FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the date of The Woodlands Marathon?
A: The Woodlands Marathon & The Woodlands Half Marathon & 10K will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Q: Where does The Woodlands Marathon take place?
A: The race takes place in The Woodlands, TX.
Q: What time does The Woodlands Marathon start?
A: START TIMES (estimated):
Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K − 6:45am (March 1, 2025)
Half Marathon AWD - 6:45am
Marathon/Half Marathon - 6:50am
10K - 7:00am
5K − 7:30am (February 25, 2023)
2K − 9:00am (February 25, 2023)
Q: Where are the Start and Finish located?
A: The Marathon Start Line is located in the eastbound lane (closet to Town Green Park) of 2099 Lake Robbins Drive at Town Green Park. The Half Marathon Start Line is located in the westbound lane (closest to Market Street) on 2099 Lake Robbins Drive at Town Green Park. The 10k Start is located in the eastbound lane (closet to Town Green Park) In front of Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The 5K & 2K Start and Finish Line will be on the Waterway trolley path just east of Town Green Park.
Q: Where can I find the course map?
A: Click here.
Q: Can I run with a baby jogger or dog?
A: No, in consideration for the safety of all participants; baby joggers, skateboards, bikes and animals are prohibited on the course. Exception is the 2K Family Fun Run Walk .
Q: Can I run with headphones?
A: Headphones are not prohibited but are strongly discouraged. Participants who wear headphones must remain aware of race officials, traffic and other runners. Any participant who fails to follow directions from race officials is subject to being removed from the racecourse, for their own safety and the safety of other participants. PLEASE maintain a volume level where safety vehicles and communications can be heard.
Q: What is the time limit for The Woodlands Marathon?
A: All streets must be reopened to traffic by 2:00 PM, and all participants must be able to cross the Finish Line by 1:30 PM to be recorded as an official finisher (with time and place). To do so, both Marathon and Half Marathon participants must maintain a pace no slower than 15 minutes per mile throughout the course. Any Marathon or Half Marathon participant slower than the maximum pace throughout the respective courses will be directed to the SAG vehicle for safety measures.
A: No refunds will be given for registered Marathon and Half Marathon participants who are directed to the SAG vehicle – no exceptions. Back of the Pack Teams (Pacers) for both the Marathon and Half Marathon will wear a special shirt for identification and will maintain the required 14:30 minute pace. Any participants who are concerned about maintaining the maximum pace should keep pace with the applicable Back of the Pack Team, pace team. SAG Wagons and equipment trucks will follow the Back of the Pack Teams to pick up the slower than required pace runners and reopen the streets. These participants will not be able to finish the race or receive their medal, but may participate in the post race party.
Q: Do I need a qualifying time to participate?
A: No, there is no qualifying time to participate in The Woodlands Marathon, but you will need to submit a time for your corral seeding. If a time is not submitted, we will seed all those runners in the last corral.
Q: Can I walk?
A: Please refer to the minimum average pace and time limits listed above for the event.
Q: Do I have to join a charity group to participate?
A: No, you do not have to join a charity group to participate in the The Woodlands Marathon. We do encourage you to participate in the Charity Challenge and fundraise for some of our selected charities. Please check the website.
Q: Will there be a pace team?
A: We will have both Marathon and Half Marathon Pace Teams. Click HERE for PACE TEAM INFO
Q: What time will the roads close?
A: Road and lane closures will be updated on the website as we get closer to the race. We will begin closing roads at 6:15am. Please check the website and look for the official Traffic Guide.
Q: How many water stations will you have?
A: There will be Water Stations along the course, starting at Mile 2 (marathon) and approximately every 1.5 after that with plenty of water and Gatorade Endurance sports drink. The stations will be set as follows: Gatorade Endurance then water. For more info on locations click respective distance: MARATHON – HALF MARATHON. The 10K will have water stops at mile 1 and mile 4 on the course. Runners are encouraged to bring their own hydration when possible.
Q: What do I do if I injure myself on the course?
A: There will be ambulances and bike EMS teams providing medical support along the course. Runners will have access to medical support at each Water Station. Please look for the red medical tents.
Q: Will there be food at the finish line?
A: Yes, there will be food at the finish line provided by the event producer and several other vendors.
Q: Is the course closed to traffic?
A: Yes, lanes will be coned off throughout the race for runners’ safety.
Q: Is the course USA Track and Field Certified? If so, does the Boston Marathon consider this a qualifier for their race?
A: Yes, The Woodlands Marathon course is USA Track and Field and World Athletics certified which makes it a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
REGISTRATION
Q: How do I register for The Woodlands Marathon?
A: Click here to register online.
Q: What is the age limit for The Woodlands Marathon?
A: Participants must be at least 16 years old by RACE DAY to participate in the Marathon and 13 years old by RACE DAY to participate in the Half Marathon. Athletes younger than the set age limit may contact the Race Director for the opportunity to participate.
Q: How do I make changes to my registration once it has been submitted?
A: If you would like to make changes to your registration you must do so by emailing The Woodlands Marathon registration coordinator at registration@thewoodlandsmarathon.com.
Q: May I DEFER my registration to the following year?
A: If you would like to defer your registration to the following year please do so by emailing The Woodlands Marathon registration coordinator at registration@thewoodlandsmarathon.com.
Until January 31st $40
February 1st-15th $50
February 16th-28th $60
You will not be charged a registration the following year but extended a registration complimentary code when registration opens. Deferrals may only be deferred for one year.
Q: Can I switch from the Marathon to the Half Marathon or from the Half Marathon to the Marathon?
A: Yes, participants may switch from one race to the other until February 19th, 2025 (based on availability) for a $10 service fee. Participants may do this by contacting registration@thewoodlandsmarathon.com. A $10 service fee will be applied, along with any applicable entry fee difference (see the table below for fees related to switching races). Some fees may be adjusted accordingly. There will be no refund of the fee difference for switching from the Marathon to the Half Marathon and the participant will be charged a $10 service fee; no exceptions. After February 19th, the service fee will increase to $40 to switch races, plus any additional applicable fees.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of participants in the race?
A: Yes, The Woodlands Marathon Management has a limit of 8,000 total participants. Currently organizers reserve the right to reduce these numbers.
Q: When will registration close?
A: Online registration if capacity is reached.
Q: How many participants are in the Marathon & Half Marathon?
A: Approximately 22% of participants are Marathon participants.
Q: Do you give out my email address?
A: No, we do not sell email addresses. You will only be notified about details pertaining to The Woodlands Marathon.
Q: What is The Woodlands Marathon refund policy?
A: We offer REFUND INSURANCE when registering. This must be purchased when registering. We adhere to the standard policy for the running industry. All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. We have to plan well in advance for certain accommodations for race participants, and therefore cannot offer refunds. You may not give or sell your number to another individual. The entry fee may be deferred to the following year’s event for a fee. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected business or family emergency, etc. Sorry, there are NO exceptions.
Q: What is the refund policy if the event is cancelled by government agencies in advance due to COVID-19 or other similar health concerns?
Participants will be able to choose one of the following options:
1. Defer to following event year – no associated fees
2. Choose to participate in the Virtual Event – no associated fees
Q: I registered for The Woodlands Marathon without a discount code, but now I have a code. Can you refund me the difference?
A: We will only refund participants who win a free entry and or have a sponsored complimentary entry that currently registered for the event.
Q: Can I register on the day of the event?
A: There is no race day registration!
Q: Is there Race Day PACKET PICKUP?
A: There is no RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP unless a participant purchased it during the registration process. We have set aside a limited amount to not impact Race Day Operations. You will not be able to purchase Race Day PPU on race day.
RESULTS, PHOTOS, AWARDS
Q: Where can I find race results after the race?
A: Results of The Woodlands Marathon will be posted online at www.thewoodlandsmarathon.com or mychiptime.com after the race.
Q: Do all participants receive a medal?
A: Yes, all participants finishing either the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, or 2K Fun Run/Walk will receive a unique custom finisher’s medal. If you run the 5K and a marathon distance race, you will receive the DOUBLE MEDAL!
Q: Will there be age group awards?
A: Age group awards will be awarded 3 deep in The Woodlands Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K.
Q: Is there prize money?
A: Yes, a total of $15,000+ for various levels and categories will be awarded in prize money.
Q: If I have feedback concerning the race, whom should I contact?
A: If you have any feedback about the race please email The Woodlands Marathon Management at admin@thewoodlandsmarathon.com.
PACE TEAM FAQs
Q:Where do the Pacers come from?
A: All of our Pacers were chosen because of their years of competing in several marathons throughout the country. Our Pacers are dynamic and personable, and know from past experience exactly what it takes to help you have a great marathon experience.
Q: What pace group should I be in?
A: The best way to select the proper pace group is to consult Race Prediction charts such as those at www.runnersworld.com. There, you can base your desired finish time on a previous shorter race you’ve completed this season. It’s very important not to start out too fast in the marathon and to select the proper pace based on your actual previous performance.
Q: What does it cost to run with the Pace Team?
A: The Pace Team is free to registered runners and doesn’t cost you anything!
Q: How will the Pacers be running the race?
A: Every Pace Leader will be holding a steady pace throughout the marathon. These “even splits” are the best way to achieve your peak performance in the race.
Q: Will the Pacers start out on pace exactly? How do they do that?
A: The Pace Leaders are very experienced and know their pace well. Sometimes at the start it’s crowded and may take a couple of miles to settle into a steady pace. Most importantly, they won’t take you out too fast and burn up all your energy early on.
Q: Where will my Pace Leader be on race morning?
A: About 30 minutes before the start we’ll be assembling in the starting area. Each Pacer will be holding up a pace sign. When you see it, go and join up with the group. About 15 minutes before the start, the Pacer will give you some last-minute instructions about running with the group. They will talk about the course, what to do if you need a break, and how to make it through the water stops. Each Pace Leader will be wearing a bright Pace Team shirt. Now is the time to ask any last-minute questions you may have.
Q: What will the Pace Leader do at the water stations?
A: The Pacer will most likely slow down or walk through the water stops, but this will be up to each Pace Leader, so ask them either at the Expo or on race morning prior to the start.
Q: Will there be Pace Leaders for me if I’ve trained using the Galloway method?
A: You can use the Pace Leader as a guide even if you’re using the run-walk method. You will be meeting up with the Pace Leader regularly throughout the marathon, running ahead and then walking behind.
Q: If I join a Pace group do I have to stay with them for the whole marathon?
A: No you don’t. However, if you feel great at the start of the race, that’s normal and you should stay with the group through the halfway point. Then you can consult with the group leader on an appropriate strategy for the second half of the race. If you’re not having a great day, then slow down, take some walking breaks and work your way to the finish line. If you’re trying to hit a PR, the best advice we can give you is to stick next to your Pace Leader for the whole race.
Q: Will each group have the same Pace Leader for the entire marathon?
A: For the half marathon, the Pace Leader will be the same for the entire half marathon. For the marathon, the Pace Leader may rotate between two individuals throughout the race.
