From Spectator to Marathon Runner: Inspiration Drives Houston Runner to Achieve Her Goals

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — June 5 is World Running Day. It’s a day where runners around the world can celebrate their passion for the sport and inspire others. That’s exactly what Houston’s Halle Garrus is doing.

Garrus admits she wasn’t much of a runner, but that changed one early Sunday morning in January 2017. She woke up early and her parents were watching the Chevron Houston Marathon on ABC13.

Everyday runners inspired Halle, so she decided to try running.

She would start with shorter races with the goal of one day completing a marathon.

The journey from beginner runner to marathoner wasn’t easy, but Halle’s unwavering dedication and hard work paid off. Joining a running club in Cypress was a turning point, as it provided him with the accountability and inspiration to push his limits and achieve his goal.

In January 2022, Halle completed her first Chevron Houston Marathon. The cheers she heard inspired her to beat her goal by 30 minutes. Halle says she ran Houston for herself. She then ran the New York City Marathon to help others, raising $10,000 along the way for New York City after-school programs.

Halle is an Ambassador for the 2025 Chevron Houston Marathon. She is part of an incredible group striving to inspire others to join the running community. World Running Day is a perfect way to start.