Overall Rating
Overall Rating (9 Reviews)
3
(9 Ratings)  (9 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
1.4
SCENERY
2.2
PRODUCTION
3.1
SWAG
4.1
Come on out and celebrate the Memorial Hermann USA Fit Marathon, Fort Bend Kia Half Marathon, and Simon Spine 5K. Join us as we welcome the marathon season with the best route and post race party you have ever been to! Whether you are a Boston Qualifier or an 8 … MORE
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Recent reviews

    HolisticRunner FIRST-TIMER '23

    By the time the elites and the rest hit the pavement, early start walkers are already on course with many walking 2, 3, 4 abreast or lost in their headphones. … MORE

    By the time the elites and the rest hit the pavement, early start walkers are already on course with many walking 2, 3, 4 abreast or lost in their headphones. Heard the reason for the race was to make a place for many USA Fit run-walkers and walkers who are paying for training to complete a race (half and marathon) since Houston, Woodlands and others in the area provide the common 6 hrs. limit. After running this race, there is no doubt that in the future I’ll wait 4-6 weeks for The Woodlands.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    1
    SCENERY
    1
    SWAG
    4

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    BrianYowler FIRST-TIMER '22

    This race checked the "Texas" box for me for my 50 states, and I really loved it! The positives: -Flat course that's well supported with aid stations and volunteers -Plenty … MORE

    This race checked the “Texas” box for me for my 50 states, and I really loved it!
    The positives:
    -Flat course that’s well supported with aid stations and volunteers
    -Plenty of free parking at the start (U of Houston-Sugar Land)
    -Medals are nice
    -1/4 zips are great!
    -Plenty of portos near the start
    -Well organized
    -Easy for spectators (my wife parked at 1 spot and saw me 4 times)

    The negatives (for some folks):
    -No race day packet pick-up was frustrating. This race is small enough that race morning pick-up shouldn’t be a problem. Plus…packet pick-up ended at 3PM on Saturday.
    -The course is an out-back on a 4-lane road (median in the middle) with 1 lane blocked off for runners in each direction. I felt safe the entire race, but some folks may not like the cars coming toward you in the other lane.
    -It’s a fairly “boring” area. There’s just not much to look at. It’s mostly residential. This isn’t the race director’s fault…it’s just a rather dull area.
    -Little/no crowd support. This doesn’t bother me, but if you are looking for a race with crowds/cheering, this isn’t for you.
    -Few runners in the marathon (91 finishers), so you are running alone.
    -Out/back course. You literally run the half marathon, then make a U-turn just prior to the finish line and repeat for the full marathon.
    Overall: if you are looking for a simple, well-organized race, on a flat/fast course, this is for you. However, if you are looking for something with big crowds, lots of frills, etc, this may not be your race.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    1
    SWAG
    3

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    usamhall FIRST-TIMER '21

    I picked-up my bib at the fitness gym at about 2:00. Would have liked a later pickup time as I drove 7 hours to get there. I was in the … MORE

    I picked-up my bib at the fitness gym at about 2:00. Would have liked a later pickup time as I drove 7 hours to get there. I was in the early start so another night of less sleep before the marathon 4:00 sign in. We left at 4:30 most of us were walkers or run/walkers. The name USA Fit means that all levels of racers are supported but walkers are encouraged to do the early start. Once again I was with my Maniac Texas friends so time went very fast. When the sun came up I realized we were in a very nice neighborhood with Tropical Trees and flowers. The race director and workers were very attentive to our needs. The Swag Wagon even asked if we need drinks or food. I received a finishers shirt made out of very soft stay dry. Also, a nice finishers medal. I didn’t pick up my third place AG award as I was unaware I placed. Again a very nice day with friends on a flat course. I did save enough energy to run the last three miles at a moderate pace. I will probably be back. Cheers youall.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

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    rickyo FIRST-TIMER '19

    I wanted to enter this race because if you start in the early group (430 AM) there is an 8 hour time limit and I wanted to see if I … MORE

    I wanted to enter this race because if you start in the early group (430 AM) there is an 8 hour time limit and I wanted to see if I could do 2 marathons in 2 weeks. I did.
    Its not a big crowd but it is a fun one. There are a few spectators especially when you are running along the 5k route, but for the most part you are by yourself in the dark. Swag is good and good food/beer at the end.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    monicavagholkar REPEAT RUNNER '18

    The Sugar Land marathon/half marathon is indeed everyone’s race. Great coordination from registration to crossing the finish line. Organizers are friendly and respond to inquiries quickly. They are incredibly sincere … MORE

    The Sugar Land marathon/half marathon is indeed everyone’s race. Great coordination from registration to crossing the finish line. Organizers are friendly and respond to inquiries quickly. They are incredibly sincere and even helped me destress about an IT band injury 48 hours before the race. Great race swag and after race refreshments. You will delight in running here!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    2
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    cpayne REPEAT RUNNER '18

    This is my 3rd time running the full marathon at Sugar Land. This group runs a very smooth operation! Everything pre and post race seems to flow well without hitches … MORE

    This is my 3rd time running the full marathon at Sugar Land. This group runs a very smooth operation! Everything pre and post race seems to flow well without hitches that we as participants see.

    The course is mostly flat. There are a few slight inclines, but nothing anyone can’t handle. I wouldn’t even call them hills. Inclines is more appropriate. The last mile or 2 is wide open and all 3 yrs I’ve run it it’s been very windy coming in to the home stretch. That’s rough when you are already depleted.

    The course itself is pretty boring. It’s 2 loops with not much scenery at all and ZERO crowd support! I think that’s where for me it’s mentally challenging. You really have to be good at putting your mind elsewhere during this race because there’s no crowd cheering you on, no signs to read, no dogs to count (that’s often how I pass my time on a marathon course!), etc…… Wish the organizers recruited a few high school bands, cheer squads, or something to position along the course. That would be much appreciated for some added entertainment/distractions.

    The swag is great. This year was a long sleeved 1/4 zip pullover. You also had the option of choosing a beach towel instead if you didn’t want the pullover. I love that they give you something more than just a tshirt and I appreciate being given a choice. You also receive a finishers tshirt.

    Parking is super easy for this race. They offer VIP parking for extra $$. I would not buy this unless you want the extra VIP tent amenities that go with it. The parking is plentiful and free so no need to pay extra.

    The after race goodies are usually plentiful. However, when I finished with a 4:06 which is still many booths were empty and they had left. There were no bananas, no kolaches, no cookies, no chips, etc….There was water, soda, barely warm pepperoni pizza (no cheese pizza) and pork sandwiches. Not much to choose from especially when you don’t eat meat like me! Oops I forgot they did still have free beer! That’s important!

    The awards presentation this year was a bit “rough”. They started giving out awards before they had all results in. I think it was b/c they wanted to give the elite runners their’s so they could leave instead of waiting for the others? It just didn’t go smoothly unfortunately.

    Overall for the money this is a good race! However, bring your best mental game with you on race day. You need it on this course because it’s you, you and you that day.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    1
    SWAG
    5

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    Let's begin with the simplest and very critical issue, safety. Course had two major ice issues, one 20 feet or so across. Race director was informed by sr. staff on … MORE

    Let’s begin with the simplest and very critical issue, safety. Course had two major ice issues, one 20 feet or so across. Race director was informed by sr. staff on course of issue and requested time to work on removal as well as assistance. Ignored! It was not merely about slowing or walking over it, the mild melt in the sunlight made it increasingly dangerous at the race progressed AND it is a loop course, a very boring loop course.

    Many walkers and slow runners, which is fine. The problem, they are all chatting and 3 – 4 across covering the entire lane. Most do not hear you when calling out on your left. Quite a few appeared to not know their right from left. Have to expect this given the Race was established to provide an 8 hour finish (even longer for the early starters) for their members. USA Fit is all about helping people to complete a marathon and cannot find one that provides at least 8 hrs. Heck, there is even an early start to give more than 8 hours. Bottom line, lots of runners do not adhere to std protocols like staying no more than 2 abreast and in the proper lane, cutting in front without checking). One year the first water station was empty. Heard there were plenty of people back at the venue setting up for the finish. Yes, there were a ton when we got back.

    All n’ all the race sucked and I decided to stop at the half because of the ice issue. The one thing you can depend that is good for most is there is lots of bling for the premium price. Something, that I do not care about. Something that other area races, do much better, too.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    1
    SCENERY
    1
    SWAG
    3

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    Terrie.Gorney Jan 29, 2018 at 2:07pm

    The race has never had a time limit of more than 8 hours - the early start allows that 8 hour limit. The "ice issue" you are talking about was… MORE

    The race has never had a time limit of more than 8 hours - the early start allows that 8 hour limit. The "ice issue" you are talking about was a 5 by 5 foot area at mile 6 water station, on January 10, 2010. The volunteers spilled some water AFTER the race had started. They promptly poured sand on the spot, stood in front of it and warned runners - and as soon as the sun came up there was zero ice. There had been no rain for days before, or during the race. The police had driven the course and the event was cleared to start. I was never informed to delay the race start - as the water station did not even inform us of what had happened until some time after the race had started. Not one runner encountered ice on the second loop. I noticed you posted this same review at multiple sites in 2017.....8 years after you participated in the race. If you are still running races, you should try the race again. There must be some reason the people that won our events in 2017, came back in 2018. Sincerely and truthfully, Terrie Gorney USA Fit Marathon, Race Director LESS

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    CandidandCriticallyConstructive Jan 29, 2018 at 3:56pm

    Are you saying no one finishing after 8 hours or who left earlier than the assigned start has never been given a finisher medal? They have. The ice was from… MORE

    Are you saying no one finishing after 8 hours or who left earlier than the assigned start has never been given a finisher medal? They have. The ice was from sprinklers being on the night before the race and the ares was larger. Course help salted and called out, but this did not alleviate the danger, prevent slowing, slipping or other issues. The next year the course had many cul-de-sacs. Registration appears trending down. Elite winners rarely return. When a masters runner wins the open category it says a lot about the race. LESS

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    Terrie.Gorney Jan 29, 2018 at 4:40pm

    I'm saying we have an 8 hour limit - the race is called Everyone's Marathon because we want everyone to be able to participate. We have a 4:30 a.m. start… MORE

    I'm saying we have an 8 hour limit - the race is called Everyone's Marathon because we want everyone to be able to participate. We have a 4:30 a.m. start time for people who need 6-8 hours to complete the race, and a 6:30 a.m. start time for people needing 6 or less hours to complete the race. On January 10, 2010, the ice from the sprinklers was cleared from the course before the race started. The police cleared the sprinkler area with torches and dried the cement. They gave the "Go" because there was no ice at all when the race started. Because we do want to provide a race that everyone can enjoy and participate in, I'm sorry you did not have a good time in 2010. As I stated in a reply to one of your postings on another site, we can always use help on the race committee - join us and help us get it right in 2019. LESS

    cpayne REPEAT RUNNER '17

    If you are looking for a flat course then this may be your race! They changed the course a bit this yr so I can no longer state the race … MORE

    If you are looking for a flat course then this may be your race! They changed the course a bit this yr so I can no longer state the race is 100% flat (1 ever so slight incline), but very flat. If you are trying for a BQ and close but not close enough this course may get you there.

    Loop course. 1/2 marathoners run 1 loop. Full runs 2 loops. The 1st loop is not so lonely, but once the 1/2 runners start to finish the 2nd loop becomes a bit more sparse. Very little to no crowd support if that is important to you. Not much to see along the way.

    The race is small overall. They call this the Everyone’s Marathon b/c they keep the finish line open and promise food for everyone regardless of what your finish time will be. Think that’s great to see all skill levels participating and encouraged.

    Start line runs efficiently. If you are trying to place in your gender or division do note that all awards are based on GUN time. In other words, make your way to the front of the start line. There are no corrals, but it is easy to do.

    You receive a finishers shirt. You also receive a participant “gift”. This year you could choose from a back pack, sweat shirt or my favorite finisher item ever…..a bright blue long sleeve 3/4 pullover. Great swag item!!!

    Finish line is full of food and cold beer. Pizza, pulled pork sandwiches, sausage, cookies, danishes, and other items I can’t remember. Even had cold soda which for me is even better than cold beer at the finish line. I’m weird that way! 😉

    Great race for what you receive for your $$. Great swag! Flat course! Lots of food! All reasons to run this race. However, if crowd support and/or lots to see are what get you through a race then this may be more of a challenge for you.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    Overpriced. Runners and walkers all over the place, not keeping to their lane. Lost in their music or talking with friends. Gatorade was either strong like syrup or weak and … MORE

    Overpriced. Runners and walkers all over the place, not keeping to their lane. Lost in their music or talking with friends. Gatorade was either strong like syrup or weak and watery.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    2
    SCENERY
    1
    SWAG
    3

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  1. Races
  2. Memorial Hermann USA Fit Marathon & Half Marathon