The 2025 Chevron Houston Marathon Course Guide
Fast Miles in the Most Diverse Large City in the US
Note: This guide is based on a GPX file created from an interpretation of the official course map. The official course distance is 26.2 miles, which is the shortest possible route while staying within the course boundaries. The GPX file measures the course at 26.46 miles, so distances in the guide are approximate.
Course Overview
The Chevron Houston Marathon has a storied history of speed and flat terrain, making it a popular choice for runners seeking personal bests and Boston qualifying times. It begins before sunrise at 6:55 a.m., so expect your start to be in the pre-dawn light (sunrise isn’t until 7:12 a.m.).
Historically, temperatures at the race start range from the upper 30s°F to mid-40s°F, rising to the 60s°F during race day.
Although the course trends flat, you can anticipate some gentle inclines and declines in the final miles as you approach Allen Parkway and Buffalo Bayou Park. If you mentally prepare for these small but noticeable changes in the last 10K, you should be able to maintain a steady rhythm throughout the rest of the loop.
Key Stats
Event Date: January 19th, 2025
Event Type: Road Marathon
Course Length: 26.2 miles
Course Type: Loop
TrailScore: 38.83
Road Marathon Rating: Easy
Total Ascent: 217.45 feet
Total Descent: 220.18 feet
Longest Uphill: N/A
Longest Downhill: N/A
Grade Distribution:
Flat: 92.8%
Minor Decline: 4.0%
Moderate Incline: 2.8%
Moderate Incline: 0.4%
Course Briefing
Miles 0-6 (Start – Downtown to Kirby)
Overview
These early miles begin in Downtown Houston before sunrise (first corral sets off at 6:55 a.m.). Streets are mostly flat here, though you’ll encounter brief clusters of minor declines and inclines as you weave out of downtown onto Washington Avenue. It should feel fast and crowded, so focus on staying relaxed and finding your rhythm in the first 5K. By Mile 6, you’ll be near Kirby Drive.
Key Challenges
Early Congestion: The pulsed start helps, but the narrow downtown streets can still feel packed in the first 1–2 miles. Stay patient and don’t burn extra energy weaving around other runners.
Gradual Shifts in Terrain: Minor ups and downs along Washington Avenue. These aren’t steep, but be mindful of effort changes to stay even.
Aid Stations
Mile 2: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 3.5: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 5: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Points of Interest
Mile 1: Marathon Elvis (Washington & Sabine): Live Elvis music sets a festive mood—he’s been entertaining runners here for more than a decade.
Mile 2: Aldine High School Drumline (Waugh/S Heights at Feagan/Willa): Get ready for their booming beats to keep your spirits high.
Keep an eye out for Market Square Park and some fun murals as you exit downtown.
Miles 6-11 (Kirby to West University)
Overview
Kirby Drive leads you through some of Houston’s well-known neighborhoods. The flat profile continues, with only slight inclines and declines that don’t last long. By Mile 11, you’ll enter West University, where enthusiastic local support awaits. Maintain a controlled pace and keep fueling on schedule to set yourself up for a strong second half.
Key Challenges
Slight Inclines: A handful of minor inclines near Kirby intersections. They’re not steep, but can add up if you surged too early.
Maintaining Rhythm: If you went out too hard in the first 10K, watch for any early signs of fatigue here. Focus on a smooth, consistent effort.
Aid Stations
Mile 6.5: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 8: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 9.5: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 11: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Points of Interest
Mile 6: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Kirby & Norfolk): Embrace the Texas spirit—look for the black cowboy hats and bright orange vests.
Mile 7: Fleet Feet and Brooks Watch Party (Bissonnet & Greenbriar): A lively cheering section before runners press onward toward West U.
Mile 11: West University Mayor’s Breakfast (University & Auden): Enjoy the spirited crowd near City Hall—it’s always bustling with spectators.
Miles 11-16 (West University to The Galleria)
Overview
You’ll cruise through West U and continue along mostly flat roads. By Mile 14, you’re in the vicinity of The Galleria—one of Houston’s standout landmarks. This is a good stretch to check in with your body; you’re approaching the halfway mark, so settle into a maintainable pace and keep on top of nutrition.
Key Challenges
Maintaining Focus: Relatively unremarkable terrain can lull you into autopilot. Stay dialed in to your fueling and form.
Crowd Distractions: The energy near The Galleria can be uplifting but might tempt you to pick up the pace prematurely.
Aid Stations
Mile 12.5: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 14: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 15.5: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Points of Interest
Mile 14: The Galleria (Post Oak Blvd): One of Houston’s top shopping and tourist spots, usually buzzing with spectators and bright signs.
Miles 16-20 (Tanglewood to Memorial)
Overview
You’ll head north of The Galleria toward Tanglewood and eventually into the Memorial area. The course remains mostly flat, but pay attention to any slight rises—fatigue can magnify them. This is often the mental pivot point, where you need to dig a bit deeper and stick to your plan.
Key Challenges
Mile Accumulation: With 16+ miles under your belt, stay vigilant about hydration and fueling to ward off fatigue.
Subtle Rolling Terrain: Small elevation changes can bite if you’re already tired. Adjust your effort and focus on efficient breathing.
Aid Stations
Mile 17: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 18.5: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 20: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Points of Interest
Miles 19, 20 & 21: Miles of Music (Memorial Drive): Enjoy the live tunes to keep you motivated during this late-race challenge.
Miles 20-26.2 (Memorial to Downtown – Finish)
Overview
The final stretch follows Memorial Drive back toward downtown. Around Mile 20.5, you’ll pass through Memorial Park’s Land Bridge Tunnels, and then you’ll tackle Buffalo Bayou Park—commonly called the hilliest portion of this otherwise flat route. Stay calm on the rollers, lean on the crowd support, and focus on form in the homestretch.
Key Challenges
Late-Race Hills (Miles 23-24): The inclines in Buffalo Bayou Park can feel harder than they actually are on heavy legs. Keep your effort steady and use the cheering sections for a lift.
Mental Battle: The finish is near, but every step can feel longer. Stay mentally strong and remember your preparation—this is where it pays off.
Aid Stations
Mile 21.5: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 23: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 24.5: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans.
Mile 26: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula, plus a medical aid station and port-a-cans (just before the finish).
Points of Interest
Mile 20.5: Memorial Park Land Bridge Tunnels (Memorial & N Picnic Lane): Look for the DJ, lights, and noise makers—a burst of energy when you need it most.
Mile 21: Michelob Ultra RunHou Party (Memorial & S Picnic Lane): On-course festivities, including free beer for 21+ supporters.
Miles 23-24: Buffalo Bayou Park (Allen Pkwy): The final series of rollers, usually packed with enthusiastic crowds cheering you to the finish.
Thanks!!
Awesome! Thank you for writing this up!