Following the success of initial gatherings in Asheville and San Diego, organizers Joanna Lilley and Nico Doorn are proud to announce the expansion of their professional networking initiative for the 2026 Austin Half Marathon. What began as a simple concept bringing friends together through fitness has evolved into a comprehensive "Professionals' Week" dedicated to wellness, education, and fellowship.
This year's event represents a significant step forward in community building, inviting professionals from across the country to connect on the pavement and in the classroom. The 2026 program features an official partnership with the Release Recovery Foundation (RRF), a nonprofit that provides over 1 million annually in scholarships for addiction and mental health treatment. This partnership expands the event to a 3.5-day experience beginning Sunday, February 15th. Participants are encouraged to join "Team Release" for the 5K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon, directly supporting RRF's mission to provide life-saving access to care.
The week emphasizes inclusivity and fun, aiming to share a collective love for running while fostering a supportive network for those in the behavioral health and wellness industries. The itinerary offers a robust schedule of professional development and networking, headlined by a CEU workshop on Monday, February 16th, led by renowned presenter Mike Giresi at the Release Austin facility.
When asked what's ahead for this event series, co-sponsor Joanna Lilley said, "Our goal is to move beyond traditional networking by combining the energy of the Austin Half Marathon with genuine fellowship and purpose. We are creating a space where professionals can connect through movement and leave with a stronger, more supportive community. As we seek out events with shorter race distances, we hope to see the attendance for this event continue to build."
In addition to educational sessions and program tours, the event includes catered meals provided by sponsors Release Austin, Lilley Consulting, Grace Emerge Recovery, The Annex, Alta Loma Transformational Services, and BrentCare Behavioral Health, ranging from a Sunday post-race dinner to group luncheons through Tuesday.
To facilitate a seamless experience, a dedicated room block has been established at the Hyatt Regency Austin, located within walking distance of the race start line at 100 Congress Avenue.
Interested professionals are encouraged to RSVP promptly via the official event link to ensure accurate planning for meals and workshops. For those looking to stay connected during training, a dedicated WhatsApp group has been established for motivation and logistics.
For more information regarding the agenda or partnership opportunities, please contact Nico Doorn at 919-606-7392 or via email at nicoreleaserecovery.com.
About Lilley Consulting:
Since 2016, Lilley Consulting has been helping young adults (18+) find mental health, substance use, and wellness resources. Joanna dedicates herself to working solely with emerging adults who unravel in college or aren’t thriving in adulthood. She also hosts the "Success is Subjective" podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.