Houston Marathon
Photo: Ed Uthman

Houston Marathon 2019/2020

Houston Marathon
The Chevron Houston Marathon takes place every year in January in Houston, Texas.

Whether the popularity of the Chevron Houston Marathon is a result of the flat and fast course, the cool winter weather, the possibility to qualify for Boston Marathon or something completely different, is hard to say. But whatever the reason, the organisers  introduced a race limit of 22,000 participants for the marathon and half marathon. The limit is usually reached in October the previous year, so hurry and register to guarantee yourself a bib number. 

If  tendencies from the earlier years proceed, the many participants will be travelling to Houston from all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 overseas countries to compete in the marathon, half marathon and 5K run. The course of the Chevron Houston Marathon is a loop around the city of Houston with very few ascents. This makes the race popular with runners trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon and makes Houston great for setting PBs. 

Apart from gaining the personal accomplishment of finishing a marathon, the race is a festive experience with runners being cheered on by 200,000 onlookers and numerous jazz bands, belly dancers, Elvis impersonators and other entertainers. By entering the Run for a Reason programme participants can make donations or become an active fundraiser for one of 35 official charities. Among these are the Texas Children’s Hospital, the AIDS Foundation Houston and the American Red Cross. For further information and registration for the full and 1/2 marathon, see the official Houston Marathon site here

Chevron Houston Marathon Course 

The course of Chevron Houston Marathon is advertised to be ‘Flat, Fast and Friendly’. Click here for course details, map and elevation profile of the full marathon and half marathon. For the same information on the 5K run, please go here.