Houston Marathon Brings World's Runners to Bayou City

HOUSTON, TX — They come from everywhere, including Kenya and Germany and The Woodlands, hoping to cross the finish line first, or at least first in their age group. It's the Chevron Houston Marathon, and it's happening on Sunday, January 15.

This is the 45th time the marathon has been run, and this year's edition has some big names, including 2016 male Olympic Marathon silver and bronze medalists Feyisa Lilesa and Galen Rupp and female bronze medalist Mare Dibaba.

“Superlatives are often risky, but we believe this is the most talented field our Invited Athlete Committee has ever assembled,” said Brant Kotch, director of the marathon. “Three of our four defending champions are returning, but a superior performance will be necessary for any of them to repeat – in the men’s marathon and the women’s half marathon, the second-place finishers will be back to fight for the top step on the podium.”

The weather on race day is expected to be overcast, but it will be warm and humid, a situation that has prompted a warning from the marathon's medical director, Dr. John Cianca.

“It’s going to be hot and humid — not ideal weather — so run responsibly and adjust your pace to reduce the risk of overheating. This is not the year to set a personal best. It will be more difficult than you anticipated, so make adjustments.”

Traffic disruptions and street closures will also be a problem, though one that the 200,000-plus spectators will likely gladly tolerate for the chance to see a great sporting spectacle.

A total of $278,000 in prize money will be awarded to the top finishers in the four races, including $45,000 for both the men’s and women’s champions $20,000 for both the men’s and women’s champions at the 2017 Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

The marathon will begin around 6:45 a.m. at Congress and Main downtown, and by 1:30 that afternoon most runners will have crossed the finish line, at Lamar and Crawford.

For additional information about the races, click here.

— Image courtesy Chevron Houston Marathon