I ran Houston for the first time in 2000 and it was awesome. The fast course, top organization, crowds, entertainment, and overall feel contributed to a great experience. Though my time suffered a little due to warm weather (2:34) I will surely come back every year. Ready for 2001!!!

Houston Marathon seemed to be a pretty decent all-around experience. A mid-packer, I can understand and empathize with comments decrying marathon having what might be considered a too-early cut-off time. However, as someone who's been involved with race organization in a metropolitan area, I must point out city permit conditions, cost of police protection, and potential hazards/anger caused by blocking off big sections of a major city are things that can limit what race organizers are allowed to do and/or afford.

A Houston resident, 62, I have run in the past 9 Houston Marathons (PR 4:43:17 in '94). I have seen some fall off in quality in recent years (especially in the area of post-race food), although the new sponser Compaq in 2001 will hopefully elevate the level and bring back the unique food of earlier years (cajun food, etc.). I would like to see the course remain open to at least six hours, and for some post-race food areas to remain closed until later in the race so there is something left other than oranges for the slower runners. Although there are interesting stretches on the course out-of-town runners could get a better flavor of various Houston neighborhoods if the course were redesigned to also include the Harrisburg/ University of Houston/ McGregor area as well as the River Oaks area. The Race Committee needs to get either the City of Houston or West University to repave the section of the course on the southwest perimeter of Rice University - very rough running along that stretch. Hoopla is excellent every year, except once again for the slower runners coming down the last 8 miles. The tenor of the Houston race is - 'get in, run, get out as fast as possible' - not what I would call an experience to SAVOR. There are not many post-race events that encourage people to stick around the area downtown. Perhaps the Downtown Business Assn could work with the Marathon to add value to the Houston Marathon experience by adding other events in the area after the Marathon. I was very disappointed that a finisher's T shirt was replaced by a medal in 2000. I would like to see barbeque from some of the local excellent barbeque places added to the post-race offerings (and some saved for the slower runners). The George R. Brown Center is 2nd to none for gathering before and after the Marathon - especially in inclement weather. If you are an elite or average runner, almost everything about the Houston Marathon is A-OK, in fact very positive. If you are a slower runner (more than 5:00 hours, although course shuts down in 5:30 hours), the over-all experience can really 'suck', especially if you get stuck out on San Felipe or Memorial Drive trying to walk on non-existent sidewalks. If the message the Marathon Committee wants to send to the world is 'slow runners stay away', the message comes across loud and clear. If they want to change the message and have the Houston Marathon experience broaden to include a wider stectrum of runners, they need to make some REAL adjustments. I listen for a changed message every year.

My only visit to this race was the frozen mess of '97, which, among other things, hampered usual crowd support (hey, we runners may be nuts, but spectators aren't required to be!). Weather helped contribute to a PW (those closing miles into the teeth of that 30 mph wind-driven freezing rain were especially nice), but didn't let that dampen overall impression of race, which was quite positive. Meeting Carl Lewis at the expo (and him and sister Carol at a race-night private party) was an interesting touch.

(Ran in '98.) I give race great marks for goodies bestowed on us (2 t-shirts, glass mug, other items in bag), post- race food and facilities (smoothies-- great idea!) and the split-street start-- we went out much more smoothly and easily than I ever expected 4,400+ people ever could. Portions of course are nicely scenic (Rice Univ. area) and easy for spectators to meet runners at several points. Several hotels within walking distance of start. I am appreciative of the numbers/types of entertainment on the course. Never encountered a belly dancer gauntlet at any of the other 27 marathons I've run. Be alert for ex-Pres. Bush, who sometimes spectates around the 18-mile mark.

I've run this race more than once and truly love the course. It's the entertainment I'm not too crazy about. The race could use more radio stations, more live bands, more school cheerleaders to help liven our spirits.

I love running the Houston Marathon. I have run in the 99 and 2000 races. There is a lot of argument (both ways) about the time cut off of 5.5 hours. For me it isn't a problem, but I wish we could show a little more compassion to those who train hard and make such an accomplishment, even if they do need 7 hours to do it. I hate seeing them pushed off the course when they have gotten halfway through, but the time won't let them finish in 5.5 hours. The people of Houston come out in droves to support this event. The runners love the crowds, and I love that my hometown does such a wonderful job of putting on a great marathon. The course is great. The weather is always an unknown, but that makes it part of the excitement. The only downfall to this whole event is the short amount of time that is given to finish. Extend the finish time to 7 hours like the other races do. Let others have the enjoyment of training to run 26.2 miles, at their pace.

Jan 2000 I ran my 6th Houston Marathon. Total to date I have run 14 marathons. Houston is my favorite because of the course, the spectators and the start/finish location. I've run Boston, NYC, Chicago, Austin, White Rock, but they all start and end without any type of shelter. The convention center is great. Nobody can control the weather, so it's nice to know you can start and finish in comfort. Also the food at the end is always great. I guess Houston spoiled me, because I always hate wondering around in the open looking for a bus with my bag then standing in line for food. I always enjoy the crowds in Houston also. I like the flat course. The high point is an overpass.
Now if the weather would cooperate....

I've run this marathon 4 times. Each time it is a tremendous rush to have crazy people (why would they line the streets at 8AM on Sunday morning) cheering you on, goading you, feeding you and distracting you from the task of running. The course is mainly flat so times can be really good. Except that one time it was way humid. Overall, great course to run!!!