Houston Half Marathon. a fast course, a stacked field and a record on the line
The 2025 Houston Half Marathon is set to host another race this weekend on one of the world’s fastest courses.The flat and fast course has set three new American records in the last three years.The men’s record, set by Ryan Hall in 2007, was unchanged for 18 years.A new generation of American road racers this weekend will try to change that.
With clear skies and cold temperatures expected, conditions look ideal for fast times, setting the stage for another historic race.
Women’s race. another record in Houston.
Last year, Vaini Kelati shocked the field in her half-marathon debut, clocking 1:06:25 in Houston, beating the American record by 14 seconds. the referral.
That trend started in 2022 when Sarah Hall ran 1:07:15 to beat Molly Huddle’s 2018 record.The following year, Emily Sisson went even faster in 1:06:52 before Kyra D’Amato broke it again at the Gold Coast Half Marathon. : Kelati’s performance in Houston continued that streak, proving this course favors speed.
This year, she faces a deep American field, including Amanda Vestry, Lindsay Flanagan, and former Syracuse standout, who ran an impressive 1:08:12 in her Orlando half marathon debut , that it is possible to perform in Houston until 67:00. If he is right, then Kelati’s record could be in jeopardy again.
Men’s race. Can the record be broken?
The American men’s record has stood since Ryan Hall ran 59:43 in 2007. Since then, only two U.S. runners have come close: Galen Rupp (2018: 59:47) and Leonard Korir (2017: 59:52). : Several top Americans will try to break the one-hour barrier this weekend push for a new national best.
Conner Mantz and Clayton Young are among the favorites. Both were in the top 10 in the Olympic marathon last August. Mantz’s personal best is 1:00:55. Young ran 1:01:18 partners have a history of pushing each other to breakthrough performances.Houston could be another.
Diego Estrada is another strong contender. He ran a 1:00:49 in Houston last year. That performance put him 9th on the all-time list. He broke the American 25K record in May. Now he’s back in Houston looking for another personal best.
Morgan Pearson is an intriguing addition to the field. The Olympian has elite-level endurance and ran a personal best of 1:01:08 in October. That time ranks her 16th on the all-time list if he can shave off another minute, he’ll be in the hunt for a historic finish.
Joe Klecker will make his debut in the half marathon. The 2021 Olympian missed last summer’s U.S. trials with a groin injury.Houston will be her first trial.
In the lead, last year’s champion Jemal Yimmer and runner-up Wesley Kipto will resume their competition. Yimmer won the sprint, just one second ahead of Kipto.
Race day conditions: cold and fast
Runners should gather at the start line.Temperatures will be in the upper 30s, but with the wind it will feel like the low 30s. By mid-morning, these temperatures will be near perfect for fast times.
