2026 The Woodlands Marathon
The Woodlands Marathon, set for February 28, 2026, will take place in The Woodlands, Texas, a master-planned community located approximately 30 miles north of Houston. The event will be held on a fast, flat course through the town’s scenic residential and commercial areas, with the marathon and half marathon starting on Lake Robbins Drive in front of Town Green Park and Market Street. The weather on the event date is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging between 45°F and 55°F and mostly clear skies. Participants can expect a well-supported course with hydration stations, medical aid, and cheer zones, as well as the opportunity to compete on a course that qualifies for the Boston Marathon. The event also includes a 5K held separately on February 21, 2026, and virtual race options for those unable to attend in person.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Full marathon
- →Half marathon
- →10K
- →5K
- →2K Fun Run/Walk
- →Virtual race options
What is the course like for the marathon and half marathon?
The course is entirely on paved streets through The Woodlands' Town Center and surrounding neighborhoods. It follows a single-loop configuration, starting on Lake Robbins Drive and finishing along the Woodlands Waterway. The course has extremely minimal elevation gain, with 131 feet for the marathon and 117 feet for the half marathon. It is recognized as one of the top 25 fastest marathon courses nationally and is a Boston Marathon qualifier.
What is the elevation gain for the different race distances?
- →Marathon: 131 feet total
- →Half marathon: 117 feet total
- →10K: 23 feet total
What is the time limit for the marathon and half marathon?
Participants have a 7-hour time limit to finish, with a cutoff at 1:30 p.m. This requires maintaining a pace of at least 14:30 per mile.
What is the expected weather on the event date?
The weather on February 28, 2026, is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging between 45°F and 55°F and mostly clear skies.
What support is provided along the course?
The course is well-supported with hydration stations every 1.5 miles, offering water and Gatorade. Medical aid is available at each stop, and portable restrooms are placed at regular intervals. Cheer Challenge zones are positioned throughout the route to encourage runners.
Are pace teams available for the marathon and half marathon?
Yes, pace teams are available for both the marathon and half marathon distances.
What is the expected number of participants?
The event will have a combined field of approximately 7,000 participants across all race distances.
What is the significance of the marathon course?
The Woodlands Marathon is recognized as the fastest marathon course in Texas on average and is ranked among the top 25 fastest courses nationally. Approximately 11% of registered marathoners achieve Boston qualifying times.
What is the schedule for the event?
The marathon, half marathon, and 10K will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with start times varying by corral and distance, beginning at 6:45 a.m. for elite and fastest corrals. The 5K will be held separately on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
What community impact has the event had?
Revived in 2012 after a nearly 20-year hiatus, the event has raised over $1.3 million for local nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups through its Charity Challenge program, emphasizing community health and philanthropy.