Local event production company awarded Greater Austin Business Award for outstanding community service

If you've crossed the finish line at beloved Austin endurance events like Austin Marathon, 3M Half Marathon, or even Rookie Triathlon, chances are your accomplishment was something you'll never forget. 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.

Runners from around the world partake in their biggest event, the Austin Marathon, which contributed $34.4 million to the Austin economy in 2017. Through Austin Gives Miles, the official charity program of the Austin Marathon, $637,000 was donated to Central Texas charities in 2017.

Additionally, High Five Events employees contribute more than $300,000 annually through monetary donations, equipment, and services to organizations like Back the Track, Boy Scout Troop #49, Roller Girls, Trail Roots Running, Girls on the Run, Texas Autism Bike Ride and Fun Run, Austin Runners Club, Austin Parks Foundation, LIVESTRONG, Bicycle Re-Cycle, and Please Be Kind to Cyclists.

“From Austin Marathon’s economic impact to lending our time and resources, we have a unique opportunity to support Austin and Central Texas in various ways,” said William Dyson, Communications Manager of High Five Events. “This provides us with an opportunity to give back to a city that has given so much to us and a community we love.”

High Five Events won the Cook Walden Community Relations Award because of their efforts in positively affecting the local community. The accolade, a category of the Greater Austin Business Awards program, recognizes an organization that successfully demonstrates corporate social responsibility in the community.

High Five Events is preparing to produce two of their biggest endurance events, the 3M Half Marathon scheduled for January 21, 2018, and the Austin Marathon scheduled for February 19, 2018. More than 25,000 participants are expected to partake in both events.

“Being able to do what we do well and positively impact the community makes the early mornings and late nights worth it,” said Dyson. "We are thankful for the continuous support of this community and grateful to everyone who has helped produce our world-class events.”

Recently, High Five Events had a registration challenge with the 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon in which they donated $50,000 to hurricane relief efforts in the Texas Coastal Bend. During a two-week timeframe, High Five Events pledged to match every dollar paid for registration to either event. For more information on High Five Events, visit their website.

Blog image photo credit: @highfiveevents

Pictured: William Dyson (left) communications manager of High Five Events, receives the Cook Walden Funeral Home community relations award from Kevin B. Hull (right) of Cook Walden.