Fast Finishes and Family Tradition Define the 2026 Aramco Houston Half Marathon
Eritrea’s Habtom Samuel made his debut in the half marathon, capturing the men’s title in a 59:01—a new course record.
The 2026 Aramco Houston Half Marathon kickstarted the year with a weekend of sports, speed, and purpose. Elite athletes, students, volunteers, and generations of families converged in downtown Houston for one of the world’s premier half marathons. More than 250,000 people participated in the weekend of activities January 9-11, 2026, which also included a 5K race and marathon.
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Watch the 2026 Aramco Houston Half Marathon highlights.
A Course Record and Final Sprint Highlight the Elite Field
Eritrea’s Habtom Samuel made his debut in the half marathon, capturing the men’s title in a 59:01—a new course record. The University of New Mexico standout is the reigning NCAA Cross Country Champion.
“I was working hard and believing in myself,” Samuel reflected. “I decided to do something new and wasn’t expecting to win the race. To get the course record, I am so happy.”
His triumph erased the previous 59:17 mark and established him in global distance running.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Fentaye Belayneh and compatriot Tsigie Gebreselama delivered a shoulder-to-shoulder finish. In the final 100 meters Belayneh summoned the winning surge, breaking the tape in 1:04:49, three seconds ahead of Gebreselama.
“She is a very strong competitor, and I was able to overcome in the end,” Belayneh said, reflecting on the close contest. Additionally, 11-year old Leonel Mendoza set a new world record for his age category at the in the half marathon, completing the race in 1 hour, 23 minutes. This record-breaking performance beat the previous record by 35 seconds.
Eritrea’s Habtom Samuel made his debut in the half marathon, capturing the men’s title in a 59:01—a new course record. The University of New Mexico standout is the reigning NCAA Cross Country Champion.
“I was working hard and believing in myself,” Samuel reflected. “I decided to do something new and wasn’t expecting to win the race. To get the course record, I am so happy.”
His triumph erased the previous 59:17 mark and established him in global distance running.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Fentaye Belayneh and compatriot Tsigie Gebreselama delivered a shoulder-to-shoulder finish. In the final 100 meters Belayneh summoned the winning surge, breaking the tape in 1:04:49, three seconds ahead of Gebreselama.
“She is a very strong competitor, and I was able to overcome in the end,” Belayneh said, reflecting on the close contest. Additionally, 11-year old Leonel Mendoza set a new world record for his age category at the in the half marathon, completing the race in 1 hour, 23 minutes. This record-breaking performance beat the previous record by 35 seconds.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Fentaye Belayneh and compatriot Tsigie Gebreselama delivered a shoulder-to-shoulder finish. In the final 100 meters Belayneh summoned the winning surge, breaking the tape in 1:04:49, three seconds ahead of Gebreselama.
Commitment to Community Continues to Grow
This year marked Aramco’s 22nd year as title sponsor of the Aramco Houston Half Marathon—a partnership dedicated to health, youth empowerment, and community development.
Aramco co-sponsored the We Are Houston 5K and supported the We Run Houston program, which equips nearly 1,000 students with training, proper running gear, and mentorship.
“Seeing these young runners on the course, full of enthusiasm and potential, is truly inspiring,” said Ahmed AL-Mulhelm, Aramco Americas President & CEO. “We believe in empowering the next generation—not just as athletes, but as leaders and community builders.”
This year marked Aramco’s 22nd year as title sponsor of the Aramco Houston Half Marathon—a partnership dedicated to health, youth empowerment, and community development.
Aramco co-sponsored the We Are Houston 5K and supported the We Run Houston program, which equips nearly 1,000 students with training, proper running gear, and mentorship.
“Seeing these young runners on the course, full of enthusiasm and potential, is truly inspiring,” said Ahmed AL-Mulhelm, Aramco Americas President & CEO. “We believe in empowering the next generation—not just as athletes, but as leaders and community builders.”
Aramco supported the We Run Houston program, which equips nearly 1,000 students with training, proper running gear, and mentorship.
Volunteering as a Family Tradition
Beyond the elite field, Race Weekend’s enduring strength came from the thousands of volunteers. Many return each year with their families. Almost 300 Aramco volunteers distributed water, medals, directions, and encouragement transforming the race into a celebration of service.
“I've been an avid volunteer for the Houston Marathon for the past 10 years. I love giving back and I love rooting for the runners,” Detria Bookman said.
Her sister shares her enthusiasm.
“She been helping volunteer for the past three years,” Bookman added.
Heartfelt moments unfolded near the finish line where Motiva’s Chris Curro waited eagerly with medals.
“The best thing is handing my daughter a medal when she comes across the finish line,” he said, beaming as runners streamed past. “This is her first time completing the half marathon. I’m really proud of her.”
Chief Internal Auditor Wesam Algail presented the Women’s Half Marathon winner with a belt buckle for her victory. Meanwhile, Wesam celebrated her birthday during Houston Race Weekend, which came one week early this year. Her mother and sister surprised her with a trip to Houston to join the festivities. Algail and her mother also completed the 5K on Saturday.
Beyond the elite field, Race Weekend’s enduring strength came from the thousands of volunteers. Many return each year with their families. Almost 300 Aramco volunteers distributed water, medals, directions, and encouragement transforming the race into a celebration of service.
“I've been an avid volunteer for the Houston Marathon for the past 10 years. I love giving back and I love rooting for the runners,” Detria Bookman said.
Her sister shares her enthusiasm.
“She been helping volunteer for the past three years,” Bookman added.
Heartfelt moments unfolded near the finish line where Motiva’s Chris Curro waited eagerly with medals.
“The best thing is handing my daughter a medal when she comes across the finish line,” he said, beaming as runners streamed past. “This is her first time completing the half marathon. I’m really proud of her.”
Chief Internal Auditor Wesam Algail presented the Women’s Half Marathon winner with a belt buckle for her victory. Meanwhile, Wesam celebrated her birthday during Houston Race Weekend, which came one week early this year. Her mother and sister surprised her with a trip to Houston to join the festivities. Algail and her mother also completed the 5K on Saturday.
Almost 300 Aramco employees volunteered as part of Race Weekend. Extended Aramco family has also joined the fun: Aramco Trading Americas, Motiva, and SABIC.
Showcasing Global Sports
Aramco’s presence at the Health & Fitness Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center (January 9–10) promoted its role as an global FIFA sponsor for the World Cup 2026 and Houston Host City sponsor. Visitors enjoyed soccer-themed activities, foosball, and virtual finish-line photos at Aramco’s booth.
“Aramco is honored to be a global FIFA sponsor and a Houston Host City sponsor for the World Cup in 2026,” said AL-Mulhelm. “It’s a privilege to extend our global partnership with FIFA to the local level and help bring the excitement of the World Cup to this city.”
Building on the expo’s excitement, Aramco will advance initiatives aimed at bringing world-class soccer experiences to local youth, including community clinics and soccer field refurbishments. Through partnerships with FIFA and local organizations, Aramco will expand access to high-quality sports facilities and create a legacy for youth and community leagues.
Aramco’s presence at the Health & Fitness Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center (January 9–10) promoted its role as an global FIFA sponsor for the World Cup 2026 and Houston Host City sponsor. Visitors enjoyed soccer-themed activities, foosball, and virtual finish-line photos at Aramco’s booth.
“Aramco is honored to be a global FIFA sponsor and a Houston Host City sponsor for the World Cup in 2026,” said AL-Mulhelm. “It’s a privilege to extend our global partnership with FIFA to the local level and help bring the excitement of the World Cup to this city.”
Building on the expo’s excitement, Aramco will advance initiatives aimed at bringing world-class soccer experiences to local youth, including community clinics and soccer field refurbishments. Through partnerships with FIFA and local organizations, Aramco will expand access to high-quality sports facilities and create a legacy for youth and community leagues.
Third Driver for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team™ Jak Crawford stopped by the Aramco booth for a few fun kicks.
Star Power on the Course
As the Third Driver for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team™, Jak Crawford added extra excitement this year as one of Aramco’s 400 runners.
“I'm super excited. It's my first half marathon and it is great here at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in my home city,” Crawford said.
He commented on the similarities of running a race versus driving a racecar.
“You can control your training, but you can't control what happens in the race.”
Why It Matters
The 2026 Aramco Houston Half Marathon celebrated excellence, endurance, and citizenship — values Aramco employees embody each day. While elite athletes set records, our volunteers set the pace of
the event. From electrifying finishes to family, service, and civic pride; they transform downtown into the base for Houston’s largest single-day sporting event.
As the Third Driver for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team™, Jak Crawford added extra excitement this year as one of Aramco’s 400 runners.
“I'm super excited. It's my first half marathon and it is great here at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in my home city,” Crawford said.
He commented on the similarities of running a race versus driving a racecar.
“You can control your training, but you can't control what happens in the race.”
Why It Matters
The 2026 Aramco Houston Half Marathon celebrated excellence, endurance, and citizenship — values Aramco employees embody each day. While elite athletes set records, our volunteers set the pace of
the event. From electrifying finishes to family, service, and civic pride; they transform downtown into the base for Houston’s largest single-day sporting event.
