The Katy Half Marathon runs through the fast-growing western Houston suburb of Katy, Texas — a community that’s transformed from a quiet railroad town into one of the largest suburbs in the Houston metro. The course runs along Katy’s wide roads and through master-planned community trails, offering a flat, fast route that’s become a favorite among Houston-area runners.
The January timing takes advantage of South Texas winter weather — expect temperatures in the 50s to low 60s, which is about as good as it gets for running in the Houston area. The flat terrain is quintessential Gulf Coast prairie, and the smooth road surfaces make this a legitimate option for runners targeting a personal record or a Boston qualifying time.
Katy is about 30 minutes west of downtown Houston and easily accessible from both George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports. The area has seen a restaurant boom in recent years, with the Asian cuisine scene along Highway 99 earning particular recognition. The race has a strong community feel, with local businesses turning out to support runners along the course.