Running News Daily

On a cool Sunday morning, the streets of Houston became the stage for a remarkable debut and two fiercely contested elite races at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. Eritrean distance runner Habtom Samuel, representing the University of New Mexico, delivered one of the most memorable performances in the event’s history, winning his first-ever half marathon in 59:01 and breaking the course record.

Minutes earlier, the women’s elite race produced its own drama, as Ethiopia’s Fentaye Belaynehoutkicked compatriot Tsigie Gebreselama in the final metres to claim victory in 1:04:49, capping a tactical and tightly controlled contest.

A Breakthrough Debut on the Roads

Samuel arrived in Houston quietly confident, but fully aware of the depth of the field. Known primarily for his NCAA cross-country titles and success on the track—particularly at 10,000 meters—he had spoken before the race about wanting to “test myself on the roads and see how I stack up against top professional athletes outside of track and cross country.”

That mindset guided his approach from the gun.

The men’s race unfolded at a measured tempo, with the lead pack carefully monitoring one another through the early miles. Kenya’s Patrick Kiprop briefly asserted control, opening a small gap and forcing the contenders to respond. Samuel remained composed, running efficiently just off the lead, conserving energy and reading the race with veteran patience.

Observers noted the maturity of Samuel’s tactics—an athlete clearly prepared not just physically, but mentally. His decision to race Houston, which he had described simply as “trying something different,” revealed itself as a calculated experiment executed to perfection.

Tactical Racing in the Women’s Field

In the women’s race, a similar theme of intelligent pacing played out. From early on, runners such as Taylor Roe and Buze Diriba Kejela pressed the pace, but it was Belayneh and Gebreselama who separated decisively by the halfway mark.

The Ethiopian duo worked together through much of the second half, steadily distancing themselves from the chase pack. Americans in the field pushed hard, but the early separation proved decisive, setting the stage for a head-to-head sprint finish.

Decisive Moves and a Record Falls

As the men’s race passed the 10-mile mark, the lead group began to fracture. Samuel moved with precision, smoothly closing on Kiprop before launching his decisive surge in the final mile. Once he moved to the front, the gap opened immediately—and decisively.

His final kilometers were controlled, powerful, and confident, culminating in a 59:01 finish that rewrote the course record on one of America’s fastest half-marathon routes.

Though post-race interviews were not yet available at the time of writing, Samuel’s body language and execution spoke volumes. The performance suggested not just success, but the arrival of a serious new force in elite road racing.

Belayneh’s finish was equally compelling. Timing her move perfectly, she edged Gebreselama in the closing strides, securing victory in 1:04:49 in one of the strongest women’s fields assembled this season.

Setting the Bar in Houston

Samuel’s course-record performance was remarkable not only because it came in his debut, but because it was achieved against a deep international field packed with experienced professionals.

Belayneh’s victory further reinforced Ethiopia’s depth in women’s distance running, while American Taylor Roe emerged as the top U.S. finisher in 1:06:20, continuing her steady rise on the road circuit.

A Launchpad for What’s Next

The significance of Houston extends well beyond one morning’s results. For Samuel, the transition from collegiate standout to elite road racer could not have been more emphatic. His debut suggests a future filled with major opportunities over longer distances.

For Belayneh, the win reaffirmed her tactical sharpness and finishing speed in a discipline that continues to deliver thrilling, high-level competition.

Houston once again proved why it remains one of the premier proving grounds in road racing—and why performances here often signal what’s coming next.

Top 10 Results — Aramco Houston Half Marathon 2026

Men’s Half Marathon

1. Habtom Samuel (ERI / University of New Mexico) — 59:01

2. Patrick Kiprop (KEN) — 59:14

3. Mohammed El Youssfi (MAR) — 59:21

4. Alex Maier (USA) — 59:23

5. Casey Clinger (USA) — 59:34

6. Ryan Ford (CAN) — 59:48

7. Rory Linkletter (CAN) — 59:49

8. Isai Rodriguez (USA) — 59:57

9. Hillary Bor (USA) — 1:00:04

10. Vincent Ngetich (KEN) — 1:00:29

Women’s Half Marathon

1. Fentaye Belayneh (ETH) — 1:04:49

2. Tsigie Gebreselama (ETH) — ~1:04:52

3. Buze Diriba Kejela (ETH) — approx.

4. Taylor Roe (USA) — 1:06:20

5. Natosha Rogers (USA) — 1:07:30

6. Makenna Myler (USA) — 1:07:37

7. Amanda Vestri (USA) — 1:07:43

8. Erika Kemp (USA) — 1:08:42

9. Susanna Sullivan (USA) — 1:08:44

10. Dakotah Popehn (USA) — ~1:08:54