Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed his delight after he defied freezing temperatures of 1°C to complete the 21-kilometer Houston Half-Marathon on Sunday.

Speaking via his verified X account on Sunday, Makinde revealed that his finished time of two hours and 53 minutes was an improvement on his previous record at the 2022 Berkeley Half-Marathon in San Francisco, California.

Makinde joined the ranks of determined runners, showcasing the strength and perseverance of the human spirit considering the harsh weather conditions.

“Glad to have completed the Houston Half Marathon in 2 hours 53 minutes today,” he wrote.

“Though conditions were tough with freezing temperatures at 1 degree Celsius, I finished faster than the Berkeley Half Marathon, which I ran about two years ago. I also took part in a 5k fun run yesterday, which I completed in 38 minutes.”
The Houston Half-Marathon is one of three races held during the annual Chevron Houston Marathon event, which attracts thousands of participants from around the globe.

The event features a full marathon, a half-marathon, and a five-kilometer race, drawing over 200,000 spectators who line the course to cheer on the runners. This year, Ethiopian runner Addisu Gobena won the men’s half-marathon title, completing the race in a remarkable 59 minutes and 17 seconds.

The Houston Marathon is celebrated for its fast, flat course and the electrifying energy of its spectators. Future events, including the Run for Autism at the 2025 Chevron Houston Marathon, will offer perks such as guaranteed race entry, specialised training support, and unique memorabilia, according to a statement on the organiser’s website.