The Houston Marathon is as well run of an event as you would expect from a big city race. The event is fantastic from start to finish. I like that the registration is first come-first served with plenty of notice as to when the registration would open. I much prefer this to a lottery system which they will probably switch to if it starts selling out sooner each year. The expo was one of the best that I have attended, well organized with runner specific vendors. The convention center is easy to get in and out of for both the expo and as a staging area for the start and finish of the race. I stayed at a hotel within walking distance to the convention center and the start line so I had no parking issues at any time.
The race course was flat as advertised to the point where I wouldn't have minded an incline or two to break things up along the way. I think there were two overpasses that were slightly uphill. It's definitely a PR or BQ type of course if the conditions are right. The crowds were plentiful and enthusiastic. I don't think I have ever had so many people read my name off my bib and address me directly with encouragement.
Of course the story of the 2017 Houston Marathon will be the conditions. It was hot and humid with intermittent showers throughout the race. The sun came out from time to time to add an extra layer of heat. This was definitely not my day as I struggled with the humidity from early in the race and spent most of the race more concerned with what mile I was in and less concerned with what was going on around me. There were plenty of water and Gatorade stops and tons of port-o-potties on the course. It is obvious that a lot of thought and planning went into this marathon, it is a fantastic event. Under the right conditions a great day can definitely be had in Houston.