As always, the New Year brings new challenges! One of the most challenging events in the area, the Chevron Houston Marathon, has been moved up to January 15th this year. Whether you’re competing or just coming out to support the runners, here’s some information to help you enjoy this exciting event:
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Many athletes include a pre-event massage as part of their normal warm-up program before a competitive event. It’s usually scheduled a few hours before game time and only lasts about 30 minutes. This type of sports massage concentrates on getting your blood flowing and increasing your flexibility and range of motion to reduce your chances of incurring a sports-related injury. Many athletes find that a sports
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The Chevron Houston Marathon Events
This year’s Chevron Houston Marathon has six different ways to participate including:
- Marathon – All 13,000 spots for the marathon are filled! The first wave will start running at 7:00 a.m. on the dot with additional waves leaving the starting line at 10-minute intervals. The starting line is at the front of Minute Maid Park near the George R Brown Convention Center. The marathon ends in front of the GRB. The scheduled finish time is 1:15 p.m., and all runners who complete the race by that time will receive licensed items to commemorate their hard work. Don’t forget this race is a Boston Marathon qualifier!
- Half-Marathon – Another 11,000 runners have registered to turn out for this 13.1 mile event. They will have four hours to complete the course. The first wave of half-marathoners also starts at 7:00 a.m. sharp with additional waves starting every 10 minutes. The start and finish lines are the same for both the marathon and half-marathon, but there is a separate starting area for each group.
- The El Paso Corporation 5K – This event is restricted to 4,500 participants, but you can still get a spot if you’d like to participate. You’ll have an hour and half to finish the course whether you choose to walk, run or mix it up. All participants will receive an official T-Shirt, but those who finish the race within the allotted time will receive a medal as well! This event uses the same start and finish lines as the marathon and half-marathon, but the starting time has not been announced at this time.
- The Team Challenge – If you’re competing in the marathon, half-marathon or 5K, you can sign up to compete against friends, family members, business associates or any other group. Each team must have between three and six members and be up for the challenge! As an extra perk, ABB Team Challenge participants have access to private restrooms on race morning.
- Run for a Reason – If you can’t run for the pure joy of it, run for a reason! Choose any of the official charities and do your part to support a worthy cause. Over the past 17 years, runners participating in the Chevron Houston Marathon have raised $13 million dollars! Are you ready to make 2012 another record-breaking year? If you can’t run, you can always support one of the participating athletes through a donation!
- Texas Children’s Hospital Kid’s Fun Run – This year, the Kid’s Run will be a little different. Because of a conflict with the Olympic trials, individual entries aren’t allowed, and the Fun Run won’t be open to the public. Instead, schools are holding their own 3K and 1K events on their own schedule and turning in the results. We know this is a big disappointment for many, but remember that kids as young as 12 can enter the marathon and as young as seven can enter the half-marathon. That’s a huge challenge, but you should be doubly proud of your child if they’re up for it!
Where to Be and When
Here’s a little information to help you find your way during the Chevron Houston Marathon:
- Race Packets – Pick up your race packet at the Ironman Sports Medicine Institute at Memorial Hermann Expo on Friday or Saturday prior to race day. Packets are not available on the day of the event.
- Closed Roads – During the race, several roads in the area will be closed. Streets near the starting line will close at midnight and others will close as early as 6:00 a.m. Roads will open as runners clear each area.
- Parking – Plenty of parking is available, but all lots are privately owned and may require a cash payment on race day. In and out privileges are not provided at all lots. The closest parking area is at the Hilton Americas-Houston Parking Garage. Look for signs at other surface parking lots west of La Branch or use the garages at the Fulbright Tower, the Shops at Houston Center, First City Tower or the Rusk Garage. To get a good spot and avoid the traffic, get here early. The organizers are suggesting people arrive before 6:00 a.m.
- Watching the Race – The start and finish lines will be popular viewing areas, but the water stations positioned along the course are great spots, too. Other hot spots include Mile 18 at Tanglewood Boulevard, Mile 12 at University Boulevard, and Miles 21 and 22 at Memorial Park. Of course, the half-way point at Mile 13 at University and Weslayan is always popular.
- Picking Up Merchandise – If you complete the race, pick up your goodies at the GRB after the race. You can purchase official Chevron Houston Marathon merchandise at a booth the GRB in Hall C.
- Meeting Up with Friends and Family – Expect a ton of runners and observers at this event. To make it easy to find each other, set a planned meeting time and place before you arrive. A favorite meeting place is the Reunion Area located in Hall C of the GRB. This area is clearly marked.
- The Post-Race Party – After the race, enjoy the Party Zone in Jones Lawn at Discovery Green for refreshments and live entertainment.
The Top Runners
To be considered an elite athlete for the Chevron Houston Marathon, runners must be invited and meet strict minimum standards. In addition to the prestige involved with this title, first place earns the runner $35,000 in prize money!
Whether you turn out to compete in the Chevron Houston Marathon or to support the runners, January 15th promises to be a stellar day for the Houston running community!
After these marvelous events you can be rewarded with the gift of relaxation, come to Massage Heights Houston, visit any of our 13 locations and enjoy the best massage in Houston.
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