The 2025 Aramco Houston Half Marathon Course Guide
13.1 Miles Through the Heart of Space City: Your Mile-by-Mile Guide to Houston's Fast, Flat Urban Course
Note: This guide is based on a GPX file created from an interpretation of the official course map. The official course distance is 13.1 miles, which is the shortest possible route while staying within the course boundaries. The GPX file measures the course at 13.22 miles, so distances in the guide are approximate.
Course Overview
The Aramco Houston Half Marathon has a rich history of hosting top-tier competition and has even hosted the men’s and women’s USATF Half Marathon Championship in prior years. This looped route through some of Houston’s most iconic neighborhoods is generally flat and known for being PR-friendly.
You’ll begin in the early-morning pre-dawn light (starts begin at 6:55 a.m.), watching the city gradually come to life. Expect cool January temperatures (average lows in the mid-40s and highs in the mid-60s), which add to the course’s reputation for speed and comfort.
Key Stats
Event Date: January 19th, 2025
Event Type: Road Half Marathon
Course Length: 13.1 miles
Course Type: Loop
TrailScore: 19.88
Road Half Marathon Rating: Easy
Total Ascent: 126.51 feet
Total Descent: 128.44 feet
Longest Uphill: N/A
Longest Downhill: N/A
Grade Distribution:
Flat: 88.7%
Minor Decline: 5.6%
Minor Incline: 4.0%
Moderate Incline: 0.8%
Moderate Decline: 0.8%
Course Briefing
Miles 0-3 (Downtown Launch)
Overview
You’ll start near downtown Houston just before sunrise, sharing the road with marathoners. The first three miles are mostly flat, with a few short, gentle rises and dips around street transitions (e.g., between Congress and Franklin). You’ll catch early glimpses of the skyline and pass historical downtown landmarks on Congress Street.
Key Challenges
Slight dips and rises around the 0.12–0.33 mile range can create minor shifts in effort early on.
The moderate decline near Mile 0.12–0.22 is brief but can tempt you to start faster than planned.
Aid Stations
Mile 2: First refueling station offering water and Gatorade Endurance Formula. Medical aid and port-a-cans are situated just before the fluid tables.
Points of Interest
Mile 1 (Marathon Elvis at Washington & Sabine): Enjoy some classic Elvis tunes as you settle into your pace.
Mile 2 (Aldine High School Drumline): Their energetic beat will power you through this early stretch.
Historical downtown architecture along Congress Street (e.g., Old Houston National Bank Building, Market Square Park).
Miles 3-6 (Washington Avenue to Kirby Drive)
Overview
This segment leads you out of the urban core toward lively residential and commercial areas. The route stays predominantly flat, though you might notice minor elevation changes around Waugh Drive (Miles 2.7–3.1). Local charities and spectators bring plenty of enthusiasm along these streets.
Key Challenges
A brief moderate incline on Waugh Drive around Mile 3 (2.95–3.06) can catch you off-guard if you’re not expecting it.
Small fluctuations continue, so aim to keep a steady rhythm rather than surging.
Aid Stations
Mile 3.5: Refueling station with medical aid and port-a-cans just before the fluid tables.
Mile 5: Refueling station with medical aid and port-a-cans.
Points of Interest
Mile 3 & 4 Charity Stations (West Gray & Kirby): Official Run for a Reason charities line these streets.
Mile 3 (The Great Pretenders): Classic rock ’n’ roll adds a fun vibe.
Mile 5.5 (Asociación Folklorica Boliviana): Bolivian cultural show near Westheimer & Kirby.
Mile 6 (Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at Kirby & Norfolk): A true Texas flavor, complete with rodeo volunteers in cowboy hats.
Miles 6-9 (Kirby, Bissonnet & Montrose)
Overview
As you wind past residential areas and cultural institutions, the terrain remains gently rolling. Light grade variations on Kirby and Bissonnet Streets keep things interesting. This stretch is a good opportunity to maintain a consistent effort without burning out.
Key Challenges
Extended flat sections (Miles 6–7, 7–8) can lull you into picking up pace prematurely; stay focused on conserving energy.
Mild undulations around Bissonnet and Montrose (Miles 7–9) won’t be overly taxing if you stay relaxed.
Aid Stations
Mile 6.5: Refueling station with medical aid and port-a-cans.
Mile 8: Refueling station with medical aid and port-a-cans.
Points of Interest
Mile 7 (Fleet Feet and Brooks Watch Party at Bissonnet & Greenbriar): A big cheering section for spectators and runners.
Mile 8 (Italian Cultural & Community Center at Montrose & Bartlett): Expect Italian-inspired cheers and enthusiasm.
Cultural landmarks like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Contemporary Arts Museum just before you head north on Montrose.
Miles 9-13.1 (Allen Parkway & the Finish)
Overview
Around Miles 10–11, you’ll enter Allen Parkway, where moderate rollers serve as a final challenge. Though the inclines are small, they can feel more pronounced late in the race. After clearing these rolling sections, you’ll head downtown to finish strong near the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Key Challenges
Short, minor inclines and declines along Allen Parkway (Miles 10.5–12) can test fatigued legs.
A moderate incline near Mile 11.4–11.6 requires you to maintain proper form and controlled breathing.
Aid Stations
Mile 9.5: Refueling station with medical aid and port-a-cans.
Mile 11: Refueling station with medical aid and port-a-cans.
Mile 12.5: Final refueling station before you kick to the finish.
Points of Interest
Miles 11-12 (Buffalo Bayou Park along Allen Pkwy): The route’s hilliest portion, where spectators line the park to cheer you on.
Finish Line near Downtown: Concludes at the George R. Brown Convention Center with post-race refreshments and celebration.