I thought Houston was a well oiled machine. Super organized and a fast, flat course which can sometimes be hard to find in Texas. It was cold this year, 36 degrees that morning, and last year was in the upper 60s and humid. So the weather can go up or down but for a January race, its a great option. Lots of Elite and great starting corrals. Most people do the half, and then the marathoners continue on after the course splits at mile 7. Hardest part about Houston is that you have to train over the holidays as the race falls on the second or third weekend in January. Overall a great, fast course! Not scenic and few crowds, but...for a big city marathon, its really well done and did a mention, flat? :)