The yearly Chevron Houston Marathon is scheduled to begin on Sunday with temperatures in the 40s.
A cold front is expected to arrive this weekend, according to Houston Public Media anchor, executive producer, and meteorologist Frank Billingsley.
“It should be good marathon weather, temperature-wise, but what we’ll have to watch for is that wind,” Billingsley stated. “The winds might not be completely calmed down by Sunday morning.”
For many runners hoping to set a new record in the event, Houston’s level terrain is ideal. Over the years, Carly Caulfield, race director for the Houston Marathon Committee, has helped at 25 marathons. According to Caulfield, the Houston Marathon Committee will let racers know what to expect from the weather on Sunday so they can get ready.
“We want to encourage layering, so wear more than you think you’re going to need,” Caulfield stated.
Throughout the 26-mile course, warming buses will be stationed at five different points to give participants a chance to warm up.
According to Caulfield, the winds in the downtown area can be very severe. The winds feel worse downtown than they do elsewhere in the race because of the tunneling effect. It will therefore likely be windier at the starting line than anywhere else.
To help runners keep their hands warm, free gloves will be distributed during the Houston Marathon Health & Fitness EXPO. The EXPO is planned for Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Neil Gandhi, associate medical director at Houston Methodist Hospital’s emergency room, shared some tips for runners.
Gandhi stated, “I think it’s important for these folks to stay hydrated.” Recognize that during the race, their muscles will contract slightly less effectively. They may therefore alter their pace as a result, and they may become tired a bit faster.”
Gandhi advised runners to cover their fingers, toes, and ears, among other potentially vulnerable regions.
“Your body is going to be really focused on maintaining its core body temperature, so what that means is your body is going to shunt or divert blood flow to keep all of your core organ systems functioning optimally your brain, your heart, your lungs,” Gandhi stated. “The blood vessels in your extremities are beginning to contract. Your hands and feet may get numb as a result of this.
According to Caulfield, the marathon has influenced not only the lives of runners but also causes that affect the Houston region.
Since its inception in 1995, the Run For a Reason charity program has raised over $39 million to support a range of philanthropic causes, such as those that aid the homeless, food banks, children with illnesses, and cancer.
The Marathon website has a map of the course.
