The San Antonio Spurs will host a festival at the Austin Marathon finish line to celebrate. | Photo courtesy Spurs
One world record just isn’t enough for Austinite Ben Duong.
After breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest half-marathon while dribbling a basketball in February 2024, Duong will attempt the record for the full marathon on Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon.
Duong is sponsored by the San Antonio Spurs as part of the Spurs Fit Club group yet again.
“I did it through the half last year, I have the running fitness still, and I have the support from my friends, my family, the Spurs still backing me,” Duong said.
Duong is up against Steffan Reimer’s record of 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 33 seconds, which was set in Manitoba, Canada, in 2021. Duong set a time of 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 53 seconds (without a basketball) during his first-ever full marathon attempt at the Chevron Houston Marathon in January.
Duong runs recreationally with local club Raw Running.
Photo via Ben Duong
The public is welcome to spectate along the marathon course — we’re sure Duong would appreciate the support.
Which of the following Guinness World Records was not set by an Austinite?
A. Fastest sandwich made using feet B. Fastest half marathon while dribbling a basketball C. Most telephone directories torn by a female in a minute D. Largest collection of miniature paintings
Fossils & Flowers: A Pre-Valentine’s Event | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Texas Science & Natural History Museum | $25 | Explore the museum with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, enjoy live music, and create a custom bouquet at this evening of love.
Stories on the Lawn: Repeating Patterns | 7:30-9 p.m. | Neill-Cochran House Museum | $15 | Your ticket includes entry to the storytelling show, complimentary Tequila 512 cocktails, and admission into the museum.
“Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” | Now-Sunday, Feb. 23 | 8 p.m. | Factory on 5th | $40 | Watch the 1886 Gothic horror unfold in a new way during this production by The Filigree Theatre.
Friday, Feb. 14
Sweet Honey in the Rock | 7:30 p.m. | Bass Concert Hall | $29+ | A cappella and theatre combine with this quartet of singers.
Gaby Moreno | 8 p.m. | ACL Live at 3TEN | $25+ | The GRAMMY-winning and Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter will enchant listeners in English and Spanish.
Mary J. Blige | 7 p.m. | The Moody Center | $70+ | Joined by NE-YO + Mario, this iconic songstress’s “For My Fans” tour is coming to town.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Gipsy Kings with Nicolas Reyes | 8 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $83+ | This GRAMMY Award-winning Catalan rumba band has performed around the world for more than 30 years.
Radio Coffee’s third location, Radio Rosewood, opened in the former Try Hard Coffee space yesterday with a cozy, 70s-style interior and a familiar menu to its other two locations. Psst — the new spot will host a flower shop pop-up from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
Closed
After closing its Burnet Road location in December, Flyrite Chicken shut down its original East 7th Street spot last month. The restaurant, which opened in 2016, still operates out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Dripping Springs food truck Fair Lane Cocktails & Coffee. (Austin American-Statesman)
Ranked
Dai Due is one of USA Today’s 2025 Restaurants of the Year. Helmed by Jesse Griffiths, the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand and Green Star restaurant was highlighted for its sustainable practices and local sourcing. Make a reservation. (USA Today)
Edu
UT’s Moody College of Communication will launch a new minor in sports production and broadcasting starting in fall 2025. Applications for the program, which will focus both on the technical and creative aspects of working in sports media, open in August.
Number
$8.2 million. That’s how much Firefly, a Cedar Park-based aerospace company, received in grants from the Texas Space Commission to bolster spacecraft manufacturing. The money will support new infrastructure and job creation. (KVUE)
List
Forbes says relax — nine local hospitality businesses were honored in the Forbes Travel Awards. Next time you book a staycation or spa, look no further than the Austin Proper Hotel, Four Seasons Austin, Austin Proper Hotel, or Fairmont Austin. View the full list.
Cause
It’s time to go green. Registration is now open for It’s My Park Day: a twice-annual, community-powered day of enhancing and restoring local outdoor spaces. Find a project near you to contribute to on Saturday, March 1.
State
Jo’s Coffee is venturing beyond city limits. The local coffee chain will open its first Houston location on Friday, Feb. 14 with a replica of Austin’s famous “I Love You So Much” mural, so send this to a Houstonian who needs caffeine. (Austin American-Statesman)
Correction
A piece about REAL IDs earlier this week incorrectly stated to apply at the Travis County Clerk’s office. Instead, check your local Texas DPS location to apply.
Sports
Are the Mavericks in crisis mode after trading Luka Dončić? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Mavericks with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Home
How much did you spend on home repairs last year? The average homeowner shells out nearly $6,000 annually on upkeep — but some of these costs can be offset by a home warranty. American Home Shield is now offering $150 off their plans. See important disclaimers on web.*
Category
Sports
💚 Don’t skip a beat
Gary Clark Jr. is one of the many celebrities to celebrate Austin FC’s new, heartfelt jersey. | Photo by Jacob Gonzalez via Austin FC
What’s at the heart of Austin? It’s legend, it’s community, and it’s Austin FC — according to the club’s Minister of Culture Matthew McConaughey.
Austin FC debuted its new primary jersey collection, The Heartbeat Kit, inspired by “the heartbeat ritual” performed at every home match. The green-striped jersey fittingly features an anatomical heart decal on the lower left side — the same that adorns the center of the bombo drum.
Plus, the debut came with plenty of fanfare in a short film jam-packed with local celebrities inside Antone’s Nightclub. Keep your eyes peeled for Me nd Adam, Gary Clark Jr., Ray Benson, Jimmy Vaughn, Mama Duke, Mélat, and McConaughey (of course). The video also builds on last season’s collection: The Armadillo Kit.
Fun fact: McConaughey was the first person to participate in the heartbeat ritual.
You can find the new kit available for purchase at Q2 Stadium’s VERDE Store or at verdevan.com.
Le Creuset’s Signature Round Dutch Oven in the color Berry. In case you haven’t heard the news, this popular hue is back after being discontinued in 2019 — and the internet is freaking out. It’s also available in the Signature Oval Dutch Oven. Grab it before it’s gone again.
It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to surprise your special someone with beautiful blooms. Personally, I wouldn’t mind receiving some water-marbled orchids from Flowersmith at any time of year.
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