Runners across Houston head to White Oak Bayou for a quick run.
Here’s a word problem for you. What do 156 miles of greenways spanning 50 different zip codes and winding through Houston’s extensive bayou system create? The answer: the perfect training ground for runners of all stripes, especially those preparing to run the annual 26.2-mile Chevron Houston Marathon (CHM).
Houston is the only city in the country to host a Gold Label marathon and half-marathon simultaneously, attracting runners from 50 countries and all 50 states for its largest single-day sporting event of the year. Approximately 75 percent of the 30,000 racers registered for the full marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon are from the greater Houston region. And when those local runners need training miles, many turn to the Bayou Greenways.
Each year, an estimated 3.8 million walkers, runners, bikers, and nature enthusiasts use the Bayou Greenways, an expansive system that showcases Houston’s signature diversity beyond its human population. In fact, our aptly nicknamed Bayou City ranks as “one of the most ecologically diverse urban areas” according to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, encompassing prairies, forests, and wetlands along the Central Flyway for migratory birds. This abundance of winding flora and fauna offers a pick-your-own adventure trail experience, which may include encounters with everything from a bald eagle to an American alligator.
“It’s not only a great way to get exercise, but it’s a great way to see the beauty of Houston that you may not see every day,” says Justin Schultz, an avid runner and president and CEO of the Houston Parks Board (HPB).
Hit the pavement at Bayou Park.
But Houstonians who prefer not to map their own training routes don’t have to go it alone. The parks board and the Houston Marathon Committee (HMC) have collaborated to provide local runners with five customized routes. Detailed Strava and Garmin Connect maps cover over 55 miles of Houston’s Bayou Greenways, allowing marathon trainers to not only clock miles but also savor the sights.
As a CHM finisher who trains along the bayous, Schultz says he often finds himself taking in Houston’s diverse landscape and culture during his runs. “Parks are one of the few places today where people of all walks of life still come together and see each other,” he says, “and that’s part of the reason that I love Houston.”
To enhance the runner experience, the HBP has worked to restore wetlands, establish meadow areas, and control invasive species. Schultz says these efforts not only enhance the landscape but also reduce long-term maintenance costs—a win-win for both runners and the city.
Racers also get to enjoy much of what makes Houston so wonderful along the course itself, including the city’s welcoming culture. “We really work on making sure that people can run and enjoy their space and post the best time that they can post,” says Wade Morehead, executive director of the HMC and the Houston Marathon Foundation (HMF). “It doesn’t matter how fast you are or if you’re an elite athlete or you’re a back-of-the-pack runner. We try to treat every runner as a VIP. They’re all so important, and everybody’s running for so many amazing causes.”
City greenways like Arthur Storey Park make for great marathon training grounds.
While the race helps showcase Houston’s green spaces, it also serves as a fundraiser of sorts. Since 1995, the CHM Charity Program has raised over $39 million for various charities. The platform and connection the race provides extend far beyond race day, helping charities reach new donors and long-term supporters across the region.
Registration kicks off every June on Global Running Day, after which HMC hosts monthly Super Aid stations throughout the city. Runners can expect pop-up rest stops stocked with water and snacks, along with a group of volunteers to cheer them on. Participants of all experience levels can also find training support through Runna, the marathon’s official training partner; the HMF Training Challenge; and Houston-area running clubs. Recruiting the next generation of runners is another major focus: HMF’s We Run Houston after-school running program reaches 1,000 students across 31 schools.
Whether the runners are young or old, fast or casual, Houston’s marathon training ecosystem offers physical and mental health benefits, social opportunities, and a chance to explore the city on foot outside the usual four-wheeled transport. As the saying goes, if you run, you’re a runner. “That’s the beauty of running,” Morehead shares. “You strap on your shoes, and you can go start anytime, and you can go any speed.”
Running along the bayous is not all sunshine, although it literally can be. Schultz notes that limited shade along many greenways—several of which double as flood-control corridors—can be challenging for runners, especially during warmer months. For a more comfortable experience, he encourages runners to head out early in the morning or around sunset, both of which offer cooler temperatures and scenic light along the bayous.
Still, Schultz says the benefits of training in Houston’s “unique little piece of nature” far outweigh the inconveniences. Those who test their speed near the water can experience runs enhanced by wildflowers in the spring and public art year-round. With so much biodiversity and culture, a run through Houston rarely feels routine—so long as runners are willing to explore beyond their usual routes. “One weekend, do something a little bit different,” he advises. “Go to a different part of town. Run along one of the 156 miles that we currently have of bayou greenways. Go out and see your city and from a different perspective.”
Mason Bridge makes for great sightseeing while jogging.
Important Marathon Dates & Training Information:
- When: The Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Half Marathon take place on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
- Registration: Different pricing tiers throughout the year, including a two-week window following the race and a summer kickoff registration on Global Running Day.
- Bayou Greenways maps: Runners can reference all Bayou Greenways routes and trail closures.