Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Chevron Houston Marathon is one of America's fastest courses, a flat downtown loop through the Texas city that has frequently hosted U.S. national championships and Olympic Trials selection races. The smooth, gently profiled roads and well-organized, runner-friendly setup make it a prime winter target for quick times. Held in January, it offers cool conditions, though the variable Gulf-influenced weather can turn humid even in midwinter. There is no significant climb to manage, leaving fitness and pacing as the only limits. It suits the serious PB chaser looking for an early-season fast course and a strong, competitive field.
Course Insight
Houston is America's January personal-best factory, a flat, fast, superbly organised course where cool winter air and absent hills remove every excuse. The flatness means the only thing between you and an even split is your own early restraint. Weather is the variable, from ideal cool-and-dry to humid or a passing cold front, so check the forecast and adjust. There's no terrain to hide behind. Pace it honestly and the level course delivers a quick day.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to very flat.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 64m
- Elevation loss
- 60m
- Highest point
- 26m
- Lowest point
- 12m
- Net drop
- 4m
- Start
- Downtown Houston
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
Race History
The Houston Marathon was first held in 1972 and has grown into one of America's fastest and most respected road races. Its flat, smooth course made it a premier winter personal-best destination, and it has repeatedly hosted U.S. national championships and Olympic Trials selection racing. From a small beginning it expanded into a major January fixture. Run each January, it now welcomes tens of thousands of finishers across the marathon and half marathon.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown for expo and start/finish proximity, the Galleria for upscale stays, and the Museum District for characterful, central options.
- Getting to the start
- The start and finish are downtown by the convention centre; take METRORail or walk from downtown hotels, arriving before road closures.