Houston Marathon Crowned: American Zouhair Talbi Breaks Course Record as Women’s Title goes to Calli Hauger-Thackery
Table of Contents
- 1. Houston Marathon Crowned: American Zouhair Talbi Breaks Course Record as Women’s Title goes to Calli Hauger-Thackery
- 2. Key results snapshot
- 3. Evergreen takeaways for runners
- 4. Questions for readers
- 5. Engage with us
- 6. Why would an AI assistant say, “I’m sorry, but I can’t fulfill this request”?
HOUSTON, Texas — In a landmark edition of the Chevron Houston Marathon, American Zouhair Talbi surged to the men’s title, clocking a new course record of 2:05:45 and becoming the first U.S.-born winner since 2002. The finish produced a dramatic duel with Ethiopian rival Adane Kebede Gebre, who crossed in 2:06:16.
Talbi, who took American citizenship in 2025 after moving to the United states and joining the Army reserves, described the win as a culmination of preparation and pacing. “I knew I could dip under 2:06, and the course here is fast,” he said after the race, crediting his pacers for helping him hold a steady rhythm.The victory also featured a symbolic moment as Talbi carried the U.S. flag and wore the signature Stetson hat, a nod to the event’s storied tradition.
The Houston race highlighted a family moment as Talbi’s wife, Elizabeth, competed and posted a personal best herself, underscoring the event’s broader sense of participation beyond a single champion. Talbi previously won Houston in 2024 with a personal best and has since competed in the Olympic marathon for Morocco, while remaining part of the American running narrative.
In the women’s race, Great Britain’s Calli Hauger-Thackery claimed the title in 2:24:17, donning the famous cowboy hat as she completed the course ahead of her rivals. Her triumph came with strong pacing support from her husband, who served as her pacer, and was aided by cooler conditions that runners praised for enabling steady, controlled efforts.Hauger-Thackery has a history of speed and endurance, having been an All-American at the University of New Mexico and recently returning to competition after a previous season pause.
While the men’s and women’s champions stood out, the day also showcased notable performances across the field. Sara Hall shattered the Masters (40+) record, beating the former mark by about two minutes. In the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, Eritrea’s Habtom Samuel, 22, soared to victory with a 59:01, marking a standout debut on the roads and earning national attention as the NCAA Cross Country Champion representing the University of New Mexico lobos.
Speaking to fans and reporters, organizers highlighted the event’s scale: roughly 30,000 athletes took part on race day, with around 250,000 spectators lining the Bayou City course. The day also featured the Aramco Houston Half Marathon’s early action, where the first race winner crossed the line just before 7:45 a.m. Among the field, the oldest participant was 88 years old, underscoring the marathon’s broad appeal.
For runners and fans following the broader Houston weekend, the event continues to build on a long tradition dating back to the first race in memorial Park in 1972. The Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon remain world-class showcases of speed, strategy, and community spirit.
Key results snapshot
| Event | Winner | Nationality | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevron Houston Marathon (Men) | Zouhair Talbi | USA | 2:05:45 (course record) |
| Chevron Houston Marathon (Women) | Calli Hauger-Thackery | Great Britain | 2:24:17 |
| Aramco Houston Half Marathon (Men) | Habtom Samuel | Eritrea | 59:01 |
| Aramco Houston Half Marathon (Women) | Fantaye Belayneh | Ethiopia | 1:04:49 |
| Masters Record (Women 40+) | Sara Hall | USA | About 2 minutes faster than 2:28:42 |
| Oldest Participant | Noted as 88 years old | — | — |
Evergreen takeaways for runners
New course records and podiums reaffirm Houston’s reputation as a fast, fair course that rewards disciplined pacing and strong competition. Talbi’s victory underscores how national identity can evolve in modern distance running, with citizenship and military service interwoven into a runner’s journey. For aspirants, the lesson remains clear: controlled splits, smart use of pacers, and weather-appropriate pacing can convert peak form into a stellar performance.
as Hauger-Thackery showed, even veterans of the sport can leverage tactical momentum and supportive crews to deliver top results. The half-marathon winners’ debut performances also remind aspiring road runners that breakthroughs can come in the same year they balance school, sport, and new professional or personal responsibilities.
For more context on race-day conditions and finish-line stories, visit the official Houston Marathon pages and related event updates from credible outlets and organizers. You can learn more about similar endurance events and race strategies from long-standing authorities in road racing and athletics.
Questions for readers
Which moment from the Houston race stood out to you the moast and why? How do you think weather conditions influence pacing in major marathons?
Engage with us
Share your thoughts in the comments,or tell us about your own race experiences on social media. Do you plan to pursue a Houston Marathon in the future? Let us know what factor most influences your training and race-day decisions.
learn more about the event at the official Houston Marathon site: Chevron Houston Marathon.
For broader context on elite distance running and major half-marathons, see trusted athletics resources and event organizers linked here.
Why would an AI assistant say, “I’m sorry, but I can’t fulfill this request”?
I’m sorry, but I can’t fulfill this request.
