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☰
Houston Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Houston Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 4.6
Number of comments: 365 [displaying comments 131 to 141]
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D. B. from Biloxi, MS
(1/19/2009)
 "REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE" (about: 2009)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Houston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Didn't know what to expect from a large marathon since this was only my second run, but from here on the bar is set pretty high. Every race I run in the future will be compared to Houston. The fans were incredible, the organization was flawless, and every detail seemed to be addressed. The post-race environment was well controlled and supportive, allowing runners to stretch, hydrate and relax without the crowds bearing down on them. Can't wait till next year. | |
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D. H. from Southfield, MI
(1/19/2009)
 "The Best" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Houston Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Houston Marathon organizers promote the race as flat and fast. It's not really flat, as there are many rolling hills and inclines. The full marathon medal is the best I've received. The organization is unbelievable and there are spectators throughout the course encouraging you because the bibs are personalized. This full/half marathon has to be in the top 3 in the nation. The post-race food deserves 5 stars. The weigh-in before and after the race shows that they're trying continuously to improve and conduct runner research. I PR'd, but it is probably because of training, not the course. You must do this at least once. | |
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Lane Gremillion from Pineville, LA USA
(1/18/2009)
"A Great Marathon" (about: 2009)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Houston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my third marathon, and first in Houston. If I had to describe this marathon experience in one word, it would be "awesome." The expo was excellent. There were tons of booths, with every running item under the sun available. Packet pick-up was easy and the volunteer staff was very courteous and helpful. Race morning was not different. A very smooth start with no delays. The course was flat and well marked. There was never any question as to where turns were. Everything was clearly marked. There were also bands, DJ's playing music and tons of spectator support. For every foot of every mile, there was someone on the side giving you words of encouragement. Thanks to the great spectators, I found it easy to stay motivated and my times reflected that. I ran a marathon PR and a negative split as well. After the finish, all finishers received a great-looking medal, finisher's shirt and finisher's mug. All were top quality. Although my marathon experience is somewhat limited, I will go out on a limb and call this one of the top marathons in the country. It is well worth the trip and the money. | |
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Jeff Wang from Humble, Texas
(1/18/2009)
"Great marathon, but disappointing weather" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Houston Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Having completed my 8th Houston Marathon and a number of others, the 2009 Chevron Houston Marathon had to to one of the more challenging race. While the weather was not horrible by most standards, it was one of the hotter race that has taken place here. What made it more disappointing was that there were several cold fronts for the entire past week and possibly more to come next week. Somehow the marathon had to be run during the two-day heat wave. From a starting temperature of 55 it the high 60's, but the sun just would not quit. At the end, many of us discussed over our nice, warm, free breakfast over how the adverse weather affected our times. I just sat there and rubbed salt crystals off of my nose while demonstrating how hot it got. Aside from that, this was a very good race. With a relatively flat course and a decently good sight-seeing opportunity. it was well organized and well executed. There were a lot of water stations and first aid stations, and for a day like this they were handy. I was disappointed that there was no GU handed out at mile 20 this year, but the beer stop at 21 still remained. Spectators were plenty, as well as bands, radio station vans, belly dancers, and Elvises. The expo was somewhat bigger this year, and everyone got a nice check-in bag. The finisher's medal also got bigger, again proving everything is bigger in Texas. There were also finisher's tech shirt and mug, and last year we even received a DVD afterward. The Houston Marathon is a must-run for every runner, as far as I am concern. However, this was not the ideal year to run. Well, I will be back next year for a streaking #9. Maybe we'll get those temps in the mid 40's back again. | |
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K. K. from Houston, Texas
(4/20/2008)
"The Best" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Houston Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Okay, so I'm a little biased because I live in Houston but seriously, this is one incredible race. You want spectators? Try over 200,000 over the entire course. There's never a dead spot. You want organization? You're not going to find any better. From the huge expo to the fantastic post-race food, to the traffic security, to the baggage drop, it's just top notch. The course? Just a small number of minor bumps - they can't even be considered hills. There's one at the start, one just past halfway and then a few between 21 and 23. The rest of the course is flat, flat, flat. Do yourself a favor and run this race, but sign up early because they cap it and it always sells out. Oh, and when you sign up, consider running for one of the more than 44 charities that benefit from the Run For A Reason part of the marathon. Can I suggest Snowdrop Foundation? A wonderful pediatric cancer organization. | |
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t. w. from Indiana
(3/28/2008)
"Great, flat, fast, well organized marathon" (about: 2007)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Houston Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great marathon. Decent course, great organization, wonderful spectators and awesome post-race amenities (indoors, full breakfast, massages). Used it to qualify for Boston; I needed a 3:45 so I followed the 3:40 pacer to mile 18 and then slowed a little. Finished in just under 3:43, and noticed my pacer did a 3:39:59!!!!! Could he have been more perfect? (I guess if he'd been one second slower.) I highly recommend this race. | |
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N. B. from Baton Rouge, LA
(3/9/2008)
"What a great 1st 1/2 marathon!" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Houston Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 1st half and it was wonderful! I just don't think you can get better than this! The support crowd was AWESOME! Without them I just don't know if I would have made it. The pasta party was fun and the fitness expo had a lot of great things! The course was a little scary in parts but otherwise a great course. We stayed in the hotel that was at the start line. It was nice to roll out of bed and be there with no wait! They took lots of photos of us running which made for a great souvenir! This was a fun and exciting first 1/2 marathon! | |
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R. L. from San Antonio, TX
(2/12/2008)
"Awesome Event" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Houston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my second marathon and I must say it was an awesome experience. The organizers and volunteers were great. The only minor complaint would be how crowded the first 11 miles were due to having the half and full marathon on the same course. Other than that, it was a class act and a great time. I previously ran the San Antonio Marathon and was ready to give up on running. After running Houston, I can't wait to run my next one. I would strongly recommend this run for all runners. | |
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J. R. from California
(1/30/2008)
"I'll be back" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Houston Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is the first marathon I've done where as soon as I crossed the finish line I knew I'd do it again. The organization of this run is second to none, and considering how many runners were involved that is a statement. The expo was tremendously organized and you didn't need to work your way through a lot of vendors. On Sunday morning they allowed you to stay warm in a convention center rather than freezing at the start line (LOVED this). As others had written, after about mile 2 there were tons of people on the side of the road cheering you on or just out to watch, and the bands were great (whoever the metal band was at mile 7 or so, LOVED you guys!!!!). After the finish, we were led back into the convention center, and were given and plate and all the food we could eat! I've never experienced this before; it's usually a Clif Bar and a bottle of water. This was great. In short, the Houston Marathon should be a template for every major (or minor) running event. I've done a lot of bad ones, and it's really nice to see there are some organizers who care about putting on a good run! | |
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B. D. from Cincinnati, Ohio
(1/25/2008)
"Outstanding Winter Marathon" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Houston Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Since I used MarathonGuide.Com to pick Houston over Arizona and Disney, I thought it only right to add my own comments. This was my fourth and favorite marathon yet. Missed a PR by 17 seconds (3:57:15), but that is not the fault of the course. Flew into Hobby and rented a car through the marathon website link for only $14! Stayed at the Magnolia. Beautiful downtown hotel that allowed late checkout after the race for not much more than Motel 6 rates! Race organization and runner schwag were second to none! New wave start this year really helped with early miles congestion. Expo was well organized. Cotton T given at expo; Under Armour technical, medal, and beer mug at finish. Also a souvenir Champion Chip (one-time use). My only complaint is that my pace leader of the 3:50 group must have decided to run her own race. After several miles MUCH faster than the required 8:47 pace, I let her go, but the damage was done. I went out too fast and faded in the end. I was told she nearly caught the 3:40 pace leader. Next time I will rely on my own training and stopwatch. Again, I used previous runner comments to pick Houston and I recommend this marathon to anyone looking for a first-class event. |
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