How the Aramco Houston Half Marathon reflects a long-term commitment to community

After the starting whistle blew at this year’s Aramco Houston Half Marathon, we look at what the race represents — not just for runners, but for Houston, and for Aramco’s long-standing commitment to community.

• Aramco Americas sponsors the Houston Half Marathon, one of the most popular half marathons in the U.S.
• Our involvement reflects a commitment to citizenship and community engagement that has been part of our culture for decades.
• We also co-sponsor the We Are Houston 5k, and support the We Run Houston program, which provides young people with running shoes and more

Laces being tied, hamstrings gently stretched, gloves pulled on and last minute rituals made. As runners squeeze into the starting corral, a cheery wave to fellow runners, words of encouragement all round, and smiles from the spectators and volunteers lining the course. The January air is cool and crisp, the big wide blue of the Houston sky above, and runners exhale little visible puffs of air.

This is the experience of many participants of the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, one of the largest and most popular in the U.S., known for its flat, fast course attracting elite runners and amateurs alike. While the race is fiercely competitive at the front, it is equally defined by its openness and sense of camaraderie and community.

Supporting champions and community

The Aramco Houston Half Marathon is a flagship event of Houston Marathon Weekend, organized by the Houston Marathon Foundation. It includes the Aramco Half Marathon, the Chevron Marathon, and the We Are Houston 5k, which Aramco co-sponsors with Chevron. It regularly attracts more than 300,000 runners, volunteers, and spectators, making Race Day the largest single-day sporting event in Houston, helping support local charities and generating more than $51 million in economic impact for the city.

Johnny Hanson, acting Citizenship Supervisor at Aramco Americas has been a part of the race from all sides, from handing out race packets, to engaging runners and race fans at the Marathon Expo, to running the race (nine times and counting, although each time he says it will be his last). “Some races are remembered for their champions; in Houston it’s remembered for its positive impact on the city,” says Johnny… “tens of thousands moving with purpose, carrying stories that stretch far beyond the finish line.”

The three-day event involves many moving parts: the Health & Fitness Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center; the Aramco Americas booth; distributing race packets and giveaways; handing out water bottles; and, of course, presenting medals to every finisher — a tangible symbol of their hard work and dedication.

“Every year the Events team finds new ways to engage with the community… We’re always recognized as one of the premier exhibitors because our booth and giveaways are thoughtfully designed with runners in mind,” says Michelle Flores, Events and Branding Supervisor at Aramco Americas. “Planning starts months in advance — from selecting the giveaways to designing the booth. It’s like a marathon: as soon as one event ends, we take a quick water break, then build momentum, push toward the finish line, and finish strong. You could almost say we aim to beat our personal best!”

Why does Aramco sponsor the Houston Half Marathon?

On paper, the partnership makes sense: one of the largest half marathons in the U.S., with one of the fastest courses where records are frequently broken. But for Aramco, the race is more than a sponsorship. Houston has been home to its North American headquarters for 50 years — and it is a home.

“The race reflects the community,” says Johnny. “You can’t be a Houstonian and not know someone involved. They’re either running or volunteering or cheering someone on. It becomes a shared experience — one that connects tens of thousands of people across the city.”

Aramco’s presence in Houston spans more than five decades, and that long-standing relationship shows up most clearly in how employees engage with the city — through community initiatives like helping plant trees, youth education programs, or STEM initiatives.

“Houston Marathon Weekend perfectly encapsulates what we’re about,” says Johnny. “If you think of our citizenship efforts as a marathon, it’s clear we’re not in a sprint. We focus on longevity, where we can add value to both individuals and society. That’s why programs like We Run Houston matter. They’re not one-off moments — they’re about building confidence, health, and opportunity over time.”

What is the We Run Houston program?

This year marks the fourth consecutive year of Aramco supporting We Run Houston, an after-school youth running program. Teachers and volunteers train approximately 750 local students from more than 15 local schools to run the half marathon or 5K, with Aramco providing running shoes, sports apparel, and a free race entry. Beyond running, the program teaches life skills such as goal-setting and the importance of mental health. They can even view a leaderboard across other programs under the We Run Houston umbrella to inspire a competitive spirit. The program serves youth from elementary through high school, with a focus on at-risk students.

“Running is a great equalizer,” explains Johnny. “You don’t need teams or special equipment, just the streets around us. And it benefits not only physical health but mental and emotional wellbeing, which in turn impacts academic and social growth. When we had the chance to support this program, it aligned perfectly with our values. We’re focused on building long-term impact; relationships, trust, and evolution are key.”

Melany Ribera is just one beneficiary of the program. A student at Piney Point Elementary, Melany is a visually impaired student who participated in the running club through fifth grade, and her confidence, resilience and determination are a powerful testament to what programs such as We Run Houston can achieve. Wade Morehead, Executive Director of the Houston Marathon Committee and the Houston Marathon Foundation continues: “Last year, Melany proudly participated in the We Run Houston 5k, alongside her peers and with her guide, Nora, supporting her throughout the race. Her journey is a meaningful reminder that with encouragement, access, and support, students can reach their goals.”

The community connection

For over 20 years, Aramco employees have brought their volunteer spirit to Houston Marathon Weekend. Hundreds of staff, friends, family members, and retirees unite each year to make the event a success, from distributing race packets to presenting medals to the thousands of runners crossing the finish line. For many the weekend has become an annual tradition, with family members joining in as part of the wider Houston community. One employee recalls how their children have participated since they were babies, and now 22 years later, they plan to run themselves.

Multi-generational volunteers recruited from all walks of life get involved, all part of serving their community, interacting with an idea that is bigger than themselves. Attendees often note the positive energy and motivating atmosphere created by both volunteers and spectators alike, showcasing the true spirit of the running community. Many Aramcons enjoy working for a company that is an active contributor to Houston and prioritizes community engagement. Notably, many employees also lace up their own running shoes, taking part in the race to support charitable causes.

“Volunteering is the ultimate endurance sport, powered by kindness, driven by purpose. I’m grateful that here at Aramco I am given the opportunity to volunteer and make a difference,” said Aramco Americas Human Resources Assistant and 2025 volunteer captain Gabriela Medina.

Fun Facts of the Half Marathon

Over the past 22 years, the Aramco Houston Half Marathon has meant many things to many people — and has seen some remarkable records set along the way.

Record-Breaking Performances:

2007: Ryan Hall made history, running 59:43 to become the first U.S. man under 60 minutes, setting both American and North American records — records that still stand today.

2019: Brigid Kosgei of Kenya crossed the finish line at 1:05:50 despite freezing temperatures, setting the fastest half marathon ever run by a woman in the U.S.

2023: Emily Sisson finished second at 1:06:52, breaking her own American record set just nine months prior, becoming the first American woman to run a half marathon in under 67 minutes. She also holds the U.S. record for the fastest marathon.

2025: Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena won the men’s race at 59:17, setting a new course record for his first half marathon in Houston. Olympian Conner Mantz finished a fraction of a second later, also at 59:17, finally surpassing Ryan Hall’s longstanding 2007 American record.

Notable moments beyond the finish line:

In 2019, one runner completed his race from space, running 13.1 miles on a treadmill aboard the International Space Station in support of ground crew below running in the Aramco Half Marathon.

Meredith Dabrowski, Executive Assistant at Aramco Americas and regular participant at the half marathon, has running in her genes — her great-grandfather set the world track record for hurdles at the Penn Relays in 1920 and competed in the 1920 Antwerp Olympics.

In 2020, the half marathon went virtual, with runners completing 13.1 miles in their neighborhoods to safely observe physical distancing during the pandemic.

For the 20th anniversary in 2024, Aramco celebrated the milestone with twenty charities receiving a contribution from Aramco's Committed to the Community program.

Citizenship is part of Aramco’s DNA

Aramco’s commitment to citizenship and community engagement has been part of its culture for decades. Long before ‘corporate social responsibility’ became formalized, it was simply part of how the company operated. “We just did it,” says Johnny, recalling archived stories and old photos from the 1980s of employees coming together to help rebuild homes in local communities — no fanfare, just good people doing good things. Citizenship remains part of who Aramco is, and why employees take pride in working here.

That same approach extends across Aramco’s wider citizenship efforts, from growing STEM programs, to providing vision screenings for children, to supporting evolving food bank models and engaging in organizations like the Galveston Bay Foundation. Many of Aramco’s citizenship programs are designed with a long-term mindset — built to last, and rooted in trust. One example is Trees for Houston, which Aramco has supported for 20 years, often in underserved neighborhoods, planting trees and helping restore green spaces. It’s not high-profile work, but it’s authentic and focused on long-term impact.

“We enjoy volunteering and giving back as a family, so we try to take advantage of these chances to impact the community and encourage the next generation of volunteerism,” said Ronald Charles, Treasurer at Aramco Americas.

In Houston, everyone runs together.

But perhaps the most powerful perspective comes from seeing the marathon through a runner’s eyes. “You can be involved in the planning and production,” Johnny explains, “but nothing compares to actually running the course — spotting the branding, recognizing the impact of the work you helped deliver, and experiencing it from the inside. When you’re coming to the finish line and see our people handing out medals, you realize our footprint is there from start to finish. It’s a different perspective on everything you’ve worked on.”

That experience has only deepened his pride in being part of the Citizenship team — learning the history of Aramco’s community involvement and then contributing to it firsthand. “The history of Aramco is one of showing up and doing the work,” he reflects. “Being part of that legacy, and seeing it come to life on race day, is something special. I feel truly blessed to share what matters for the community and to show what Aramco can give back.”

After the starting whistle blew at this year’s Aramco Houston Half Marathon, we look at what the race represents — not just for runners, but for Houston, and for Aramco’s long-standing commitment to community.

• Aramco Americas sponsors the Houston Half Marathon, one of the most popular half marathons in the U.S.
• Our involvement reflects a commitment to citizenship and community engagement that has been part of our culture for decades.
• We also co-sponsor the We Are Houston 5k, and support the We Run Houston program, which provides young people with running shoes and more

Laces being tied, hamstrings gently stretched, gloves pulled on and last minute rituals made. As runners squeeze into the starting corral, a cheery wave to fellow runners, words of encouragement all round, and smiles from the spectators and volunteers lining the course. The January air is cool and crisp, the big wide blue of the Houston sky above, and runners exhale little visible puffs of air.

This is the experience of many participants of the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, one of the largest and most popular in the U.S., known for its flat, fast course attracting elite runners and amateurs alike. While the race is fiercely competitive at the front, it is equally defined by its openness and sense of camaraderie and community.