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Apr 27, 2024

Houston Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.5

Organization 4.7

Spectators 4.6

Number of comments: 365 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 37 > ]

Jeff Wang from Humble, Texas (1/15/2017) "Holy cow, it was hot" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Houston Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Holy cow, this was the most miserable Houston Marathon I have run in past 16 years. It was unseasonably hot, with temp up to 79. Many of us wished it was last week in 30's, but oh well. Between the temperature reaching high 70, high humidity, occasional rain, and sunshine, I was glad it was over. For those of out of Townes, Houston is usually not this hot, even in January. Aside from the weather, Houston Marathon went well. It always have great organization, from registration to Expo, which is huge, to prerace activities in GRB Convention Center (lots of everything, from prayer service to breakfast to tons to portapotty to my favorite Men's Urinal area), to the race (tons of portapotty on the course, I didn't even have to wait in line; also tons of water station, very important this year), to the fabulous post race finishers shirt/mug and tons of food -I had 2 ice cream sandwiches. Hands down, the best marathon organizers in my book. Course is nice and fairly scenic. Lots of crowds, even with the rain. Lots of flags, signs, bands, and other things to distract you. Mile markers were great-very visible and fairly accurate. Lots of race crews and police there- big thank you for all of them. The corral system worked fine. The only minor complaint I have is how GRB area had grown, and parking is a bit tough, since the new Marriott took 3-4 lots that was previously for parking, and fencing of the race took a bunch of garage out as well. Look forward to sign up next year's race. Just hoping we actually have winter weather for the race.
H. V. from Netherlands (1/26/2016) "Top" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Fantastic course > long straights, wide roads, good surface, no hills, Excellent organisation > expo not too big and not too small, good location, great sponsors, corrals well organised, start time excellent, plenty port-a-potties, plenty of refreshment stations Spectators > zillion enthusiastic spectators Well done.
K. K. from New Jersey (1/25/2016) "Houston does it best!" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run marathons of all sizes and cannot say enough good things about Houston. From pre-race notifications, to the expo, to the start, the course, the volunteers, the wonderful spectators and the finish, it all exceeded expectations. The course is flat and fast as advertised and helped me earn a shiny new PR. The spectators and volunteers are what make this race so enjoyable. They cheer your name and offer so much on course support. I loved all the beer stops, but had to pass on the tequila! :) The convention center is open before the race so you don't have to stand in the cold. Plenty of portopotties. The start corrals are extremely well organized. Many thanks to the city and people of Houston. I have zero criticism for this marathon and loved every aspect of it. I stayed downtown in walking distance of the expo/start/finish which worked out perfectly. Plenty of restaurants in the area and for venturing out of downtown, Uber was cheap and easy.
J. C. from Jonesboro, Arkansas (1/18/2016) "One Million Spectators" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was hands-down the most spectators I have ever seen at a race of any distance. They were loud. They called your name. They got right in your face (in a good way) and made sure you felt their support. The course was just as advertised, with overpasses and underpasses being the only deviation from flat. The course was a mixture of concrete and asphalt. I expected the concrete to take its toll, but the it was the poor condition of the asphalt that caused all the problems. Aid stations were very well manned so if you were in a crowd or dropped your first cup you could easily get another without slowing. The post-race experience was great, also. Volunteers ensured that you were okay and guided you through an expertly-designed obstacle course supplying finishers with swag, food and drink. The expo featured dozens of vendors and, unlike Rock n' Roll races, you could get deals on something other than Brooks shoes. I missed my goal for this race, but still recognize how well everything is put together.
Jeff Wang from Humble, Texas (1/17/2016) "Love the new course in this beautiful weather" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Houston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is the third year we ran this new Houston Marathon course, and I am loving it more than ever. I have finished 15 Houston and 13 SF among other marathons, and Houston remains as my favorite. The organization is impeccable, again demonstrated this year with excellent Expos, smooth running of the race, and absolutely fantastic post race events. As for pre-race, registration is an ease. I think the system they have set up is fair for those of us vets and the newbies. Expo had a great layout and allow you to go in and out quickly if you want, or linger forever if you choose. At the morning of race, GRB Convention center had everything from breakfast for purchase to Sunday service. There were so many portapotty there, but personal favorite: Urinal Portapotty for men only. While it sound sexist, it is great, with 3 stalls that can fit 4-6 guys at one time. The line really moved. They should have that at ALL races to cut down for wait time. The race was well planned, with corral system working smoothly. I was in group B and took me 10 minutes to get to start. Not too bad. Weather was a cool 40F to start and ended up at 50's - you can't get any better. Spectators were great, represented by everything from Hispanic dancers to Belly dancers to Banana men. The new course ran through some nicer neighborhood, shopping area, and parks, quite scenic for Houston standard. There were lots of flags- shout out to HFD #6 for over-sized flag, as well as flags at miles 24.5. Tons of portapotty and water/fluid station along the way, and don't forget beer truck at mile 21. Post race included free mug AND tech finisher shirt, warm breakfast with egg/sausage/biscuit and chocolate milk and sodas. Darn they ran out of ice cream, but there was yogurt.. I think Houston Marathon is the best planned race there is, and J am proud to be a loyal participant of this great event. Houstonians should be proud of what we have to show the world in January every year.
R. L. from Michigan (2/17/2015) "Awesome race!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am amazed at the level of organization for the course in a major city and the amount of local support. The course was nearly lined all the way with crowds for cheering. Was a great event and I recommend it highly. When the only drawback you can think of is 'Sketchers gear' for shirts, it is a fantastic race.
D. R. from Cincinnati, OH (1/24/2015) "Great large city marathon!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I loved this marathon. The organization really stood out. The course support was superb and I really liked the medals (I did the 5K on Sat and marathon on Sun so got 3 medals!) Very friendly city with convenient hotels. Strongly recommend this marathon!
D. B. from Houston, TX (1/22/2015) "Another year, another great race" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Houston Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 3rd Houston and my 22nd overall. Being a Houstonian, this race will always be one of my favorites. The organization is top notch, the course is fast and flat (come and get that PR and BQ). The weather this year was that perfect SE Texas January weather (start in upper 40's, 50's at finish) and the crowds were out in force to cheer us on. Will be interesting how quickly it sells out next year given the new registration system (no lottery). If you aren't in the guaranteed entry pool I'd mark your calendar if you want to run this one in 2016. I know I will be there for sure.
D. M. from Florida (1/22/2015) "One of the BEST!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon should be at the top of your list, if you have not done it. The organization is THE BEST I have every experienced (I have done over 30 marathons). The course is set up just right. It is mostly flat, with just a few small ups. The fan support was good all over the course. I can't remember a section that did not have some fans on the side cheering us on. The volunteers at the water stations were spectacular. They were very supportive (with the YOU CAN DO THIS). The finish line area leading into the convention center was well staffed. The staff inside the center were very helpful. It was easy to find the finish give a ways, as well as the food area. The line for the food was long, but it keep moving. The family reunion area was well marked and easy to navigate. My experience with the Houston Marathon was OUTSTANDING from start to finish. If you are thinking about this race, do it. It's a good one.
C. H. from Tulsa,ok (1/20/2015) "Well supported/organized" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Houston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is one of the most organized marathons!! The support is incredible!! Lots of people take the time to read your name on your bib to encourage you by NAME!! Water stops were amazing as the called my name out as they handed me water!!! I will come back to run this marathon! Thanks Houston, Texas!

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