On a brisk winter morning in Houston, the 2025 Aramco Houston Half Marathon delivered an unforgettable women’s race filled with drama, determination, and record-breaking performances. Ethiopia’s rising star, 19-year-old Senayet Getachew, claimed the victory in a nail-biting finish, crossing the line in 1:06:05, just four seconds ahead of American Weini Kelati. Kelati’s remarkable run was not only a personal triumph but a historic one, as she shattered her own U.S. record by an impressive 16 seconds with a time of 1:06:09.
From the very start, the race promised excitement as a lead pack set a blistering pace through the streets of Houston. Despite temperatures hovering just above freezing and gusty winds creating tough conditions, the athletes pressed on with determination. As the kilometers passed, the field began to thin, leaving Getachew and Kelati to battle for the top spot in a thrilling head-to-head showdown.
In the closing kilometers, the duo pushed each other to the limits, exchanging surges and testing each other's resolve. Getachew displayed a decisive burst of speed in the final stretch, narrowly edging out Kelati to secure her first major victory. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Buze Diriba maintained a steady pace to round out the podium with a strong 1:06:24 finish.
Although Kelati missed out on the win, her performance was nothing short of extraordinary. By clocking 1:06:09, she eclipsed her previous U.S. record of 1:06:25, set just a year earlier. After the race, Kelati reflected on her achievement, expressing pride in her resilience despite battling an upset stomach during the competition. “I’m very happy to get the record again,” she said, her smile reflecting both relief and accomplishment.
The race unfolded under challenging weather, with participants braving freezing temperatures and blustery winds as they navigated the course that concluded near the George R. Brown Convention Center. The conditions, while daunting, failed to dampen the athletes' spirits or their pursuit of excellence.
TOP RESULTS WOMEN'S HALF MARATHON
POS | NAME | NAT. | TIME |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Senayet Getachew | ETH | 1:06:05 |
2 | Weini Kelati | USA | 1:06:09 |
3 | Buze Diriba Kejela | ETH | 1:06:48 |
4 | Amanda Vestri | USA | 1:07:35 |
5 | Natosha Rogers | USA | 1:08:35 |
6 | Lauren Ryan | AUS | 1:08:43 |
7 | Emily Venters | USA | 1:08:48 |
8 | Taylor Roe | USA | 1:08:48 |
9 | Mercy Chelangat | KEN | 1:08:57 |
10 | Susanna Sullivan | USA | 1:08:59 |