ELITE RUNNERS

Application Deadline

February 7, 2026

Apply

The Woodlands Marathon Management would like to invite all Elite Athletes who achieved the below qualifying standards after March 1, 2024, to apply for complimentary entry into the marathon or half marathon.  To apply for the Elite corral, please click on the application link below and email elite@thewoodlandsmarathon.com. We will begin reviewing applications in August. Times will be evaluated, and acceptance announced every couple of weeks. Limits may be implemented on both distances.

**Athletes accepted into the Elite Field are not eligible for Age Group or Master’s Awards. Elite Athletes will be categorized in the overall results only. All elite awards will be based on gun time.**

APPLY FOR ELITE STATUS

Men’s Marathon Qualifying Standards

Those wishing to apply must have proof of meeting the qualifying standards (below) from March 1, 2025 or prior. We will begin reviewing applications in August. Times will be evaluated and acceptance announced/updated every couple of weeks. Limits may be implemented on both distances.

  • Ages 18-40 (Open) - 2:40:00 or Faster

  • Ages 40-54 (Masters) - 2:52:00 or Faster

  • Ages 55+ (Grand Masters) - 3:00:00 or Faster

Women’s Marathon Qualifying Standards

  • Ages 18-40 (Open) - 3:05:00 or Faster

  • Ages 40-54 (Masters) - 3:15:00 or Faster

  • Ages 55+ (Grand Masters) - 3:20:00 or Faster

Men’s Half Marathon Qualifying Standards

  • Ages 18-40 (Open) - 1:14:00 or Faster

  • Ages 40-54 (Masters) - 1:19:00 or Faster

  • Ages 55+ (Grand Masters) - 1:24:00 or Faster

Women’s Half Marathon Qualifying Standards

  • Ages 18-40 (Open) - 1:19:00 or Faster

  • Ages 40-54 (Masters) - 1:25:00 or Faster

  • Ages 55+ (Grand Masters) - 1:30:00 or Faster

Marathon Prize Money (M&F) - $10,350

  • 1st Place - $1,750

  • 2nd Place - $875

  • 3rd Place - $375

  • 4th Place - $225

  • 5th Place - $150

  • Time Premiums - Males Must Finish Under 2:20:00 / Females Must Finish Under 2:45:00

    • First to 10K - $100

    • First to 20K - $100

    • First to 13.1 Miles - $100

  • Male Race Record Bonus - Break Jeffry Eggleston’s 2012 Time (2:15:48) - $1,500

  • Female Race Record Bonus - Break Midde Hamrin’s 1982 Time (2:34:28) - $1,500

Half Marathon Prize Money (M&F) - $4,650

  • 1st Place - $750

  • 2nd Place - $375

  • 3rd Place - $200

  • Male Race Record Bonus - Break Fernando Cervantes Caudillo’s Time (1:03:55) - $1,000

  • Female Race Record Bonus - Break Rachel Cliff’s Time (1:10:08) - $1,000