Houston Marathon Runs This Sunday

Sadists known as distance runners are expected to crowd the streets near George R. Brown Convention Center this Sunday morning to take part in the Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Half-Marathon and Houston Press/Smart Financial 5K. The race has grown-up quite a bit since the initial event in 1972 when the first race was run by 113 runners on a five mile loop. 2007's 35th incarnation of the event will feature 15,000 registered runners between the marathon and half-marathon contingents covering a course that weaves throughout Houston.

The race course starts and ends at the GRB after winding around town. Participants will follow roughly the same path for the first nine miles through the 6th Ward, The Heights and Montrose. The halfers will turn back for the return trip to the Start/Finish Line as the marathoners continue on to the Museum District. From there the course meanders through West U and the Galleria before hitting Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway for the home stretch.

Spectators are expected to reach the 200,000 mark throughout the day. Be sure to check out the course map and road closure listings before you enter the frustrating fray of attempting to get course-side. Houstonist recommends watching from one of the overpasses along the Allen Parkway section of the course and reminds you to dress for the weather and not to put your cell phone and coffee cup in the same jacket pocket (no matter how empty the cup seems to be).

Those of you wishing to participate are S.O.L. for the marathon and the half, but you can still register for the 5K at the Roger Clemens Institute Expo.

Chevron Houston Marathon
www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com
Phone: 713-957-3453
Sunday, January 14th
7:00 am - 1:00 pm

Roger Clemens Institute Expo
George R. Brown Convention Center
Friday, January 12th
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday, January 13th
9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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Photo: flickr user Hugo*.