2022 races with Aramco stories

The Aramco Houston Half Marathon, held Jan. 16, provided a great jumpstart to 2022.  It was our 18th year as title sponsor. The race drew athletes, volunteers and spectators from all 50 states and 55 countries worldwide. Aramco was out there, too — with a united team of 200 volunteers and 100 runners that included employee members of affiliated companies Motiva and SABIC.

Records and milestones

Vicoty Chepngeno from Kenya finished first in the women's race and set a course record, and USA's Sarah Hall set a new women's American record for the half, adding to the excitement of the first in-person Marathon Weekend since 2020.  Winning the men's half was Milkesa Tolosa from Ethiopia.

Hear from our people:

Stacey Althaus, R&D: One of the best things about running is finding others who share the same passion, who are there for you to provide needed encouragement.   At the point where I hit the wall during the marathon — where I felt that I was fading — a friend in my running club who was volunteering jumped in to run alongside me for a few seconds for extra motivation.In addition to participating in the races, I volunteered on Friday to distribute race packets.  I encourage everyone to volunteer during the Houston Marathon Weekend — there is so much positive energy.  It is events like this that really showcase the true nature of the running community.  The way the city and volunteers show up and cheer us on is really amazing and motivating."

Gang Han, R&D/Upstream: A committed long-distance runner, I have participated in the Houston Marathon running events for six years, with two full marathons, three half marathons, and one 5K — and have also volunteered during the Marathon EXPO.  I am a huge fan of this running event and proud to be an Aramcon. This year I ran my second full marathon. Despite a bumpy start, my regular training finally kicked-in and took over until a leg cramp almost stopped me at mile 24.  I told myself, 'No, you are not going to let your five months of training go in vain.' Refueled with energy I didn't know was there — I kicked it up and stayed focused on every single stride.  Not only did I regain my pace, but ran the fastest in the last mile.  I finished strong at 3 hours and 48 minutes.  My personal best!

Sherry Barerra, Law: When I first started running, I had no idea what was involved in training or what a hip flexor was or why it hurt!  Running has taught me so much about myself and my body, and how to properly prepare for a race.  This year, I completed my 10th Aramco half and have now become a Houston Half Marathon Legacy Runner.  Overall, I have completed 16 half marathons, the Aramco race and others. Four years ago, I began running the half with my younger brother, who had worked hard to lose 100 pounds.   The first time we crossed the finish line together, we were both in tears.  They were tears of joy and accomplishment.

James Goodman, HSSE: This was my sixth Aramco Houston Half Marathon and one of my best.  It was nice to have the pageantry of the event again, as it motivates you and helps you push through to the end. I really appreciate our company's race sponsorship and for providing us with an opportunity to participate in the activities.  No matter what is going on, I know that I can run this race, something that not everyone can do.  I think it helps to have something like this in your life — to set a goal and then, as mentioned, go out and do it and just refuse to quit.”

Debra Aguilar, Human Resources: I have participated in the 5K every year since 2006 – and have enjoyed the experience each time.  I am so thankful that Aramco is involved in this running event, not only serving as title sponsor of the half but also encouraging and supporting employees to get involved. This year was very special to me — as my entire family, for the first time, ran the 5K together. We all crossed the finish line together!!  It was exhilarating, a great family-bonding experience. We are also dedicated to volunteering, also going back to 2006.

Jessica Burgess, Finance:  I always look forward to the Houston marathon running event each year.  I'm typically a half marathoner and I've also been volunteering since 2012.  That first year I volunteered with my daughter and since then my mom has really come on strong as a volunteer, serving year after year.  My daughter has also recruited her friends and cousins to join in the effort. I feel it's important for our younger generation to get involved in serving the community.  For 2022, I asked my brother — who coaches junior varsity and varsity boys basketball teams – to see if they could coordinate their players' volunteer participation.  They worked in the half marathon race packet distribution area and really enjoyed interacting with the runners.  I feel so proud to work for a company that is a significant contributor to this major city event and, overall, sees citizenship as a top priority.

HPD officers join the Aramco running team: Aramco Americas sponsored a group of Houston Police Department (HPD) officers to join our company's running team.  Frank Perry, supervisor of Security, spearheaded the effort, saying he felt it would help strengthen our company's relationship with our law enforcement partners and show our appreciation for all that they do for our communities and this city. One of the officers said, "Houston police officers appreciate the support of our Aramco partners!  This is a testament of their commitment toward officer wellness and an active healthy lifestyle."