Fred Ward is living proof that it's never too late to get moving

6 days ago 2

82-year-old Fred Ward holds the distinction of being the oldest runner registered for the 2026 Chevron Houston Marathon. A sport he first got into at the age of 50, when he noticed his waist expanding after a promotion had him sitting behind a desk.

"I started running around the block, and my neighbor challenged me to do a 5K in The Heights. I did that 5K. I never ran a race before, and that thing almost killed me, but I felt a little better that next week," Ward said.

Ward continued to say that the same neighbor inspired him to train for the Houston Marathon. A training that started with a self-help book and ended with Ward completing his first Houston Marathon under 4 hours.

That was in 1995. Fast forward to today, Ward is heading into his 25th Houston Marathon.

He credits running with helping him stay youthful.

"God's blessed me really well with my ability to stay physically active," Ward shared. "Running has done that for me, that is, it has kept me young."

About 2026 Chevron Houston Marathon

With all races, including charity entries, officially sold out, the Chevron Houston Marathon is set to make yet another major mark in our city.

Watch ABC13's Chevron Houston Marathon coverage on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 live at 6:30 a.m. on TV and anywhere you stream. Just search "ABC13 Houston" in your app store.

In 2026, race weekend is Jan. 9-11, with the schedule of events as follows:

Friday, Jan. 9

Houston Marathon Health and Fitness Expo presented by Houston Methodist
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
George R. Brown Convention Center

Saturday, Jan. 10

We Are Houston 5K presented by Aramco and Chevron
McKinney and Crawford
8 a.m. start

RunFest
Discovery Green, Jones Lawn
7 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Houston Marathon Health and Fitness Expo presented by Houston Methodist
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
George R. Brown Convention Center

Sunday, Jan. 11

The Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon

Start at Congress and Fannin
6:35 a.m. Marathon & Half Marathon Wheelchair & Handcycle Division
6:45 a.m. Aramco Houston Half Marathon Elite Field
6:55 a.m. Chevron Houston Marathon Elite Field
6:55 a.m. Marathon & Half Marathon Open Field

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