Get ready to run Houston because the Chevron Houston Marathon is here. And with the MLK holiday right around the corner, that means one thing: a day to recoup from a run, or better yet, a day to recoup from being the spectator! Watching thousands is a real sport. That said, spectators will need to get set up early to get a prime spot near the finish line. But don't fret if that snooze button gets one too many hits though. No matter where folks land along the race course, Houston has plenty to delight and entertain while waiting for the main attraction. Plus, in this frigid weather runners need all the support they can get.

Experience Downtown Houston (and the marathon) along the race route

Chevron Marathon Houston

  1. Breakfast at Walker Street Kitchen Open at 7:00 a.m., spectators can fuel up before the big race. Their light and healthy menu will keep you feeling guilt-free with items like egg white frittata and a yogurt and granola parfait.

  2. Fuel up at Briggo Coffee Haus It's a marathon, not a race, so you'll need to keep caffeinated. Houston’s first robotic coffee haus, Briggo offers the convenience of ordering any kind of coffee, skipping a line and having that cup of morning joe waiting until it’s ready for pick-up, which requires a personalized three-digit code. 

  3. Lunch at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen As the race winds on, lunch is the next stop. Try checking out this local favorite featuring shrimp and crawfish fondeaux.

  4. Treat yourself at Phoenicia  Because let's face it, for folks not running the race, they might as well grab a sweet treat. And there's no better place to enjoy parfait, a chunk of chocolate, thick slices of pie or huge, freshly baked cookies than at this local favorite. There are also sugar-free and gluten-free sweets that’ll satisfy every craving.

  5. Cheer on runners at The Rustic There's always something to cheer about Houston’s newest restaurant and live music venues. Next to the finish line, spectators can watch the race indoors on one of the many TVs surrounding the U-shaped bar. Or, pop outside to see the action first-action.

  6. Dinner at Xiochi With James Beard Award winner Chef Hugo Ortega at the helm, visitors can’t go wrong.

  7. Rest up at Marriott Marquis Houston’s Pure Spa Watching others exercise can be exhausting. Kick back and let the professionals at Pure Spa work to relief any tense muscles, from all that clapping and cheering. You may not be running, but you may be floating to the finish line.

  8. Sightsee at Discovery Green Along the race route, there are plenty of awesome spots to camp out at the 12-acre park.

Discovery Green

Volunteer

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.

Course Entertainment

The Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon have approximately 100 HOOPLA stations every year, from cheer groups to bands to belly dancers and more. For more information on being a course entertainer, email hoopla@houstonmarathon.com.

Houston Marathon