In Houston, Texas, excitement filled the air as the city hosted the 54th annual Chevron Houston Marathon. This year was special because it marks the 250th birthday of the United States. Zouhair Talbi made history by becoming the first American man to win this marathon since 2002, clocking an impressive time of 2:05:45 and setting a new course record.
Talbi, who has a deep connection to this race, shared his thoughts after the finish. “I knew I had under 2:06:00 in me,” he said. He carefully chose Houston for its fast course, aided by skilled pacers during the race. The competition was fierce, especially from Ethiopia’s Adane Kebede Gebre, who finished close behind at 2:06:16. Talbi admitted that Gebre’s presence pushed him to dig deeper and stay focused.
“My first time carrying the U.S. flag was a dream come true,” Talbi said, wearing a Stetson cowboy hat, a prize for the winners. He came to the U.S. in 2025 and proudly served in the Army reserves. Talbi previously won the Houston Marathon in 2024 and competed for Morocco in the Olympics. Not only did he excel, but his wife, Elizabeth, also participated and improved her previous time.
On the women’s side, Great Britain’s Calli Hauger-Thackery took home the title, winning with a time of 2:24:17. Hauger-Thackery’s husband paced her during the race, and they shared a heartfelt embrace upon crossing the finish line. She had recently won the JAL Honolulu Marathon, showcasing her exceptional talent.
While no American woman won, Sara Hall did break the master’s record for runners over 40, finishing in 2:26:41. Hall’s achievement highlights the ongoing success and growth of American marathon runners.
In the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, Eritrea’s Habtom Samuel, aged 22, took first place with an astounding debut time of 59:01. His victory marked a significant moment, as he is also the reigning NCAA Cross Country Champion, signifying his rising star status in the running world.
The women’s half marathon also saw an intense finish with Ethiopia’s Fantaye Belayneh defeating Tsigie Gebreselama with a time of 1:04:49. Both races showcased remarkable talent and determination.
According to marathon organizers, 30,000 runners participated this year, with 250,000 spectators cheering them on. The event continues a tradition started in 1972, drawing runners from all 50 states and 52 countries. The spirit of community and camaraderie is evident in every stride taken.
For those curious about the race’s ongoing impact or looking to delve deeper into marathon statistics, the full results and more details are available on sites like Runner’s World.
This year’s marathon not only celebrated athletic excellence but also highlighted the richness of tradition and community spirit in Houston. As Talbi and Hauger-Thackery’s triumphs showed, hard work pays off and dreams can turn into reality.
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