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Houston Marathon: A Fast and Flat Course for Personal Bests
The Houston Marathon is renowned for its fast, flat course, making it an ideal choice for runners aiming to improve their times or qualify for other major events. The route begins in downtown Houston, near Minute Maid Park, and takes runners through various neighborhoods, offering a diverse and picturesque experience.
| Distance | Time Limit | Minimum Pace |
|---|---|---|
| 21K | 4 hours | 18:18 per mile |
| Marathon | 6 hours | 13:45 per mile |
To calculate your pace in miles, use our race pace calculator.
Imperial Measurements
As the event takes place in the United States, the primary unit of measurement is miles, although kilometer markers are also present. Incorporate imperial measurements into your training plan to familiarize yourself with this system and ensure smooth race-day pacing.
Course Overview
It’s important to note that this is a point-to-point course, meaning the start and finish locations differ but are relatively close. The route highlights include:
The course is certified by the USA Track & Field Road Running Technical Council, ensuring accuracy and eligibility for official records.
- Start: Congress and San Jacinto Streets in downtown Houston.
- Neighborhoods and Landmarks: Runners pass through areas like Houston Heights, Neartown, Hermann Park, and Rice University, showcasing the city’s cultural and geographical diversity.
- Uptown and Memorial Park: This section features green spaces and urban views, including the renowned Memorial Park.
- Allen Parkway: The final stretch takes runners along this scenic roadway back to downtown.
- Finish: Lamar and Crawford Streets, near the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Houston Marathon Course Profile
The Houston Marathon is celebrated for its flat profile, making it one of the fastest and most popular courses for runners seeking personal bests. Unlike the New York City Marathon’s bridges or Boston’s hills, Houston’s course features minimal elevation changes, with a maximum of 25 meters (84 feet) above sea level, distributed gradually throughout the route.
Elevation Details:
- Start in Downtown Houston:
Low elevation, nearly at sea level. - First Miles (up to Memorial Park):
Barely noticeable elevation changes with gentle undulations. - Uptown and Memorial Park Area:
The highest point (~25 meters) is reached here, with very mild slopes. - Final Miles on Allen Parkway:
Minor ups and downs before leveling out as runners approach the finish.
The flat, uniform nature of the course, combined with January’s cool weather, creates ideal conditions for achieving personal bests or qualifying for events like the Boston Marathon.
Explore Houston
Beyond the race, the event offers a chance to experience Houston’s vibrant culture and landmarks.
Download the route in .GPX format, forecast and time calculator of the Houston Marathon
If you want to download the route of the Houston Marathon in .GPX format you can visit here: Calendar running.COACH
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