01/09/2026
Race weekend is here! Between runners, spectators and volunteers…race officials say around 300,000 people will be involved in this year’s Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Half Marathon.
This year Dr Mark Mayo will once again run along and guide a visionally impaired runner. Dr. Mayo has participated in Houston's marathon since 2018 and has been in the A corral (aka...the fastest group) every year except for one. But this year, same as last; he won't be running 26 miles - instead he’ll be running 13.1 miles and running along and guiding Justin Chang. Justin is here from Virginia. He recently ran the New York Marathon and he is a Star Wars fanatic.
Dr. Mayo has been training with EyeCan Alliance, a nonprofit organization started in 2016 to help blind and visual impaired athletes compete in athletic events including marathons and triathlons.
Dr. Mayo has been training with others at Memorial Park - even in the middle of the summer. When guides begin training with EyeCan, they are blindfolded, or put on blackout glasses, to get a taste of running blind while tethered to an experienced guide.
If you would like to track Dr. Mayo and Justin download the Chevron Houston Marathon app and search for Mark Mayo. From there you will be able to track them as they navigate through Houston's streets, potholes, and puddles.
Good luck, Dr Mayo and Justin! 🏃🏽🏃🏻
