Take Your Pick of Texas’ Big Marathons

It may still be pretty hot out, but marathon season is about to get underway in Texas. There are now dozens of marathons to choose from, many of them smaller events with multiple distances available. We’ll stick to the larger, more well-known events.

The United Supermarkets Lubbock Marathon kicks off the season on Sunday, October 27 at 8:00 a.m. The two-loop urban course starts and finishes at the Buddy and Maria Elena Holly Plaza. The official race guide states that the average temperature on race day is Between 70–73 degrees, with a low of 38°. Morning lows in Lubbock in late October are typically in the mid-50s — decent marathon conditions. Last year’s winners were Joshua Lewis-Sandy in 2:49:04 and Katherine Thorton in 3:22:53. (Boston Qualifier)

Not to be confused with the Cowtown Marathon, the Fort Worth Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 10 at 7:00 a.m. at Fort Worth’s Farmington Field. The flat, fast course along the Trinity River, Overton Park, and Colonial area provides a scenic and enjoyable route. Last year’s winners were Tesfaye Wosene in 2:36:15 and Jessica Hensel in 3:29:50. (Boston Qualifier)

The Baylor Scott & White BSC Marathon is set for Sunday December 8 at 7:00 a.m. and starts and finishes at Wolf Pen Creek Park in College Station. The course is primarily flat and fast, and the route includes plenty of shady neighborhoods, several golf courses, and enough crowd support to help you get to the finish for your first time or your fastest time. The marathon course has a few rolling hills miles 11–13 but is otherwise flat. Last year’s winners were Joshua Segura in 2:29:07 and Glenda Esco in 3:07:32. (Boston Qualifier)

The San Antonio Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon is also on Sunday December 8 at 7:00 a.m. The course is relatively flat and runners will pass iconic landmarks, including the Tower of Americas, River Walk, Torch of Friendship, vibrant neighborhoods, and more for a musical running tour of the Alamo City. Last year’s winners were Mark Saroni in 2:31:15 and Aliese Reus in 3:10:11. (Boston Qualifier)

The BMW Dallas Marathon is on Sunday, December 15 at 8:00 a.m. The course begins and ends in Downtown Dallas and highlights the best areas of the city. Runners will pass through various popular neighborhoods with exciting cheer stations and on-course entertainment before finishing the race at Dallas City Hall Plaza. Last year’s winners were Joseph Hale in 2:24:55 and Jillian Wolf in 2:51:49. (Boston Qualifier)

The Chevron Houston Marathon kicks off 2025 on January 19 at 7:00 a.m. The mostly flat course starts and finishes at the George Brown Convention center. Houston stands out among all marathons for the terrific crowd support. Spectators literally line the entire course cheering you on. Last year’s winners were Zouhair Talbi in 2:06:39 and Rahma Tusa Chota in 2:19:33, making it by far the fastest marathon in Texas. (Boston Qualifier)

Head down to the Coast on Sunday February 9 for the Galveston Marathon, which starts at 7:30 a.m. Featuring the seawall and views of the Gulf and other Galveston landmarks the two-lap course flat and fast — all paved, with no sand or beach running . Last year’s winners were Brian Clark in 2:47:34 and Clarissa Hoffman in 3:34:24. (Boston Qualifier)

Next up is the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, set for Sunday, February 16 at 7:00 a.m. Unlike many other Texas marathons, this one does not have a flat course. In fact the first 17 miles feature plenty of hills before you reach the race’s high point of elevation. However, if you run smart, you can make up a lot of ground in the remaining nine miles. Last year’s winners were George Onyancha in 2:19:07 and Damaris Areba in 2:38:52. (Boston Qualifier)

The Cowtown Marathon on Sunday, February 23 at 7:00 a.m., showcases the best of Fort Worth. The course starts and finishes at the Will Rogers Memorial Center on Lancaster Ave. The course is not without some decent hills, with a big one leading into downtown at mile nine. Last year’s winners were George Onyancha in 2:19:36 and Elizabeth Northern in 3:08:44. Note that Onyancha’s winning time was nearly identical to what he ran in Austin a week earlier. (Boston Qualifier)

The Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon is also set for Sunday, February 23 at 7:00 a.m. The 2025 course starts and finishes in downtown El Paso. The race website states that: “Finishing downtown not only gives runners and spectators alike a chance to enjoy the historic center of the city, but it also lets runners finish on a net decline, which helps them with their finish time and improves their chances to qualify for the 2026 Boston Marathon.” Last year’s winners were Hector Falcon in 2:38:03 and Anais Arce in 3:14:14. (Boston Qualifier)

March can be iffy weather-wise in Texas so the Legacy Capital Woodlands Marathon on March 1 at 6:45 a.m. may be your last shot for a Texas marathon in 2025 where you stand a chance of getting cooler running weather, though it can get warm even then. The two-loop course, which starts on Lake Robbins Drive and finishes around the corner on the scenic Waterway is flat with no hills of consequence. Last year’s winners were Dillon Breen in 2:25:36 and Madeleine Rouse in 2:56:41. (Boston Qualifier)

Upcoming Races: Day of the Dead Half Marathon on Saturday, October 12 at 8:00 a.m. at Mckinney Falls State Park. Saturday, October 19 at 8:00 a.m., the Deutschen Pfest Pfun Run (3 Miles) at Pfennig Park in Pflugerville. Sunday, October 20 at 8:00 a.m., the Livestrong Challenge 5K/10K at Auditorium Shores, Austin.