2022 Virtual Houston Marathon Running Events FAQ

Q. When does the virtual race take place?
A. The 2022 Virtual Houston Marathon Running Events will take place over the course of four days. Participants can complete the distance Friday, Jan. 14 through Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. CT. During this four-day period you will have the opportunity to submit times for your selected distance through your participant account by your selected method (wearable device or self-reported). All times must be submitted by Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Q. Where can I find registration information for the 2022 virtual marathon and half marathon?
A. Click here for virtual participation information for the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Q. What are the time limits for the virtual marathon and half marathon?
A. For the 2022 Virtual Houston Marathon Running Events there will be no time limits. To be considered a finisher for the 2022 Virtual Houston Marathon Running Events you will need to submit your finish time and proof of finish in your participant account by Jan. 17, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Q. What do I need to do to submit proof of my virtual event time?
A. Log in to your participant account to submit times for your selected race distance and select the method in which you prefer to self-report your finish time (wearable device or manual entry). All times must be submitted by Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Q. I am a Legacy Runner or a 5-9 Year Finisher. Will the virtual option count towards another Legacy or 5-9 Year Finish?
A. Yes! The 2022 Virtual Houston Marathon Running Events will count as a finish towards both Legacy and 5-9 Year totals as long as you submit your finish time and proof of finish by the deadline, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Q. Where am I supposed to run my virtual event?
A. When choosing your route please be advised to choose somewhere safe and avoid high traffic areas whenever possible. Remember to obey traffic signals and identified pedestrian crossings at all times during your run.

Q. When is Packet Pick-Up for the 2022 Virtual Houston Marathon Running Events?
A. There is no packet pick-up for the 2022 Virtual Houston Marathon Running Events. Runners will receive all race items* within a few weeks after the Jan. 17 time submission deadline. Your post-race box will be mailed to the address that was submitted at the time of your registration. A virtual bib will also be available online in your Participant Account as the event approaches. *IMPORTANT NOTE: You will not receive finisher items if you do not properly submit a finish time for your selected event.

Q. How can I find out my virtual bib number?
A. To find your bib number, log in to your Participant Account. From here go to your registrations. Click on edit registration on the right-hand side, from here when you go through your information at the top it will say receive bib number. You will be able to download it.

Q. Where do I get my virtual finisher items after the race?
A. Upon completing the 2022 Virtual Houston Marathon Running Events, you will need to submit your finish time and proof of finish for the race you have completed. Once you have submitted your finish time, you will receive a finisher certificate via your participant portal. Your participant and finisher merchandise will be shipped to you within a few weeks of the submission deadline on Jan. 17. All finishers who submit a marathon or half marathon time will receive a medal and a finisher shirt. Marathon finishers will also receive a glass beer stein.

Q. If I run virtually can I still participate in the Houston Double?
A. No. The Houston Double is available only to runners participating at our in-person events. To be eligible for the Houston Double medal you must be registered for both the 5K and marathon or half marathon at our live events to receive a third medal.

Q. Will the virtual event be a Boston Qualifier?
A. Boston sets its own standards for qualifiers for the Boston Marathon. We have not seen an announcement yet from Boston regarding whether they will accept virtual races as qualifiers for their event.

Q. How can I update my address for the virtual events?
A. You can make address updates in your Participant Account. Please note that the deadline to make address updates is December 22, 2021.

Q. Will there be awards for virtual age groups?
A. There will be no age group awards for the 2022 Virtual Houston Marathon Running Events.

Q. What is your cancellation policy for the virtual events?
A. All Houston Marathon Committee event fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. In the event you are unable to participate, for any reason, you will not receive a refund.

Q. What happens if I register for the 2022 Virtual Houston Marathon Running Events and I am unable to participate?
A. All Houston Marathon Committee event fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. In the event you are unable to participate, for any reason, you will not receive a refund.

Q. I signed up for the virtual event and cannot participate, can I transfer my entry to another person?
A. No, the Houston Marathon does not allow the transfer of registrations.

Q. I am signed up for one virtual distance but would like to switch my race to a different virtual distance. How can I make that change?
A. If you are registered for the marathon or half marathon, for a fee, you may switch to a different race category (i.e. from the marathon to the half marathon, or from the half marathon to the marathon). All switches must be completed by the deadline listed below.*

Deadlines:

  • June 2, 2021 – Oct. 31, 2021: $20, plus the difference between what you paid for the half and marathon – if switching up
  • Nov. 1, 2021 – Jan. 3, 2022 @ 12pm: $40, plus the difference between what you paid for the half marathon and marathon – if switching up

Instructions: Log in to you Participant Account, select the registration options on the bottom right of the screen, select “Switch Categories” and complete the process.

*If a participant does not switch their race by the deadline and runs a different race they are registered for on race day, they will still receive items for the race they registered for.

Virtual Participants may switch to the live  in-person events for the fees listed above along with the difference in their race registration selection.

Q. Do you offer a military discount for the virtual registration fee?
A. No discounts are available for the 2022 Virtual Houston Marathon Running Events.

Q. Do you offer a program for athletes with disabilities?
A. Yes. Please click here for information on our athletes with disabilities program.

Q. Can I participate in the Chevron Houston Marathon Run for a Reason program as a virtual runner?
A. YES! Once you’ve registered for the virtual event of your choice, you can create a “Just Fundraise” account to support your favorite RFAR charity. Visit our RFAR Official Charity Partners Index, click on your selected charity, and choose the “Just Fundraise” option.

Q. How do I raise money for my virtual event?
A. The best and easiest way to raise money for the Run for a Reason charity program is to create an online fundraising page. Using this fundraising page, you will be able to set a fundraising goal, email potential donors, keep track of your donations and send thank you emails.

To create your personal fundraising page, visit our RFAR Official Charity Charity Partners Index, click on your selected charity, and choose the “Just Fundraise” option.

Q. Can I still compete to be a top fundraiser as a virtual participant?
A. YES! All runners who create a fundraising page through the Chevron Houston Marathon Run for a Reason program will be eligible for top fundraiser awards. All funds raised before Feb. 1, 2022 will be counted towards the 2022 Fundraising Campaign.