Your Guide to the Chevron Houston Marathon
Visiting Houston for the largest marathon of the year? You're in luck! With mild temperatures and an eclectic mix of dining, events and free things to do near the marathon route, you're set for an experience of a lifetime -- even if you aren't lacing up.
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The Chevron Houston Marathon begins in downtown and crosses through the following neighborhoods: Washington Corridor, The Heights, Montrose, Upper Kirby, The Museum District, West University, The Galleria, and Memorial.
The Aramco Houston Half Marathon is focused in the downtown, Upper Kirby and Montrose neighborhoods.
Hotels Nearby
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To book in the official block for discounted rates at several properties in the city, please click here.
Noteworthy additions:
Closest to the start line:
Splurge-worthy:
Budget-friendly:
For even more options: Hotels in Downtown Houston
Dining
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With the start/finish located across the street from the George R. Brown Convention Center, we've rounded up some great dining options nearby. Check out our guides to notable dining in Downtown Houston and East Downtown a.k.a EaDo.
Downtown Houston: great options for quick and late-night bites, more well-known eateries, and energetic nightlife. The Rustic - Downtown is a popular spot with lots of energy, live music and good ol' Southern cooking.
East Downtown: local breweries with sprawling space, a focus on fresh ingredients, and food trucks parked along the streets in the wee hours of the morning. If you're looking for a post-race burger or your a spectator in need of some protein, Rodeo Goat is a Houston fav.
Free Things To Do
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The honest truth: Houston is a fantastic city to enjoy on a budget! Given the number of free things to do inside and outside of the 610 loop, you could easily spend an entire day exploring these super cost-effective attractions. Here is a taste of the free things to do in the area.
Witness 250,000 bats emerge at dusk from under the Waugh Drive Bridge, located over Buffalo Bayou between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive.
Waugh Bats
Houston's Contemporary Arts Museum focuses on showing new work from national and international artists. In addition to hosting exhibits, the CAMH also offers lectures, special programs and a stellar shop chock-full of unique books and gifts.
Contemporary Arts Museum
Designed by architect Philip Johnson more than 20 years ago, the Galleria-area Water Wall offers a refreshing respite for visitors seeking a mid-afternoon break. The 64-foot-tall fountain - built to look like a "horseshoe of running water" - sits among 186 oak trees at the base of the 64-story Williams Tower.
Gerald Hines Waterwall
See even more Free Things to do in Houston
Volunteer
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You don't have to run the race to be a part of it. Volunteering is a great opportunity to join in on the excitement, and lucky for you we have all the details you'll need. The Chevron Houston Marathon weekend events depend on each individual volunteer to produce a great race.
Besides being part of Houston’s largest single-day sporting event, Race Crew volunteers receive exciting perks like race crew memorabilia, entry into RunFest festivities, and free parking. Volunteer as an individual or make it a group activity. On race weekend the Houston Marathon Committee coordinates medical coverage along the course and at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Public safety officers, EMS, and over 500 medical volunteers make this one of the safest races in the country, but only in part through the help of volunteers. Find out more here.
