Experience Everything the 2019 Houston Marathon Has to Offer 
Covering 26.2 miles in one of the most culturally diverse cities in American must mean that the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon just may be the most culturally diverse road races in the nation. But if you’re not sure where to begin or exactly how to watch, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Be on the lookout for or post up with some of these groups at key spots along the race route that engulfs the city!
And remember, runner bibs are personalized with their first name or nickname, so you can cheer them on as they pass by. Pitch a chair, park your cooler and cheer!
Mile 1: Marathon Elvis – Washington & Sabine
The King of Rock & Roll, or the King of Race Day entertainment? We’ll let you be the judge. Elvis has been a staple at mile one of the Chevron Houston Marathon for more than a decade, so be sure to take in the tunes as he serenades the runners through their first steps of the race
Mile 2: Houston Fire Station 6 – Washington & Larkin
Fueled by Fire, driven by Courage – Houston Fire Station 6, is home to the larger than life American Flag that runners pass in the early stages of their race. If you’re feeling patriotic or need a good photo op for Instagram, this is a spot you’ll want to capture! BONUS: you’ll see your runners pass by early enough to make a quick jump across the bayou to see them head toward the finish line too!
Mile 4: Katy High School Drumline – West Gray & McDuffie
Repeatedly voted into the top five of Houston Marathon HOOPLA Stations, you’ll hear the beats of the Katy High School Drumline, long before you see them! That Roarin’ Band from Tigerland is the oldest band in the Katy ISD and that experience definitely shows. We dare you to stage your support crew here and not break out a dance move or two.
Mile 6: Caporales San Simon Houston – Bolivian Dancers – Westheimer & Kirby
Begin your cultural tour of Houston
with the Caporales San Simon Houston Bolivian Dancers! Rich in tradition, history and skill, the spectating crowds and runners alike will undoubtedly be drawn to their energy!
Mile 6.5: Ronald McDonald Shoe Car – North Blvd. & Kirby
An homage to Houston’s infamous Art Car Parade, the mode of transportation for Ronald himself, and the source of joy for many young spectators, the Ronald McDonald Shoe Car makes its appearance at mile six and a half on the marathon and half marathon route.
Mile 7: Baileson Brewing Company With USO & Cody Wayne Band and Flags Courtesy of West U Rotary Club
A truly Texas experience awaits at mile 7. Grab a cold one from Baileson Brewing Company, find a seat and relax as you take in the crooning of country music tunes from the Cody Wayne Band. BONUS: the streets are lined with American and Texas flags courtesy of the West U Rotary Cub to make sure you capture your runner in all their Texan glory!
Mile 8 (H): Italian Cultural and Community Center, Montrose & Bartlett
Home to Festa Italiana and the Italian Cultural Community Center, the Milford House (just one block from the Aramco Houston Half Marathon route) is a 90-year-old home that will make you feel as if you’ve traveled straight to Italy! On race day, the center and its volunteers come out to support runners with Italian-themed signs and cheers to make you feel like you’re part of the Famiglia.
Mile 8: Rice Marching Owl Band, Rice Boulevard
Some say they’re tacky. Distasteful. Shameless. Offensive. And we can’t say we disagree completely… The Rice Marching Owl Band – better known as MOB – is all of those things and more! Post up here to spectate for some good music, some friendly teasing and most importantly lots of fun!
Mile 9: Mystery Loves Company, University & Greenbriar
This Chamber Rock Trio makes its debut to Houston Marathon weekend in 2019. The sounds from the electric cello, the guitar and clarinet produce perfect pitch harmonies that just may stop runners in their tracks.
Mile 12: Camp Gladiator, Westpark & Newscastle
Changing Fitness, Changing Lives! Camp Gladiator “Lines the Streets” as they take over nearly an entire mile on the marathon course. Arrive early to take part in their “Closed Street Pre Marathon Workout” and stay for the spectator partying that is sure to rival any Texans tailgate.
Mile 15: Sirrom Studio Belly Dancers, San Felipe & Post Oak Blvd.
Experiences the world and Houston’s culture through the art of dance. This world dance studio is dedicated to the enrichment of people’s lives through dance. We’re certain your marathon will be enriched when you stop by this famous Houston Marathon HOOPLA too!
Miles 19-20: Miles of Music, Memorial Drive
Get ready to show off your Texas Two Steppin‘ skills or break out in your boot scootin’ and boogie! Miles of Music is back for the second year and is guaranteed to have rocking good tunes through this three-mile stretch on the way to the finish line.
Mile 21: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Memorial & S Picnic Lane
Go Texan! And Go Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! The world’s largest livestock show and richest regular-season rodeo promotes agriculture by providing a family-friendly live entertainment experience that educates the public, supports Texas youth, and showcases Western heritage. It’s a tradition for many Houstonians and will be a welcomed addition to the final miles of the storied Houston Marathon.
Mile 21: Michelob Ultra RunHou Party, Memorial & S Picnic Lane
Did someone say free beer? Post up here for a true party on-course complete with free Michelob Ultra tastings. (tastings only for 21+)
Miles 23-24; 11-12(H): Buffalo Bayou Park, Allen PKWY
This is the hilliest part of the marathon course, so encouragement is needed as runners take
on the final miles of the race. There’s plenty of sidewalk space on both sides of Allen Pkwy for cheerleaders, tailgaters, and even your four-legged friends. Get in your miles and take a jog along the Buffalo Bayou Trail and pop back up to street level to cheer on your favorite runner
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