More than 30,000 runners will hit the streets in what will be a frigid Houston on Sunday for the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon.
The race will be the first large scale event held in Houston since the New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people and injured nearly 60 others, Houston Marathon Committee Director Wade Morehead tells KTRH that there will be extra security.
"You will see some enhanced resources in various areas," Morehead said, You will see an expanded presence at the George R. Brown Convention Center."
Morehead also told KTRH that they have been working with their partners on making sure the thousands of runners, and the thousands more that will be cheering them on, are safe.
"We have the full attention of HPD, Homeland Security, FBI, and all of our partners including HFD and first responders," Morehead stated.
As for the race itself, runners will wind up dodging the winter weather that is expected to hit Houston on Monday and Tuesday. But it will be cold and windy, similar to the conditions that existed last year.
The elite field for this year's race includes a pair of American Olympians, Conner Mantz and Clayton Young.
"We could not be more pleased to have them," Morehead stated. Mantz and Young will be shooting for the American half marathon record, which is held by Ryan Hall at 59:43.
The event has become a three day affair, with the marathon expo opening on Friday, the We Are Houston 5K on Saturday, and Sunday's race.
The race will force several street closures across the city.