miles, is the philanthropic program of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour. The new name and logo stem from the growing partnership between the Austin Marathon and the Moody Foundation. Since 2014, Austin Marathon Gives has raised $3.8 million for numerous worthy Central Texas nonprofits. Through their grants, the Moody Foundation has given $1.2 million to the program since 2016. The 30th annual Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 14, 2021.

“As our Central Texas communities continue to grapple with the effects from COVID-19, supporting our local nonprofits is more important than ever,” said Ross Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation. “The Moody Foundation is honored to partner with a program that invites the community to give back to more than 25 local organizations through the iconic Austin Marathon, elevating the impact and reach of our single gift."

Austin Marathon Gives will receive a grant from the Moody Foundation for the sixth year in a row. The grant will match donations raised, up to $10,000, for each participating organization. Money raised annually through the program significantly impacts a wide array of local nonprofits. Through 2020 Austin Marathon Gives, 25 nonprofits fundraised $702,500 and recruited more than 800 runners. 

“The growth of this partnership has had a tremendously positive impact on the Central Texas community," said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. "Austin Marathon Gives is proud to continue working side-by-side with the Moody Foundation to make our community a better place for everyone."

The Moody Foundation, based in Galveston, Texas, has funded projects and programs that better communities throughout Texas. The grant will match Austin Marathon Gives’ donations and has a positive impact on the Central Texas organizations and their specific causes. One of the Moody Foundation’s areas of support - community development - directly aligns with the goal of the Austin Marathon: to better Central Texas. Austin Marathon Gives is excited to expand the Moody Foundation relationship and knows the positive effects will be far-reaching. 

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 30th year running in the capital of Texas on February 14, 2021. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. The start and finish locations are just a few blocks apart. They are within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line is in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Austin Marathon Gives presented by the Moody Foundation is the perfect way for runners to get involved and give back to the Central Texas community. Registration is currently open.

About High Five Events: Beginning with the launch of a single triathlon in 2003, High Five Events has grown to become one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States. High Five Events is a community-centric company based in Austin, Texas. Their staff has more than 100 years’ combined experience organizing large events across different venue types in a variety of locations. High Five Events has been on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies for 2020 (ranked 1853) and 2019 (2163).

About the Moody Foundation: The Moody Foundation was established by W.L. Moody, Jr. and Libbie Shearn Moody in 1942 to share their good fortune and make a difference in the lives of the people of Texas. Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.8 billion in grants throughout the state - with over $291.2 million in Austin giving - to organizations that have educated, healed, nurtured and inspired generations of Texans. The Moody Foundation continues with a board of three trustees: Frances Moody-Dahlberg, Ross Moody and Elizabeth Moody. Learn more at MoodyF.org and follow the Foundation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.