Houston Marathon
Houston, USA · Mid-January
Flat, fast loop where American records and debuts happen. Well-drilled organisation, sharp corners kept to a minimum, and a January date that guarantees you trained through the holidays.
Course
Elevation gain
65 m
Net elevation
Flat
Finishers
~8,000
Month
January
Mid-January
Race-day weather
Median start temp
7°C
Historical range
0–18°C
Hot-year risk
Low
January in Texas is usually cool and dry at dawn — the reason half the US elite field opens their year here.
Getting in
Sells out fast. Registration opens in the summer; guaranteed entry for time standards. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for Houston Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Houston Marathon a fast course?
Yes, it is a fast course by big-marathon standards. The course has 65 m of total elevation gain and no net drop. We rate it 8/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the Houston Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 7°C, with a historical range of roughly 0–18°C. January in Texas is usually cool and dry at dawn — the reason half the US elite field opens their year here.
How do you get into the Houston Marathon?
Sells out fast. Registration opens in the summer; guaranteed entry for time standards.
Is the Houston Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Houston Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times.