Aramco Houston Half Marathon

Expo: 8/10

Holy moly, this expo was AMAZING. I haven’t seen this many vendors/booths at an expo since before 2020. The variety in the vendors was impressive too; there was really something for everyone. The official race merch area was spacious and fully stocked. The rest of the expo on the other hand was wall-to-wall crammed🥴. A race expo this large could really use a larger space.

Course: 9/10

The course was scenic, energetic, and best of all FLAT! After running three super hilly courses within the past year, this one was a breath of fresh air. Aside from the seemingly never-ending slight hill from miles 8-11, this was a fast course meant for PR’s. Aid stations were adequately spaced out throughout the course and super efficient - I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many aid station volunteers at a race. For the first time in forever, I made it an entire race without almost colliding with someone at an aid station🤣.

Production/organization of race weekend: 7/10

With so many races cutting costs by reducing the amount of port-a-potties they rent out, that was not the case here at all. The course, start corral areas, and even like half a mile from the start line had more than enough portable toilets. Start corrals were easy to find and less chaotic than usual. The finisher’s area could use some work though. I understand that it’s indoors because it’s normally cold at race time, but it’s a darn maze in there and it would be nice to refuel with non-running friends and family immediately post-race. Also, the Reunion area was a mess and I’m told they weren’t letting spectators into the building to meet up with their runners.

Swag and medals: 8/10

Giving a finisher’s shirt at the end is such a unique touch! Even better, the shirts are Brooks!🤩 The medal was nice, but not as exciting as I would’ve expected it to be. I LOVE that the official race merch was all branded (Brooks)! Having an official brand sponsor, as opposed to just having unbranded merch like some races, goes a long ways with me😂.

Overall: 8/10

This race is giving Flying Pig Marathon a run for its money in terms of my favorite race (and that’s saying something because y’all know how much I love The Pig 🐷). Aside from some minor organizational pain points, this race is top notch and I’d totally recommend it if you’re looking for a winter half marathon or marathon!