The Woodlands Marathon is held at a time of year where the weather is somewhat unpredictable. In 2015 it was 32 Degrees F at the start of the race. Rained somewhere in the middle and was overcast most of the race. Perfect conditions for a PR. The following year it was much warmer. I didn't race in 2016 but was cheering the runners as a spectator.

The expo is well organized with an area to look up your bib number if you don't already know it. You then enter the convention rooms at the Marriott and get your race packet, shirt etc… Many vendors are also on side with some of the latest gear available for you to check out or purchase.

Parking isn't to difficult. There are plenty of parking garages that charge a small fee when you exit as well as a few public parking lots along the south side of the waterway. It's not a giant race which also helps.

The start corral was setup by pace inside street barriers with plenty of porta potties near by. The race course it mostly flat with very few small hills making this a very fast race. The pace groups or at least the 4 hour pace group stayed on target all the way through the finish and the water stations were well stocked.

The finish for the race is down along the waterfront in the woodlands. This is a canal area and also the run route for IRONMAN Texas. You will run down a drive from the main roads to the water front. Once you get here your 200 to 300 meters from the finish but wont see it until you run through the overpass that’s going over the walkway. Once your long the water be confident that your at the finish and stay strong.

The after party is held in a grassy park area just after the finish. All your drop bag pickup will be here, they have hot food and drinks, massage therapists and beer. The park is also along the final stretch of the marathon before making the turn that takes you down to the waterfront for the finish making it easy for family to cheer you on and then run to the finish for that last little bit of encouragement. I was able to do this with a stroller and 3 kids for my wife when she did this race.