HOUSTON – In conjunction with the opening of race registration for the 2014 Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon on Wednesday, June 5, the Houston Marathon Committee will celebrate National Running Day at Memorial Park from 5:30 to 8:00 pm.

The opening of the lottery coincides with this coast-to-coast celebration of the sport of running, which occurs annually on the first Wednesday of June. For the fifth consecutive year, runners will use National Running Day to inspire, motivate, and commemorate the reasons and people that make running a special part of their lives.

The “party in the park,” located near the tennis center, will feature music, refreshments and giveaways including a drawing for five guaranteed race entries, free National Running Day T-shirts (while supplies last), plus a one or two lap run at 6:30 pm led by Houston Marathon Committee staff members and three-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic Trials winner Meb Keflezighi.  Runners will also be able to make a donation and receive an Olympic Trials flag or autograph card signed by Meb. Quantities are limited. All donations will benefit One Fund Boston.

“We are proud of our running community in Houston and National Running Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the opening of our 2014 race registration with our local community,” said Wade Morehead, Executive Director of the Houston Marathon Committee. “Running is more than a sport to so many, it is a way of life, and National Running Day is about promoting a healthy, fun, and social lifestyle.”

Race day for the 42nd annual Chevron Houston Marathon and the 13th annual Aramco Houston Half Marathon is Sunday, January 19. The ABB 5K will be held the day before, on Saturday, January 18. Participant selections for the marathon and half marathon will be formally announced by Monday, June 24.  Registration for the 5K fun run will remain open until the cap is reached.

Important Dates

Thursday, May 30, 2013 – Early Registration Closes
Wednesday, June 5, 2013 – Lottery Registration Opens, National Running Day Celebration at Memorial Park
Saturday, June 29, 2013 – Chevron Houston Marathon Run for a Reason Kick-Off Party at Memorial Park
Thursday, January 16, 2014 – 26th annual Greek Pastichio Dinner
Saturday, January 18, 2014 – 5K & Festival at Discovery Green
Sunday, January 19, 2014 – Chevron Houston Marathon & Aramco Houston Half Marathon

Please visit https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Events/NationalRunningDay.cfm for more details.