The streets of Houston came alive on January 11, 2026, as the Chevron Houston Marathon welcomed more than 25,000 runners from across the globe. The city’s downtown transformed into a vibrant festival of athleticism, community, and international spirit—an event that’s grown remarkably since its humble beginnings in 1972, when fewer than 200 participants toed the line. Now, it stands as one of America’s premier road races, drawing elite competitors and everyday runners alike for a day of personal triumphs and record-breaking performances.
The day’s action began early, with the first wave of marathoners setting off at 7 a.m. The half marathon followed at 7:15 a.m., and wheelchair and handcycle athletes joined the fray at 7:20 a.m. By 7:30 a.m., the full marathon field surged through Houston’s heart, embarking on a course that wound through Midtown, Montrose, The Heights, and finally circled back to finish near Discovery Green. Each neighborhood along the route buzzed with spectators, their cheers and cowbells creating an electric, supportive atmosphere for runners chasing their dreams.
“It’s really exciting. I was just standing here. I was like, this is a lot of people. So I can just imagine being one out of all the people who just ran down the street. Like the excitement is overwhelming,” said one Houston spectator, capturing the city’s collective enthusiasm.
This year’s marathon was marked by a historic achievement in the men’s race. Zouhair Talbi, who previously represented Morocco in the Olympics, became the first American to claim victory in Houston in over two decades—and he did it in spectacular fashion. Talbi shattered his own course record, finishing in 2:05:45, nearly a full minute faster than his previous best. His triumph wasn’t just about speed; it was a deeply personal milestone. Having recently gained U.S. citizenship, joined the Army Reserve, and started competing under the American flag, Talbi celebrated his win with visible pride. “Today was my first time doing that, winning the race and carrying the flag,” Talbi said. “It's a special moment.”
Talbi’s journey to this point has been remarkable. Since his last record-setting run in Houston two years ago, he’s competed in the Olympics, finished in the top 10 at the 2024 Boston Marathon, and welcomed a son with his wife Elizabeth, who also raced on Sunday. Reflecting on his performance, Talbi noted, “Both of them are special,” referencing his previous and current victories. He credited his experience and growing confidence for the edge he displayed this year, especially when he made a decisive move just after the two-hour mark, surging ahead of Ethiopia’s Adane Gebre, who ultimately finished second in 2:06:16.
Talbi’s time not only set a new course record but also made him just the third American ever to break the 2:06 barrier, joining an elite group that includes 2025 half marathon winner Conner Mantz and Khalid Khannouchi. The previous best time by an American in Houston was 2:10:32, set by Christian Allen last year. Before Talbi, the last American to win and set a course record at the Houston Marathon was Benji Durden back in 1982. Sean Wade was the last U.S. champion in Houston, all the way back in 2003. That’s a long drought, now emphatically ended.
The men’s podium was rounded out by Shadrack Kimining of Kenya, who clocked 2:07:35 for third, and Yemane Haileselassie of Eritrea, who finished fourth in 2:09:00. Teshome Mekonen took fifth in 2:13:13, while American Ethan Gregg finished sixth in 2:13:32. The top 20 men’s finishers included a strong international presence, underscoring the marathon’s global appeal.
On the women’s side, Great Britain’s Calli Hauger-Thackery claimed victory with an impressive 2:24:17, ahead of American Sara Hall (2:26:26) and Ethiopia’s Biruktayit Degefa (2:28:07). Tejinesh Tulu and Erin Mawhinney rounded out the top five. Notably, Elizabeth Talbi, running her first marathon since giving birth just 10 months ago, finished tenth in 2:35:36—an achievement that qualified her for the Olympic trials. “I would say the last three, four months, she was doing high mileage,” Zouhair Talbi said of his wife’s preparation. “She was just happy doing it so I was just encouraging her to do whatever she wants. Last time she ran a marathon she ran 2:50. This time around 2:35 so she's very happy with that.”
The Houston Half Marathon also delivered fireworks. Habtom Samuel of Eritrea, fresh off his NCAA Cross-Country Championship win, took the men’s title in a blistering 59:01. Alex Maier was the top American in the men’s half, finishing fourth in 59:23—just six seconds shy of Conner Mantz’s American record from last year. The women’s half marathon saw Ethiopia’s Fentaye Belayneh narrowly edge countrywoman Tsigie Gebreselama, winning in 1:04:49. Taylor Roe was the top American woman, placing fourth in 1:06:20, a mere 11 seconds off Weini Kelati’s national record, also set in Houston.
Beyond the elite competition, the marathon remains a celebration of community and personal achievement. Runners of all backgrounds and abilities, including those supporting non-profits or chasing individual goals, found their place in the day’s festivities. Ryan Reynolds, who traveled from Mississippi, embodied this spirit: “I ran the 5K yesterday just as a warmup and then did the half marathon today,” he explained, noting that an injury had altered his original marathon plans but not his determination.
As the morning wore on, the city’s neighborhoods came alive with music, banners, and the joyful noise of thousands of supporters. Each runner, regardless of their finishing time, became part of Houston’s living tapestry—a testament to resilience, ambition, and the enduring power of sport to unite.
For those who made the podium and those who simply crossed the finish line, awards ceremonies were scheduled for 1 p.m. at the plaza, capping off a day of unforgettable moments. With new records set, barriers broken, and stories written into Houston’s sporting history, the 2026 Chevron Houston Marathon once again proved why it’s a cornerstone of the American running calendar. And as the sun set on downtown, runners and fans alike were already looking forward to next year’s race, eager to see what new legends will emerge from the city’s storied streets.
