Star Studded Lineup Set For 2024 Houston Half Marathon

A stellar lineup of American and North American athletes, noted for their historic achievements, is set to headline the 2024 Aramco Houston Half Marathon. The Houston Marathon Committee has announced the full field of elite athletes competing for the $60,000 prize purse on Sunday, January 14, coinciding with the elite athlete field of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

• Houston Half Marathon Live Stream And TV Coverage Details

This race is celebrated as one of the fastest and most competitive half marathons on the continent. A major highlight is the half marathon debut of Olympic silver medalist Moh Ahmed. At the 2020 Tokyo Games, Ahmed earned Canada its first long-distance medal in the 5000m. He holds eight Canadian national records, including the North American record for the 5000m at 12:47. His road racing debut was marked by winning the Canadian 10km Championship.

Moh Ahmed expressed enthusiasm about the event: “The Aramco Houston Half-Marathon is perfectly timed. It allows me to test my fitness after a solid fall training season. I’m excited to compete on Houston's fast course, especially if the weather is favorable.”

Ahmed will be up against Galen Rupp, the 2016 Olympic Marathon bronze medalist from the United States, and Abel Kipchumba of Kenya, who boasts a personal best of 58:07. Other notable contenders include Jemal Yimer and Milkesha Mengesha from Ethiopia, and Wesley Kiptoo of Kenya. Top American athletes include Biya Simbassa, Sam Chelanga, and Frank Lara.

The women's race features Sara Hall, who previously set an American record in the half marathon here in 2022. Hall, eyeing the Olympic Trials, made a remarkable performance at the Boston Marathon as an American Master’s runner. Hellen Obiri, the 2023 Boston and TCS New York City Marathon champion, will make her Houston debut, facing strong contenders like Edna Kiplagat of Kenya and Lonah Salpeter of Israel.

American Weini Kelati, the United States 5km champion, will make her half marathon debut. She joins other American contenders like Tristin Van Ord and Nell Rojas.

Carly Caulfield, the Race Director and General Manager of the Houston Marathon Committee, remarked, “This elite field, from legends like Edna Kiplagat to rising stars like Mo Ahmed, showcases the best in long-distance running. As we approach an exciting Olympic year, fans in Houston will witness potential Olympic medalists in action.”

This event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, setting the stage for an exciting Olympic year in long-distance running.

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