The Chevron Houston Marathon, established in 1972, has grown from a local event into a premier World Athletics Gold Label race. The course is renowned for being exceptionally flat and fast, offering a comprehensive tour of Houston's diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.

The race begins in the heart of downtown, sharing its start and early kilometers with the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. This creates an electric atmosphere, though runners should expect crowded conditions during this initial stretch. The routes diverge at approximately 12.2 kilometers, where marathoners will find the course opens up considerably, providing more room to settle into a sustainable race rhythm.

Historical weather data for mid-January indicates ideal conditions for marathon running. The 6:55 AM start occurs just before sunrise, so runners will begin in low light conditions. Temperatures at the start can be quite cool, occasionally approaching freezing, making a thoughtful layering strategy important for comfort while waiting in the corrals and during the opening kilometers.

As the morning progresses, temperatures typically rise into the low to mid-teens Celsius, creating near-optimal running conditions for the latter stages of the race. While precipitation is historically uncommon, athletes should prepare for various weather scenarios.

The course profile is characterized by its minimal elevation change, with a total ascent of just over 60 meters across the 42.28-kilometer distance. Over 92% of the route is classified as flat, making it an excellent opportunity for personal records.

The primary elevation changes come from highway overpasses and a series of gentle, rolling hills along Allen Parkway in the final kilometers. Though modest, these late-race undulations arrive when fatigue is greatest and require deliberate effort to maintain momentum through the finish.

• Event Date: January 11, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 42.28 km
• Course Type: Loop
• TrailScore: 45.09
• Total Ascent: 60.77 m
• Total Descent: 52.38 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 4.77, 0.49 km at an average grade of 0.68%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 27.29, 0.49 km at an average grade of -0.58%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 20.23, 0.33 km at an average grade of 2.87%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 38.63, 0.16 km at an average grade of -3.4%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 1 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 2 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 92.2%
  • Minor Incline: 4.3%
  • Minor Decline: 2.3%
  • Moderate Decline: 0.8%
  • Moderate Incline: 0.4%

The race begins on Congress Street in the heart of downtown Houston. With the 6:55 AM start falling before sunrise, you'll run through cool, dark air while the city's illuminated skyline towers around you. The energy is electric as you share the course with thousands of half marathon runners.

The initial route winds through downtown before heading west on Washington Avenue—a long, straight section where the field begins to spread out. After a series of turns, you'll enter River Oaks, one of Houston's most scenic neighborhoods, where majestic trees arch over the streets.

This entire section runs almost perfectly flat, which naturally invites a fast start. However, disciplined pacing remains your primary strategic consideration. Navigate the dense crowds by focusing on consistent effort rather than chasing a rigid pace, and remember to conserve energy for the later stages ahead.

The most significant moment in this segment occurs at approximately kilometer 12.2, where the half marathon field splits away. You'll notice an immediate change in race dynamics—the course becomes noticeably quieter and less crowded, offering more space and a more focused atmosphere as your true marathon journey begins.

• Early Race Congestion: The shared start for the marathon and half marathon makes the first several kilometers crowded. Focus on maintaining a steady effort and avoid weaving; the field will thin out.
• Pacing Discipline Before the Split: The flat terrain and initial excitement can lead to an overly aggressive start. Remember that the marathon truly begins after the half marathoners split off. Conserve your energy until then.

• None.

• None.

• Washington Ave corridor (Km 3.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• River Oaks – W. Gray / Inwood area (Km 5.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Kirby Dr @ Inwood (Km 8)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Bissonnet @ Kirby (Km 10.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Bissonnet near Mandell (Km 11.3)
  • Offerings: GU Energy Gels
  • Toilet: No

• Marathon Elvis (~Km 1.6) (Spectator Zone): A race day staple for over a decade, Elvis serenades runners through their first steps.
• Aldine High School Drumline (~Km 3.2) (Spectator Zone): The Mighty Mustang Aldine Drumline brings a booming sound and race day spirit.
• The Great Pretenders (~Km 4.8) (Spectator Zone): A band playing Rock n Roll from the 1950s to the 1970s.
• Asociación Folklorica Boliviana (~Km 8.9) (Spectator Zone): A cultural performance rich in tradition and energy.
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (~Km 9.7) (Spectator Zone): The Rodeo Run Committee in black cowboy hats offers a true Texas experience.
• Fleet Feet and Brooks Watch Party (~Km 11.3) (Spectator Zone): A cheer zone hosted by the official running retailer and apparel sponsor just before the course split.

After the half marathoners depart, the marathon course continues through Houston's Museum District, passing Hermann Park and the beautiful campus of Rice University. This middle section of the race features long, straight stretches through quiet residential areas like West University Place, giving you the opportunity to settle into your target marathon rhythm. The crowd support remains strong throughout these neighborhoods, though the on-course atmosphere becomes more focused and less congested.

The terrain stays consistently flat until you approach the halfway point. Around kilometer 20.4, you'll encounter the course's most notable climb: an overpass crossing the Westpark Tollway. While this incline is brief, it stands out as a distinct feature on an otherwise level course and serves as a useful mental and physical checkpoint.

After crossing the highway, the route heads north toward the prominent Galleria shopping district, signaling your transition into the next phase of the race. This shift in direction and scenery helps break up the marathon into manageable segments, providing fresh visual interest as you progress through the second half.

• The Westpark Tollway Overpass: The course's only significant climb arrives at kilometer 20.4. While short at 160 meters, its 4.7% grade is a distinct change. Focus on maintaining consistent effort over the crest, not a specific pace, and use the brief descent to recover your rhythm.

• Climb #1: Km 20.4 to Km 20.56, 0.16 km, avg grade 4.69%, total gain 7.71 m

• Descent #1: Km 20.73 to Km 20.89, 0.16 km, avg grade -4.95%, total drop 8.13 m

• Bissonnet @ Montrose (Km 12.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Rice University / Hermann Park area (Km 15.3)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• University Blvd @ Weslayan (Km 17.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Westpark @ Weslayan (Km 20.1)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• I-69/US-59 Feeder @ Newcastle (Km 22.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes

• West University Mayor’s Breakfast (~Km 17.7) (Spectator Zone): Fun activities and encouragement near West University Place City Hall.
• The Galleria (~Km 22.5) (Spectator Zone): Houston's number one shopping and tourist attraction, marking the northernmost part of the course.

This section takes you through the commercial heart of Uptown Houston around The Galleria before heading into the serene, shaded streets of the Tanglewood neighborhood. The route features a series of turns as it loops north on Post Oak Boulevard and then west on San Felipe Street. The terrain remains exceptionally flat, with only imperceptible grade shifts.

This is a critical period for consistent pacing and diligent execution of your fueling and hydration strategy as you approach the 30-kilometer mark, a point where the marathon truly tests your preparation.

The long, straight boulevards of Tanglewood provide a mentally steadying environment, though some runners may find the extended straightaways challenging to maintain focus. Tree-lined streets offer welcome shade during this portion of the race.

The section concludes as the course turns east onto Memorial Drive, signaling the beginning of the long, final push back toward downtown. This turn marks a significant psychological milestone, as runners shift their focus entirely to the approaching finish line.

• Mental Focus Through Tanglewood: The extended, straight stretches in this section can be mentally taxing. Break the distance into smaller, manageable segments by focusing on reaching the next aid station or landmark to stay locked in on your race plan.

• None.

• None.

• San Felipe @ Post Oak Blvd (Km 24.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Chimney Rock (Tanglewood) (Km 27.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Memorial Dr (west of Loop 610) (Km 29)
  • Offerings: GU Energy Gels
  • Toilet: No
• Memorial Dr (west end of Memorial Park) (Km 29.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.

The final 12 kilometers of the marathon bring you back toward the finish line, following Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway in a long eastward journey. This stretch through Memorial Park is mostly straight and flat—a test of mental strength just when fatigue weighs heaviest.

As you leave the park behind, the route begins to trace Buffalo Bayou's edge, and the downtown Houston skyline emerges ahead, growing steadily larger. It's a welcome sight that pulls you forward when you need it most.

Though the course has been remarkably flat until now, the final five kilometers along Allen Parkway present a new challenge: a series of gentle, rolling hills. These modest undulations, grading between 1-3%, will feel anything but modest at this stage of the race. Your strategy here is simple but crucial—shorten your stride on the climbs to conserve energy, then let gravity help you recover on the descents.

The final sequence of turns guides you off the parkway and onto Lamar Street, delivering you straight into the finishing chute at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

• Managing the Allen Parkway Rollers: From kilometer 37 onward, the course presents a series of short rises and falls. While minor on paper, they will challenge fatigued muscles. Focus on maintaining a consistent effort rather than trying to hold a specific pace through this section.
• Final Kilometer Focus: The finish line is just past the final turn onto Lamar Street. Use the downtown buildings as a visual anchor and draw energy from the cheering crowds to maintain your form all the way through the finish chute.

• None.

• Descent #2: Km 38.63 to Km 38.8, 0.16 km, avg grade -3.4%, total drop 5.48 m

• Memorial Park (inside/central segment) (Km 32.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Memorial Dr near Westcott (Km 34.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Allen Parkway @ Waugh (Buffalo Bayou Park) (Km 37)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes
• Allen Parkway @ Montrose (Km 39.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade Endurance
  • Toilet: Yes

• Miles of Music (~Km 30.6) (Spectator Zone): A 4.8-kilometer stretch with rocking tunes to motivate runners on their way to the finish line.
• Memorial Park Land Bridge Tunnels (~Km 33) (Spectator Zone): A DJ, light show, and noise makers create an unforgettable experience running through the tunnels.
• Michelob Ultra RunHou Party (~Km 33.8) (Spectator Zone): A true party on-course complete with free Michelob Ultra tastings for spectators.
• Buffalo Bayou Park (~Km 37) (Spectator Zone): Cheer zones along the hilliest part of the course where encouragement is needed most.