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 celebrates its 250th birthday, making it a truly memorable achievement. The race saw fierce competition, with Talbi and Adane Kebede Gebre of Ethiopia trading leads throughout the race. Gebre, finishing in 2:06:16, pushed Talbi to dig deep, and he responded by showcasing his endurance and strategic pacing. Talbi's win is a testament to his dedication and hard work, having moved to the U.S. in 2025 and serving in the Army reserves. He expressed his gratitude for the competition, which fueled his determination to the finish line. The Chevron Houston Marathon is a prestigious event, attracting runners from all 50 states and 52 countries, with a record-breaking 30,000 participants and 250,000 spectators. The race, held annually since 1972, has become a hallmark of the city's sporting calendar. In other races, Eritrean runner Habtom Samuel, 22, made a stunning debut, winning the Aramco Houston Half Marathon with a time of 59:01, breaking the course record. On the women's side, Fantaye Belayneh of Ethiopia emerged victorious in the Chevron Houston Marathon, finishing in 1:04:49, while Calli Hauger-Thackery from Great Britain claimed the women's title in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. The marathon also witnessed remarkable achievements, including Sara Hall breaking the master's record by two minutes, and the participation of runners from all 50 states and 52 countries, with the oldest runner being an impressive 88 years old. The event's live coverage on ABC13 is a must-watch, offering a replay at 6 p.m. on Sunday for those who missed the action or want to relive the excitement.
