In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, American runner Zouhair Talbi claimed the Chevron Houston Marathon title for the first time since 2002, setting a new course record of 2:05:45. This victory holds even greater significance as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday. Talbi's triumph was a hard-fought battle, with lead changes between him and Adane Kebede Gebre of Ethiopia. Gebre finished just behind Talbi with a time of 2:06:16. The race showcased Talbi's strategic approach, as he waited until the latter portion to make his move, fueled by the competitive spirit of Gebre's presence. This win marks a personal milestone for Talbi, who, after emigrating to the United States in 2025 and joining the Army reserves, proudly carried the U.S. flag during the race, a dream come true. Talbi's marathon history includes a personal best of 2:06:39 in Houston in 2024, a top 10 finish in the Boston Marathon, and a recent victory in the Bank of America 13.1 in Chicago. His wife, Elizabeth, also participated, improving her time. The Chevron Houston Marathon celebrated its 54th edition, attracting runners from all 50 states and 52 countries, with a record-breaking 30,000 participants and 250,000 spectators. The event, held at Memorial Park, showcased the spirit of competition, with the oldest runner being 88 years old. The race also featured the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, where Eritrea's Habtom Samuel, 22, set a new course record of 59:01 in his half-marathon and road race debut. On the women's side, Fantaye Belayneh of Ethiopia emerged victorious, finishing with a time of 1:04:49, just ahead of Tsigie Gebreselama. The Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon are renowned world-class events, drawing a diverse and enthusiastic crowd.
