This race is the most seamless BIG race I've experienced in my 50+ marathon+ finishes. All communication is crystal clear. It is organized from Expo to post race party. Houston LOVES this event so the support is in full force. If you train, you can pretty much be sure you'll PR. The main staging area is a convention center adjacent to a hug beautiful park so if the weather is wet- you're covered and if its beautiful (which is usually is) then you have the most lovely park to celebrate in. Everything is downtown so it's walkable. I have run the half once, and 2019 will be my 10th time to run the Houston Marathon. It's the only marathon I repeat year after year without hesitation.