MAP: 8 best spots for cheering on runners at the Chevron Houston Marathon

The Chevron Houston Marathon is one of the biggest sports days in our city.

Thousands of runners will take to the streets for the big race this Sunday, Jan. 15. You may want to go cheer on friends or family members in the race, so we wanted to map out a few of the best spots where you can set up your cheer squad.

Houston Marathon race route hot spots

Sometimes a person with a sign, hand bell or just a smile is what helps get these runners to the finish line. Before you make your cheer plan, check out the map of all of the street closures. Then, check out the race map. Keep in mind, while the race starts at 7:01 a.m. it may take some runners 5+ hours to finish, so you have plenty of time to head out to the course. The Houston Marathon has a full route list but we picked out some of our favorite places where you can watch the race.

Mile 1 - Marathon Elvis

Washington and Sabine

Nothing can pep up runners like the King of Rock & Roll at mile one! Elvis has been showing up on the course for 10+ years! He’ll be on the corner of Washington and Sabine streets. This area has a lot of parking lots and side streets where you can park and cheer on the runners.

Mile 2 - Aldine High School Drumline

Waugh/S Heights at Feagan/Willa

You can hear these guys before you see them! The Mighty Mustang Aldine Drumline will bring the booming beat to keep runners in pace. This area of the race course is near the walking areas of Buffalo Bayou so there is plenty of space for spectators.

Mile 5.5 - Bolivian Dancers

Westheimer and Kirby

The Caporales San Simon Houston Bolivian Dancers is a group a lot of runners look forward to on the course.

Mile 7: Fleet Feet and Brooks Watch Party

Bissonnet and Greenbriar

This area of the course is easy to get to and there are plenty of places to park and walk to the course area. There are also a few breakfast spots in this area if you need to grab something to eat.

Mile 11: Texas Blues Brothers

Weslayan and Bissonnet

The Texas Blues Brothers will not disappoint. You’ll see runners smile at the sight of these guys recreating the characters of the 1981 movie in the original Belushi/Aykroyd style.

Mile 14: The Galleria

Post Oak Boulevard

The Galleria area has plenty of parking and other areas for you to stop and cheer on the runners. Of course, feel free to shop or grab brunch.

Mile 19, 20, 21

Memorial Park, Memorial Drive (Memorial and N Picnic Lane)

It is said that runners often hit “the wall” at mile 20. They’ll need extra support during this stretch of the race. Also, there will be “Miles of Music” with various musical acts along the route here. There will be road closures in this area but you can still find places to park and walk to cheer on the runners. Memorial Park also has plenty of bathrooms if you need to take a potty break.

Mile 23-24

Allen Parkway (at Montrose)

This stretch of the race is where it gets real. Allen Parkway is the hilliest part of the marathon course. It may not look hilly, but trust us, when you are on the 23rd mile of a marathon it feels hilly. Runners will need extra encouragement to make it through the final stretch of this race.

Finish line party near the GRB in Downtown Houston

Allen Parkway takes runners downtown and to the finish line. Discovery Green park is the huge finish line party where families and friends can meet up with their runners. Alphabetical signs will be clearly visible so you can plan to meet under the first letter of the runner’s last name.

Here is the full course map so you can make your plan.