HOUSTON — The annual Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon and We Are Houston 5K return this weekend!
At a news conference Friday morning, Police Chief Troy Finner said public safety is the top priority. He said they don't expect any issues but there will be hundreds of law enforcement officers along the route to keep athletes and spectators safe.
"Please, please, If you see something, say something," Finner said.
The chief also reminded drivers to look out for runners along the 26.2-mile route and joked that he'll be one of them.
"Just a quick announcement, you know, I signed up yesterday for the race and I'm really good for about 26 yards and 2 feet," Finner said laughing.
Race morning temperatures -- expected to start in the 50s and warm up to the 70s -- will be great for spectators, but not so much for the runners.
"Mother Nature has decided to provide a little warmer race than we were expecting," marathon medical director Dr. Lars Thestrup. "This might not be the year to account for a personal best... you may want to take it a little slower."
Thestrup also offered a few tips for runners:
- Obviously, stay hydrated
- Wear light fabric
- If you feel dizzy, nauseous or overheated, stop and seek medical help.
- Respect your limits
- Listen to your body
If you need help, there will be 22 aid stations along the route staffed by medical personnel, misting stations and METRO buses for cooling down.
If you're planning to cheer the runners on, here's what you need to know.
Houston Marathon race times
Saturday, January 14: We Are Houston 5K presented by Aramco and Chevron
- Starts at McKinney & Crawford
- 6:30 a.m. - 5K race day packet pick-up opens
- 7:50 a.m. - Wheelchair start
- 8 a.m. - Race start
Sunday, January 15: Chevron Houston Marathon & Aramco Houston Half Marathon
- Starts at Congress & Fannin
- 6:50 a.m. - Marathon and half marathon wheelchair start
- 7:01 a.m. - Marathon and half marathon start
Street closures
Expect traffic to be slow around areas impacted by the racecourse.
Click here for a full list of street and freeway exit closures.
Spectator information
According to Chevron Houston Marathon, here are some of the best spots to watch the race:
- Washington and Sabine
- Waugh/S Heights at Feagan/Willa
- West Gray, Kirby and Bissonnet
- Waugh and Bell
- Westheimer and Kirby
- Kirby and Norfolk
- Bissonnet and Greenbriar
- Montrose and Bartlett
- University and Auden
- Weslayan and Bissonnet
- Post Oak Boulevard at the Galleria
- Memorial and N Picnic Lane
- Memorial and S Picnic Lane
- Memorial to Allen Parkway
Click here for the full list of spectator locations.
Marathon weather
Sunday morning is expected to be comfortably chilly with high temps rising up to 75 degrees. Check the full marathon forecast below.
You can follow Chevron Houston Marathon on social media:
Facebook: Chevron Houston Marathon
Twitter: @HoustonMarathon
For more information on parking, course information and runner info, you can visit the Chevron Houston Marathon's website.