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Check out Chron’s guide to getting the most out of Houston Marathon weekend.
Jan. 13, 2023Updated: Jan. 13, 2023 12:25 p.m.
Runners grab Gatorade drinks in cups held out by volunteers on University Blvd. just past the nine mile marker during the Chevron Houston Marathon Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022 in Houston, TX.
Michael Wyke/Contributor
After a pandemic hiatus in 2021, the Houston Marathon is back again this weekend and celebrating its 51st year in action. Tens of thousands of runners will be hitting the pavement bright and early Saturday morning, with thousands more lining the streets to cheer them on.
Whether you’re lacing up to test your endurance or cheering on friends and family, it’s best to do some planning to make sure the day goes smoothly. Here’s Chron’s guide for runners and spectators alike to make the most of race day:
Weather
Runners could be looking at near-ideal conditions for setting personal records: Space City Weather is forecasting a chilly and sunny start to the day. Temperatures should be hovering around 40 degrees when the gun goes off at 7:01 a.m. CT, according to ABC 13. The mercury is expected to gradually climb into the low 50s by 10 a.m. or so. No significant wind is on the radar at this point.
Race Course
The starting line is located at Congress and Fannin St. in Downtown Houston, just blocks away from the Astros’ Minute Maid Park. Marathoners will gradually make their way south before turning west at Main and University. The course then loops up towards the Memorial area, before heading back east towards the finish line at Lamar and Crawford St. downtown. Water and refueling stations dot the course the entire way. Check out the race course map for more details.
Road Closures
Houston Marathon officials are warning drivers to expect slow traffic in the areas near the race course. Plan extra time to get to the starting line if you’re running, and extra time to get to your cheering spots if you’re spectating. Certain roads near the course, as well as those that are part of the course itself, will be closed on Saturday. Take a look at the official list of closures and directions for specific neighborhoods here.
For further information on parking, registration and more, take a look at the Houston Marathon’s FAQ section.
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Michael Murney is a reporter at Chron and a reporting fellow with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. He was previously a staff writer with the Dallas Observer and has written for Chicago’s South Side Weekly and the Chicago Reader.