About 27,000 runners expected to run this weekend

Record for Houston's largest single day sporting event

File photo.

HOUSTON – The race expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center is the starting line before the starting line at the Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon and ABB 5K.

Gloria Mar looked like she was in line for a weightlifting contest as she picked up more than 20 race packets for family members running the 13 miles of the half.

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"My brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. Everybody," Mar told KPRC 2.

About 27,000 runners plan to run this weekend, a record for Houston's largest single day sporting event.

That means they are closing more than 26 miles of roads Sunday, which includes much of downtown and parts of Washington Avenue, West Gray, Kirby, University, Post Oak, Tanglewood, Memorial Drive, Allen Parkway, Bissonnet and Montrose.

"This is what Houston is all about,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said. "We are a world class international city and this particular marathon exemplifies exactly want we are talking about."

The experts at Memorial Hermann had some last minute advice for first timers and veterans.

"Check over your preparation list," Dr. George Ozoude said. "Make sure you have everything in check, then have fun."

And make sure to dress warm: It will be cold at the start.

"This is the best weather I think Houston's had for the marathon in quite some time," runner Marshall Cohen said.