Many Americans Choose Houston Half Marathon In Lead-Up to Olympic Trials Marathon

By Adam Kopet

Sunday's Aramco Houston Half Marathon could be one of the best American half marathon races ever as elite athletes prepare for the Olympic Trials marathon next month.

ENTRIES

Molly Huddle, the U.S. record holder, is the top American in the field. She has run 1:07:25 at the 2018 Houston Half Marathon. She will be joined by Sara Hall and Aliphine Tuliamuk, both of whom have had success at the half marathon, and similar distances, on the USATF Running Circuit, as well as in the marathon.

More than 20 American women are part of the elite field this year. This is also the last weekend to qualify for the Olympic Trials marathon. Athletes can qualify with a half marathon time.

Last year's winner, Brigid Kosgei, will not return to defend her title. Since her win last year, she has gone on to win the London and Chicago Marathons, setting a world record in the latter. Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui of Kenya is the top entrant in the field. She has a personal best of 1:05:07. That is 16 seconds off the world record.

The men's American field is equally loaded. Jared Ward, Shadrack Biwott , Diego Estrada and Futsum Zeinasellassie are set to compete, as well as Clayton Young and Brogan Austin.

Canada is well represented with Cam Levins and Rory Linkletter competing. This will be Linkletter's debut half marathon, although he has already raced the marthon distance at last year's Toronto Waterfront Marathon..

The top entrant in the men's race is Jemal Yimer of Ethiopia. He has run 58:33 in his career. He finished second last year.