HOOPLA Cheer Stations
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Where to Watch
Houston Marathon Hot Spots
Covering 26.2 miles on foot in one of the most culturally diverse cities in America must mean that the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon offer one of the most culturally diverse tours in the nation. But if you’re not sure where to begin or exactly how to watch, don’t worry! We’ve got your covered. Be on the lookout for, or post up with, some of these groups at key spots along the more than 26.2 miles of race route that engulfs Houston this Sunday!
Mile 1: Marathon Elvis
Washington & Sabine
The King of Rock & Roll, or the King of Race Day entertainment? We’ll let you be the judge. Elvis has been a staple at mile one of the Chevron Houston Marathon for more than a decade, so be sure to take in the tunes as he serenades the runners through their first steps of the race.
Mile 2: Aldine High School Drumline
Waugh/S Heights at Feagan/Willa
From Northern Houston, the Mighty Mustang Aldine Drumline will bring the booming sound of race day spirit! From the beat of the drums to the dance of the rhythm, this drumline will bring everyone together and create an unforgettable memory.
Miles 3, 4, 5, 6: Charity Miles
West Gray, Kirby & Bissonnet
As the road turns towards the finish line, these three notable Houston streets are lined with Official Run for a Reason charities. Their cheers are bound to inspire you to keep moving forward and be sure to keep an eye out for your favorite cheers so you can vote for your favorite hoopla station after the race!
Mile 3: The Great Pretenders
Waugh & Bell
Take the three fun-loving folks, put ’em together with some good old fashioned Rock n Roll from the 1950s to the 1970s, add a few microphones, poodle skirts, leather jackets and what do you get? A whole lot of fun! The Great Pretenders have been entertaining our runners with decades of music for years.
Mile 5.5: Asociación Folklorica Boliviana
Westheimer & Kirby
Begin your cultural tour of Houston with the Asociación Folklorica Boliviana! Rich in tradition, history and skill the spectating crowds and runners alike will undoubtedly be drawn to their energy!
Mile 6: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Kirby & Norfolk
A true Texas experience awaits at mile 6. Look for the Rodeo Run Committee in their black cowboy hats and bright orange vests! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest livestock show and richest regular-season rodeo and an annual tradition for many Houstonians.
Mile 7: Fleet Feet and Brooks Watch Party
Bissonnet & Greenbriar
This is a great place to post up before the runners make the split. Shout out to FleetFeet, our Official Running Retailer and Brooks, our Official Shoe and Apparel Sponsor of the Houston Marathon Weekend of Events. Fleet Feet is Houston’s oldest locally owned running store!
Mile 8 (H): Italian Cultural & Community Center
Montrose & Bartlett
Home to Festa Italiana and the Italian Cultural Community Center, the Milford House (just one block from the Aramco Houston Half Marathon route) is a 90-year-old home that will make you feel as if you’ve traveled straight to Italy! On race day the center and its volunteers come out to support runners with Italian-themed signs and cheers to make you feel like you’re part of the Famiglia.
Mile 11: West University Mayor’s Breakfast
University & Auden
Enjoy “the best seat in the house” for observing the marathon, as West University Place City Hall is located at the 11.3 mile mark of the course! There is always an abundance of fun and exciting activities to entertain and encourage race participants and spectators, all within steps of City Hall.
Mile 14: The Galleria
Post Oak Blvd
Shop and dine after the race at the number one shopping and tourist attraction in Houston and the southwest. The Galleria hosts more than 24 million visitors annually with more than 375 stores, 30 restaurants, two hotels and a full-sized ice rink!
Mile 19, 20 & 21: Miles of Music
Memorial Drive
Get ready to show off your Texas Two Steppin‘ skills or break out in your boot scootin’ and boogie! Miles of Music is back for the third year and is guaranteed to have rocking good tunes through this 3-mile stretch on the way to the finish line.
Mile 20.5: Memorial Park Land Bridge Tunnels
Memorial & N Picnic Lane
Head over to the Memorial Park Tunnels to join Memorial Park Conservancy and make the running through the tunnels an unforgettable experience with a DJ, light show and all the noise makers you can think of!
Mile 21: Michelob Ultra RunHou Party
Memorial & S Picnic Lane
Did someone say free beer? Post up here for a true party on-course complete with free Michelob Ultra tastings (tastings only for 21+). Lose the carbs, not the taste!
Miles 23-24/Mile 11-12 (H): Buffalo Bayou Park
Allen Pkwy
This is the hilliest part of the marathon course, so encouragement is needed as runners take on the final miles of the race. There’s plenty of sidewalk space on both sides of Allen Pkwy for cheerleaders, tailgaters, and even your four-legged friends. Get in your miles and take a jog along the Buffalo Bayou Trail and pop back up to street level to cheer on your favorite runner!
How to Watch
Broadcast Information
Tune in to ABC13 from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to catch live coverage of the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon, and then again at 10:35 p.m. to see a race day recap special.
Watch the YouTube live stream
Streaming Information
Streaming of the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon will be available via ABC13:
Mobile App
TBD
WatchESPN