The Houston Marathon (Chevron Houston Marathon) is one of the largest and fastest winter marathons in the United States, drawing over 25,000 runners to Texas each January. The flat, fast course starts and finishes in downtown Houston, looping through the Museum District, Rice University, and the tree-lined streets of the Heights. Houston's diverse food scene, space heritage, and warm Southern hospitality make it a top pick for runners chasing a fast winter time.
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Race day gear matters. A major marathon deserves the right shoes — see our best marathon running shoes for data-backed recommendations.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Houston Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, January 11, 2026 |
| Venue | George R. Brown Convention Center (Start/Finish) |
| Address | 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 |
| Airport | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) |
January in Houston is mild with temperatures around 6–16°C (43–61°F), though conditions can vary from cool and crisp to warm and humid. Our weather and marathon performance analysis explains how these conditions affect pacing.
Where to Stay
Downtown Houston near the convention center is the most convenient for the start/finish. The Museum District and Montrose offer charming neighbourhood stays within easy reach of the course. The Medical Center area also has good hotel options.
Getting There
From George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Bus 102 | 60–75 min | $1.25 | To downtown Houston |
| Taxi/Ride-share | 30–45 min | $40–60 | Direct to downtown |
Ride-share (Uber/Lyft) is the most convenient option. Houston is a car-centric city, so factor that into your planning.
Where to Eat
Houston is one of the most diverse food cities in America, with incredible Tex-Mex, Vietnamese, BBQ, and Gulf Coast seafood. The Montrose and Heights neighbourhoods are packed with excellent restaurants. Chinatown (Bellaire Blvd) has some of the best Asian food in the country.
Local Food to Try
- Texas BBQ brisket — Slow-smoked beef brisket with a peppery bark, served with white bread and pickles
- Tex-Mex breakfast tacos — Flour tortillas filled with eggs, cheese, beans, and salsa — a Houston morning ritual
- Vietnamese pho — Houston has a massive Vietnamese community and some of the best pho outside Vietnam
Essential Tips
Currency. US Dollar (USD). Cash vs card. Cards accepted everywhere. Cash rarely needed. Tipping. 18–20% at restaurants; $1–2 per drink at bars. Language. English. Spanish is widely spoken. Weather. Mild but variable, 6–16°C (43–61°F) — can be humid. Safety. Downtown and tourist areas are safe. Standard urban awareness applies.
What to See
- Space Center Houston — NASA's official visitor center with real spacecraft, astronaut experiences, and mission control tours
- Museum District — 19 museums within walking distance, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Buffalo Bayou Park — A 160-acre urban park along the bayou with trails, public art, and skyline views
- The Menil Collection — A world-class free art museum with works by Warhol, Magritte, and Ernst
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | IAH, ~35 min by taxi/ride-share |
| Venue | George R. Brown Convention Center (Start/Finish) |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely |
| Language | English |
| Weather | 6–16°C (43–61°F) |
| Emergency | 911 |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Marathon Time? — Percentiles from 1.2M finishes to set your goal
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your time
Gear:
- Best Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: June 2026.