2026 Texas Marathon and Half Marathon

The 2026 Texas Marathon & Half Marathon is scheduled for Thursday, January 1, 2026, and will take place at St. Martha Catholic School (2411 Oak Shores Dr., Kingwood, TX 77339). Weather forecasts for Kingwood on New Year’s Day project mild winter conditions, with temperatures ranging from the mid‑30s to mid‑40s °F, mostly clear skies, and a low probability of precipitation—ideal for a scenic, concrete‑path run through the greenbelt. Participants can expect a flat course looping past Kingwood Lake, with a mix of 26.2‑mile marathon and 13.1‑mile half marathon options, comprehensive aid stations, and a community‑focused celebration afterward.

What is the date and start times of the event?

• →Thursday, January 1, 2026
• →Marathon start: 8:00 AM CST
• →Half Marathon start: 8:15 AM CST

Where will the 2026 Texas Marathon & Half Marathon take place?

• →St. Martha Catholic School, 2411 Oak Shores Dr., Kingwood, TX 77339

What is the expected weather on New Year’s Day 2026 in Kingwood?

• →Mild winter temperatures, 35–45 °F
• →Mostly sunny skies
• →Low chance of precipitation

What distances are available for this event?

• →Marathon – 26.2 miles (4 loops)
• →Half Marathon – 13.1 miles (2 loops)

What is the course layout and surface?

• →Flat, scenic greenbelt trails
• →Entirely on public‑use concrete paths
• →Loops past Kingwood Lake and return to St. Martha

Are there any restrictions for participants?

• →No wheelchairs or strollers permitted
• →Exercise caution at street crossings
• →Respect for neighboring residents

Is the course USATF certified?

• →Yes, USATF Certified – Course # TX25008JH

What are the refund and transfer policies?

• →Refunds available until October 31, 2025

– Full entry fee minus a $10 processing fee

– No refunds after November 1

– Processed monthly

• →Transfers to another person (friend or “enemy”) possible until December 1, 2025

– $10 transfer fee

– Completed transfer form required by December 15, 2025

– No transfers accepted after December 1

• →Military donations: entry may be donated to an active‑duty service member at no fee, request by December 1, 2025

When can participants pick up their race packets?

• →Packet Pickup – New Year’s Eve (Dec 31 2025): 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• →Race Day (Jan 1 2026): starting at 6:30 AM

What is the race day schedule?

• →7:40 AM – Pre‑race announcements & instructions
• →National Anthem
• →8:00 AM – Marathon start
• →8:15 AM – Half Marathon start

What are the time limits for the event?

• →Course closes at approximately 5:00 PM (before dark)
• →Must complete Loop 3 (19.5 mi) by 2:30 PM to continue
• →No early starts, per greenbelt regulations

What is the maximum field size?

• →500 participants total (Marathon + Half)

What support will be available during the race?

• →Water & sports drink every ~1.5 mi
• →Snacks (fruit, pretzels, etc.) at the main aid station (start/finish and every 6.5 mi)
• →Portable restrooms at start/finish and each aid station
• →Secure bag‑drop area near the start line, accessible mid‑race for the looped course

How will timing be handled?

• →Chip timing via bib (chip on back, do not remove)
• →Bib to be worn visibly on the front of shirt/shorts
• →Timing provided by Run Houston Timing (www.runhoustontiming.net)

What swag and awards are included?

All registered participants receive:

• →Event t‑shirt
• →Race cap
• →2026 Pink Star Squeezie Critter finisher item (with overall place written on it)

Finishers receive:

• →Custom finisher medal (design revealed on race day)
• →Squeezie Critter tradition – 2026 theme: Year of the Pink Star (past critters: Dollar Sign, Chicken, T‑Rex, Penguin, Bat, Cow, Bear, Pink Pig, Porta Potty, etc.)
• →Note: “Don’t blame us if you have a very slow critter.”

What is the post‑race celebration?

• →Pizza picnic lunch delivered hourly starting at 10:15 AM
• →Additional refreshments: fruit, cookies, chips, soft drinks
• →Festive, community‑focused atmosphere encouraging cheering on fellow runners

Are there any weather considerations for participants?

• →Mild winter temperatures; dress in layers
• →Stay hydrated despite cooler weather
• →Be prepared for potential wind or light rain on New Year’s Day

What aspects of community and tradition highlight this event?

• →A New Year’s Day tradition in Kingwood celebrating community, perseverance, and the joy of running
• →Participants share a collective experience that honors local spirit and running culture