Houston Chevron Marathon 2012: Route, Start Time, Date and TV Info

USA Track & Field and the Houston Marathon Committee are turning the marathon game on its ear by having the men’s and women’s Olympic Trials Marathon on the same day, at the same site.

This is also the 40th year of these marathons, which shows just how embedded into the culture of Texas this event has become.

Houston has hosted the trials before, but the idea of having both sexes’ Olympic Trials at the same time is a perfect for the fans and for television ratings. With everything handled at one time and in one location, there is half the travel and more viewership.

The event will crown three men and three women to represent the United States of America at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. While an American winning the gold medal is a long shot, there is no doubt that all of the runners will have a good showing at the Houston Chevron Marathon and during the Olympics.

"

Where: Houston, Texas 

When: Saturday, January 14, 3:00-5:00 p.m. EST 

Watch: NBC

"

Route

With the spectacular event being as grand as it has become, the course will start and finish in downtown Houston in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center. That is where most of the activities surrounding the trials will take place as well.

The Houston Marathon Committee describes the course and what’s on the line:

"

The men and women will complete a 2.2-mile inner loop through the heart of downtown Houston and then run the outer eight-mile loop three times to complete the 26.2-mile marathon. The top three men and top three women finishers will earn a coveted spot on Team USA that will compete in the London 2012 Olympic Games next summer.

"

That is a grueling run, but something that each person entering has been training their whole lives for. These people aren't just competing to win a race, they're competing to represent the USA. Thanks big time.

Men's 2011 Results

Place	Runner	Time
1	Bekana D. Tolesa	2:07:04
2	Nicholas Arciniaga	2:09:18
3	Wilfred K Murgor	2:11:41
4	Rob Watson	2:16:17
5	Jesse L Davis	2:18:47

Women's 2011 Results

Place	Runner	Time
1	Mamitu Daska	2:26:33
2	Ashu Kasim	2:27:47
3	Stephanie E Rothstein	2:29:35
4	Belainesh Z Gebre	2:34:47
5	Selamie Getnet	2:36:34

Follow @Donald_Wood