The Houston Marathon 2026 will bring road closures, races, and events in downtown Houston. Learn the schedules and affected streets.
The Houston Marathon 2026 will take place this Sunday morning in downtown Houston and will bring with it a series of events, pre-race activities, and street closures that will affect drivers and residents for several days. As every year, the competition will attract thousands of runners and a large number of spectators from across the metropolitan area.
According to the City of Houston, more than 27,000 participants will compete in the marathon and half marathon, while the event as a whole, including races, exhibitions, and activities, could draw up to 250,000 people, including runners, volunteers, and the public.
What to expect from the Houston Marathon 2026
The event includes the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, both scheduled for Sunday, in addition to a 5K race and various activities during the preceding days. Downtown Houston, especially the areas around Discovery Green and the George R. Brown Convention Center, will be the main gathering hub.
Authorities advise residents to plan their travel in advance, as street closures will begin Thursday night and extend through Sunday afternoon.
Road closures for the marathon
The closures associated with the Houston Marathon 2026 will be implemented in several phases:
Early closures
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From 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, January 8 to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 11
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Segments of De Las Americas Avenue and Lamar Street, near the George R. Brown Convention Center.
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From 7 a.m. on Friday, January 9 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 11
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Sections of McKinney Street, Congress Avenue, Caroline Street, and San Jacinto Street.
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Additionally, on Saturday morning, between 7 and 10 a.m., multiple additional street sections such as McKinney, Fannin, Rosalie, San Jacinto, and Lamar will be closed due to the 5K race route.
On Sunday, closures for the marathon and half marathon will begin at approximately 5:15 a.m. and will remain until around 1 p.m., although some areas could reopen earlier as the race progresses.
Pre-events for the Houston Marathon 2026
Friday Jan 9 and Saturday Jan 10 – Health and Fitness Expo
The Houston Marathon Health & Fitness EXPO will take place over two days at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This event will feature more than 100 exhibitors offering sports products, running apparel, and health and wellness content.
During the expo, participants can collect their race packets:
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Friday: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Saturday: from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (marathon and half marathon)
5K runners must pick up their packet on Friday or before 8 a.m. on Saturday, as their race takes place that same day.
There will also be a light warm-up run organized by a sporting brand on Friday afternoon at Discovery Green, as part of the marathon pre-event atmosphere.
Saturday: 5K race and activities
On Saturday, January 10, the We Are Houston 5K will take place, starting at the intersection of McKinney and Crawford.
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Wheelchair and handcycle participants: 7:50 a.m.
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Runners in general: 8 a.m.
After the race, attendees can enjoy a post-race party at Discovery Green, with music and activities for the whole community. The expo will also remain open during Saturday morning.
Sunday: Marathon Day
Sunday, January 11 features both the full marathon and the half marathon. Both will start from Congress and Fannin in downtown Houston.
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Wheelchair and handcycle start: 6:35 a.m.
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The rest of the runners start shortly after, according to the official schedule.
City officials have reiterated that the Houston Marathon 2026 is one of the city’s largest sporting events and asked residents for patience during the temporary closures.
Recommendations for residents and drivers
For those not participating in the event, it is recommended to:
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Avoid downtown Houston during the Saturday and Sunday mornings.
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Use alternate routes and follow the directions of police and traffic personnel.
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Check the official maps of routes and reopenings before leaving home.
The Houston Marathon 2026 is not only a sporting competition but also a community celebration that each year brings the city together around sport, health, and community life.
