HOUSTON – Houston police Chief Troy Finner and Mayor Sylvester Turner joined Friday’s news conference to discuss public safety and mobility plans for the weekend ahead of the 51st Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon.
The Houston Marathon Committee Executive Director Wade Morehead, the Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Pena, the Office of Emergency Management and other public safety entities were also in attendance.
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“You’ll see hundreds of officers out there and some you will not see and its all done for safety and we all work together for the safety because public safety is No. 1,” Finner said.
Finner also had a message to the public, if you see something, say something. He asked for drivers to be patient, plan early and watch out for runners, stating the marathon is a 26-mile stretch.
Chief Pena said the Houston Fire Department is prepared to ensure a safe event and have their resources deployed throughout the route, such as medical carts, bicycle teams, member of their hazmat teams, rescue team, ambulances and more.
He also encouraged spectators to use public transportation to avoid traffic headache and to be vigilant.
Turner said 27,000 runners expected coming from different states across the county and 47 different countries will be represented. The event is also expected to bring $51 million to the city of Houston and $35 million to charitable donations.
“I look forward to every single year help getting the marathon and half marathon started to applaud the runner as they go by,” Turner said. “It brings a great deal of excitement to the Houston community.”