HOUSTON — Chevron Houston Marathon runners will dress warmly this weekend, and those extra layers won’t go to waste as they shed them along the race course.
They’ll be donated to Star of Hope mission which has already been out on the streets in advance of the cold snap.
“We’re giving out blankets and scarves and gloves and things like that,” said Star of Hope spokesman Scott Arthur.
Come Monday, supplies will multiply thanks to the marathon and half-marathon.
“Typically and historically, the runners will shed clothes as they reach different mile markers during the run and just literally put them on the side of the road,” Arthur said.
Last year, marathon volunteers filled about 200 bags with clothing collected along the course.
Extra layers are on sale at the marathon expo, and most runners plan to wear at least three or four.
“Long sleeves, short sleeves, a hoodie to throw away,” said runner Diane Walter.
Her running club from College Station is glad to discard for a good cause.
“We have a number running the marathon and a few running the half-marathon, and we’re all planning on doing that,” Walter said.
Items are also being collected before the race at the expo.
“Well, I had a bunch of old running shoes at home, and I figured that I don’t run in them anymore, so I will donate them,” said runner Ken Ehman.
Much of what ends up along the streets during the marathon returns to them later to help those in need.
“The marathon people do a great job picking up all the clothes and giving them to us,” Arthur said.
Aside from runners, you can always donate to the Star of Hope. Blankets are a particular need. Find more information here.