Chevron Houston Marathon draws thousands despite the cold

Runners from throughout the world will be on Houston’s streets as part of the 46th annual Chevron Houston Marathon and it will be in downtown Houston where some 33,000 runners are looking forward to crossing the finish line.

The Chevron Houston Marathon is the largest single-day sporting event that Houston hosts with 250,000 people projected to attend.

“And here comes the marathon,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner on Friday during a news conference at the George R. Brown Convention Center in advance of the big event.

Runners of all ages and levels are being instructed to begin lining up near the intersection of Congress and San Jacinto streets on Sunday, Jan. 14 at 6:30 a.m. The marathon and Aramco Half Marathon will begin at 7 a.m.

“Yeah, you know I’ve always wanted to run a flat fast half," said Molly Huddle. “I know that Houston is fast. I remember Brian Hall running the American record here in 2007, I believe it was.”

Huddle, a 25-time National Champion and 2-time Olympian, set the American record in Rio de Janeiro for the 10,000 meters run.

Reigning Chevron Houston Marathon Champion Dominic Ondoro is among running royalty representing Kenya. Also arriving from Kenya, Helah Kiprop.

“It’s my first time to be in Houston,” said Kiprop. "For me, cold conditions is not that big of a challenge.”

And everyone else seems to agree.

"This one is special," said Mayor Turner, ahead of the first Chevron Houston Marathon since Hurricane Harvey. "And even with the weather being somewhat cold, it is creating some warm spirits on the inside.”

The 2018 Chevron Houston Marathon will likely not be the coldest race. In 1978, the temperature on race day was 25 degrees.