Best. Race. Ever…read more This was the most organized, professionally run, well put on race I've ever been to! There were a few traffic issues but really, that was more poor planning on my part than anything. I did hear stories of people sitting in the parking lot for 1.5 + hours after the race, but we got right out, so it all worked great for us! If you ever get a chance to run a race put on by RAS - do it! You will not be disappointed! They were always in contact with e-mails and updates on their Facebook page. The medal, the volunteers, the post-race food, and everything was just top-notch. It was raining like crazy on the second loop of the bridge and while that makes it hard to see when you're a blind girl with glasses, the cool rain and the wind felt so good after the hot, hot weather! The volunteers were amazing! Out there yelling and cheering and ringing cowbells and giving high-fives...I've never felt so much excitement at a race ever. Of course, this is the biggest race I've ever run; the participants were limited to a max of 2,000 and I think it was pretty close to that. There were a LOT of people. There were plenty of places to park, even up front, although I think next year I will still park father out as I bet the people who got stuck were parking parked up close, and the course was closed until everyone was finished, and the time limit was two hours. So, if you're a faster runner and want to get out right after the race, park farther away, or just stay down there at the Boardwalk Inn! There were breakfast tacos, ice cream, pop, water, and fruit for afterwards. There may have been other things but that's what I saw. They also were giving out Muscle Milk and Power Bar Gels as well. The charity they help is "The Bridge Over Troubled Water": "The mission of The Bridge is to offer support, provide safety, and prevent domestic and sexual violence." They had a place set up for donations for the organization there too. This was a "bucket list" race for me, as I always saw people running the Kemah Bridge and thought how awesome that would be. After a few 5ks and a couple 10ks, I realized that if I trained, I could run the bridge too! I am so glad that I was able to cross this off my list finally and that I was involved in such an awesome race!

I ran the 10K and had a fun time. It was a well organized event, and I especially liked that they…read moreeither e-mailed or texted the runners their finish time right after crossing the finish line! I thought it was going to be a pretty small race, but there were a lot more runners than I expected. The race starts near Fish Plaza and you basically run down Memorial Drive and back. You run one loop for the 5K and two for the 10K. Not the most fun route, but it seems to be a common race route for a lot of smaller Houston races for road closure logistics, etc. There is just a slight bit of incline running over the bridge, but it's a flat course otherwise (as is expected in Houston). Post-race party runs true to the name -- plenty to chocolate to go around! It was my first time actually seeing a chocolate fountain in person, and I will shamelessly admit that I was pretty giddy about it ;).

Had a great time!!! Things started on time and were very organized. Looking forward to more!read more

Who doesn't enjoy looking like a rainbow vomited all over you after running 3.2 miles of…read moreawesomeness? This was probably one of the most fun 5k runs I have participated in thus far. In fact I'm pretty sure its fun for not only the run participants but also those that volunteer to make sure your covered in color by the time you cross the finish line. It's a great event for all ages and for every level of runner/walker. As you trek along adding those miles on to your sneakers you reach "color" check points where volunteers are armed with bottles of colored powder awaiting the human canvases that are about to pass through. "Get out and move and be healthy all while supporting great causes!"

Throwing dyed cornstarch at people who are trying to breathe is not just moronic, it's UNHEALTHY…read more Cornstarch is used by this for-profit company as a vehicle for dyes that are thrown at participants. The idea is a good one, but the method is not healthy, particularly for children and people with asthma. A closer look at this company's reveals there is some hazard to being pelted with a fine solid dust while you try to breathe. Take a hint from the band GWAR, who have been showering the public with safe dyes for years: add some water to avoid airborne particulate matter from entering folks' respiratory systems!

Get your roll on, errybody errybody get your roll on.... And keep rollin, for 10k, 13.1 miles, or a…read morefull 26.2 miles with thousands of your closest townsfolk. Whether you're running, or volunteering it's for a great cause. It's quite a sight to see so many people as one, working towards a common goal (the finish line). As a runner, you not only get to traverse your favorite city in the great nation of Texas by foot, but you also get a chance to wait in line for port-a-potties spread throughout the course. The most common situation being the need to pee as soon as the race starts. The further out you can run at the beginning, the shorter the lines. After running there's a tent city waiting to welcome you with free foods, drinks and the best offers that expensive services and companies will give you. For those who start off in warm up clothing, and shed it as the race goes on, all clothing gets donated. So that's pretty cool. As a volunteer, you get a front row seat in a number of different areas, providing various services to runners and the community. Watching for traffic, cleaning up litter and clothing, offering runners water and other items, or other services provided by the race staff. Volunteers get shirts, and swag, as well as a jacket (which I didn't get because it was never delivered in my size. AHEM....a wee bit butt-hurt still. Our group BON Running Club, had a volunteer after party at Little Woodrow's. We're pretty awesome. For Health, Charity, personal goals, or because you're bored, the marathon is something you have to be in, to understand and enjoy. Yes, the idea of running in a giant circle when you life isn't in jeopardy seems a little much to some. However, it's good practice for when the inevitable zombie apocalypse begins, or our alien overlords arrive to establish dominance. Just do it the once so you know you can. Then you know you don't have to fear zombies with 5 mph speed limit.

Wow. To hell with Chicago, they should call Houston the windy city because I was totally BLOWN…read moreAWAY by how awesome this race was. I feel so lucky I got in as part of a team and I would recommend this race without hesitation to anybody. I ran the half this year (Jan 2013) and to say that the weather at the start was not optimal is an understatement. Rainy, windy and cold, I was thinking this race would be craptacular beyond compare. I was wrong...even with the weather this was one of the most fun half marathons I've ever run (and this was # 32 for me). Highlights: Communication from the race was consistently relevant, timely and informative. I never felt spammed. The Expo was great and bib/shirt pickup was a breeze. The start was one of the best...scratch that, I'm kicking it up a notch, the start was the best organized of any race I've ever run, and that includes races in NYC, Miami, Pittsburgh, Chicago and San Diego. The way they fed people into the correct corral was excellent. The volunteers were AMAZE-BALLS! So well organized, spaced well, helpful, friendly and supportive, I can't say enough. The spectators were EXCEPTIONAL! My friends from Houston were afraid there wouldn't be that many people out because who wants to stand in a cold rain, with wind, for hours. Well apparently tens of thousands of Houstonians do because all along the course there was terrific support. Running through the Heights was very fun. The crowd really helped keep the mood upbeat and spirits high. I felt like a superstar running through the puddles and the supporters are the reason why. Thank you so much, Houston. The after race was well organized and efficient. I just wish the weather had been nicer so there could have been a celebration on Discovery Green, but that's not the race's fault. I'm used to lottery systems because a lot of the races in NYC have them...that's the price you pay for having a popular race. I hope I'm lucky enough to get in next year. Houston Marathon organizers, you do a great job. Keep up the good work. Hope to see you in 2014!

I've run this half marathon just about every year since I moved to Houston, and it's a great race…read more The race occurs every year on the Sunday before Halloween and provides a great warm up option for the Chevron/Aramaco race that occurs in mid-January, known to be the largest sporting event in Houston. The course is pretty flat, making a short loop around downtown before heading out along Allen Parkway and through Memorial Park and back, with only the few rolling hills near Buffalo Bayou park to slow you down. Half marathon runners get the chance to pass through the new Memorial Park tunnels which is a lot of fun. The race also offers a 10K option but these runners turn around at the end of Allen Parkway, missing Memorial Park and the tunnels. This race is also nice as the price is fairly low and includes free race day photos. Score! Having done the race several times, I will say that personally, I feel like I like it a little less since UTHealth has taken over as sponsor. The packet pickup now occurs at their Bellaire clinic and promotes a number of their health screening services. Don't get me wrong, I am all about preventive screening and public health, however I really enjoy packet pick ups as an avenue to check out running vendors to score some fun apparel and accessories. This is no longer offered with UTHealth. It feels very much like an advertising event for their health services. This year too their race day website went down for several hours the night before the race, when everyone wants to review the participant guide. They also promote live tracking, which I signed up to receive notification alerts at significant milestones, however there were no time clocks displayed on the course itself. Most runners have a sports watch or tracking app, however this was a little disappointing. Overall, I'm definitely going to continue to run this race but am a little disappointed with the new race sponsor.

I have never felt so unwelcome…read more For the first time, went to Derby to experience fun times. Had a rude guy yell and pushed my shoulder at the bar telling me that I cut everyone in line. I did not know there was a line. I was standing for at least 15 minutes. Someone or even the bartender could have let me know or at least escorted this belligerent dude out for acting that way towards me. Then went to the other bar to order and said "cranberry vodka" and the lady's tone telling me it's called "vodka cranberry" and "I would have given you just a cranberry" with an attitude. I am not here to pick a fight with anyone and I speak multiple languages, why does that even matter????? Then, my friend and I went to our assigned counter seats and stayed in it for 20 minutes. The usher lady came up to us and had to check our tickets because she mentioned we looked suspicious just sitting in the middle of the section and not to check anyone else's tickets. How is that even fair? If you had to check tickets, why don't they just have an usher at every section. This made me angry. Nevertheless... Parking was easy and free. Restrooms are clean. Everything was straight forward. I will never come again. I felt attacked and not welcome.

Besides the fact that it is extremely expensive. I love the Run Houston race series. However, this…read moreis one of my least favorite races. The reason is because the most exciting aspect of this race is that it is on New Year's day. There is not much to see around Sam Houston race park so it can be very dull if you aren't with a group of friends. Also, I would be wary if you have asthma. In 2017, they did not close down both sides of the road so cars were driving next to the racers the whole time. If you do not do the whole series I would suggest doing Minute Maid park since you get to go through various scenery, the weather is nice, and you get to explore the inside of the stadium! Pros: 1. It is on New Year's Day 2. They have alot of toilets around the course and start/finish line 3. The temperature is pleasant 4. There are two water stations 5. Parking is Free 6. The course is extremely flat so it's good for personal bests Cons: 1. The course is dull compared to the others. 2. There is alot of parking but getting in and out is hectic.

One of my favorite runs in town! It's a different distance than you're used to. Most of the runs…read morein town are 5Ks, ~3.1 miles, and then you have your 10Ks which are ~6.2 miles, but somtimes you want something in between. Well now you have the 4 the park run which is 4 miles. The course is very well designed and the after part is even better! There was so much food and drinks! One of my favorite runs and all for a great cause.

Logging another 4 beautiful miles on foot, such a great feeling…read more This event was stellar, not only the surroundings, but overall it was beyond well organized, in fact from comments I overheard it's like that every year, and that's enough to say every year I hope to be a participant. Parking was not an issue; I mean who doesn't want parking right near the finish line. At first we thought man should have parked at the starting line, but as hindsight goes, we had prime parking in the end. The after party was, well let's put it this way, I've never been so pampered after a race. The vendors were friendly and very generous in all aspects. Frozen Strawberry Margaritas, Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, Beer, Muscle Milk, Squeezed - fruit infused water/juices, Breakfast burritos, pasta, crepes, cliff bars, sausage/chili, massages, stretching, shoes, and swag up the wazoo. Cannot thank the vendors enough & YELP for giving me such a great opportunity to enjoy/explore the community I now call home!

I was a bit skeptical about this race because of all the bad reviews from last year but it actually…read moreturned out well. The race course went through different areas which kept the views interesting and the medals this year were cute. However, I would caution those who have a bad ankle because part of the course is a bit hilly which can cause injury. They took out a water station in the middle so they were just on either end which meant that there was only water every 1.75ish miles. There was plenty of water and the volunteers were very sweet. What was a bit annoying, even though it wasn't their fault, was that the portable restrooms were delivered late and only 5 of them were delivered. This caused a long line and made the race delay by 20 mins so everyone had time to use them. The other ones came after the race started. There was plenty of snacks but they ran out of hot chocolate. This race had 1000+ participants I am taking one star away since they didn't give out tshirt as until the day of and because specifics of bib pick up weren't told until 2 weeks before the race.

A very well executed and organized race this year! The sponsors were well organized and friendly,…read morethe race administrators made sure everyone was staged in time for the gun. I was a bit surprised that they started the 6kers after the 12k, so that the whole race was a game of dodge-the-slow-12kers. However it was effective in getting everyone finished in a limited amount of time. And best of all, medals for all! And snacks for all!

What better way to build up an appetite for thanksgiving day feast? This is a great fun and…read moreexciting run. I am shocked at how crowded this thing gets! But people wake up early, dress up and run a 5K. The sponsors usually come packed and it makes it a sight to see thousands of runners with turkey heads in the streets near the galleria.

2014 was my first year running in the Turkey Trot near the Galleria, and it was quite an…read moreexperience! They offer both a 5k and 10k race option, so depending on your level of experience you can race whatever works best. There are also wheelchair and kids specific races happening, so bring out the whole family! The course wound through the Galleria area, and the weather was perfect for running. As a first timer, I thought the instructions were a bit vague and I wish there had been a little more structure to the begining/pre-race activities. There were lots of people running in a group dressed in costumes, so if you have a couple of crazy friends grab them, get creative with the costumes, and have some fun running before stuffing yourself full of turkey later that day. Post-race activities include a few snacks for runners, photo opportunities, games and inflatable slides/obsticle courses, and a lot of great vendors to visit and get free swag. Yelp was one of hte race sponsors, and they had a booth where you could get yelp branded merch as well. Fun!