7. Chevron Houston Marathon

The Buzz -- Since its 1972 premiere, this marathon has grown by leaps and bounds and now greets participants from all over the world. The single-day event is a city mainstay, and the closed marathon course is unique in Texas. These days, folks can also compete in a half-marathon and a 5K fun run. The fast, flat course takes runners through some of Houston's better known areas and finishes up downtown near George R. Brown Convention Center on Rusk Street. Entertainments take place along the entire course of the marathon.