Houston runners were busy this weekend with several events across the area, from the burger-fueled fun of the inaugural Whataburger Run to strong showings at the Cypress Half Marathon and scenic miles through The Woodlands. This is your November 8 – 9 race weekend recap.
Inaugural Whataburger Run
The first-ever Whataburger Run was such a hit that organizers split it into two days after selling out almost immediately. Runners showed up ready to race, and ready to compete for one of the weekend’s most coveted prizes: free Whataburger for a year for the top finishers.
On Day 1, Jayden Turrubiates led the 5K with a 17:15 finish, followed by Hayden Lightfoot (18:00) and Nahuel Liberotti (18:15). Among women, Ashley Swift claimed first in 21:47, with Eileen Trejo (24:03) and Kinzie Verdell (24:15) rounding out the top three. In the 10K, Jacob Johnson took the win in 38:30, with Andy Hillier (42:01) and Justin Cruz (42:04) close behind. Lindsey Rouse led the women’s field in 44:40, followed by Isabel Woelfel (44:48) and Allyson Serrao (46:54).
Day 2 brought more fast times and fierce competition. Orlando Fernandez (17:37) edged out Taylor Richardson (17:40) for the 5K win, with Jaden Marley Moron (18:08) taking third. Thais Barbosa led the women’s race in 21:30, followed by Maureen Weaver (22:04) and Linda Ha (22:33). In the 10K, 14-year-old Andrew Cochran impressed the crowd by winning in 37:57, ahead of Jakob Anderson (39:24) and Aaron Shock (41:19). Emily Cantrell dominated the women’s race in 42:27, followed by Rachel Plympton (46:24) and Emily Diaz (47:19).
Cypress Half Marathon
The Cypress Half Marathon drew strong fields and soem windy fall racing conditions. Spencer Gambrell took the overall half marathon title in 1:12:25, with Leo Perez (1:16:55) and Alec Esposito (1:18:29) close behind. On the women’s side, Jamie Johnston won in 1:26:32, followed by Glenda Escobar (1:27:55) and Brianna Trevizo (1:30:48).
In the 5K, Prashad Wadwa blazed through in 16:08 to edge out David Guia (16:12) and Roberto Ramos (16:12). Sophia Hamdani led the women in 18:17, followed by Anaya Jiwa (21:55) and Simona Bennett (22:08).
Explore the Falls Race – The Woodlands
Runners in The Woodlands took on the scenic Explore the Falls Race, which showcased fall weather and fast times. Nick Grams won the 10K in 34:00, ahead of Dean Carman (37:20) and Nathaniel Clements (39:43). Addie Lees (47:18) led the women’s division, followed by Garland Watkins (48:22) and Alanis Rentas (49:02).
In the 5K, Nicholas Welling took first in 16:56, followed by Daniel Morales (17:36) and Aidan Rader (18:03). Isabella Camiro led the women with a strong 19:12 finish, with Esmeralda Leos (19:38) and Maria Almeida (20:23) close behind.
22nd Annual Run in the Park – Hermann Park
The long-running Run in the Park celebrated its 22nd year supporting Hermann Park Conservancy. In the 5K, Matthew Gelber (18:22), Austin Jones (19:24), and Jason Semien (20:10) topped the men’s field, while Sarah Koohmaraie (21:20), M. Jones (22:19), and Leslie Almaraz (24:45) led the women. In the 10K, Paul Robinson took the win in 36:11, followed by Paul McDonald (37:48) and Jesus Pescador (39:43). Calista Schneidau impressed with a 35:44 finish to win the women’s race, ahead of Clara Bezemek (43:20) and Caress Houston (44:02).
Also held this weekend were the Veterans Day Walk, Get Your Rear in Gear Houston, Turkey Shuffle Houston, and the Health 5K in Nassau Bay — adding even more miles and community spirit to a packed weekend of racing.
