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Garrett Parrish, 29, is redefining what's possible as he takes on the Chevron Houston Marathon for the first time. Parrish has quadriplegia.
"The reason I want to participate in the marathon is to test myself," Parrish said. "I want to be able to show people that if you push yourself, you can do great things and achieve something not most able-bodied people do, let alone people with physical disabilities."
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Parrish was 18 years old when he broke his C4 vertebra in a snow day accident. It was a severe spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Parrish started his rehabilitation journey at TIRR Memorial Hermann, where he met occupational therapist Liza Criswell.
"When I could barely hold myself up for 10 seconds, she continued to be that positive voice that wouldn't let me keep my head down," Parrish said.
Today, Parrish lives independently and works at the same hospital where he was once treated as a patient. After receiving his Master's in Experimental Psychology at Angelo State University, Parrish joined the spinal cord injury and disability research team at TIRR Memorial Hermann.
"I'm already proud of him," Criswell shared. "For him to finish that Marathon and cross that finish line, I would be so ecstatic for him."
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On race day, Parrish will participate in the athletes with disabilities field and use a Freedom Chair. The specialized wheelchair allows Parrish to propel himself forward.
"I'm probably going to be exhausted, but I think it's going to be one of the most rewarding things I've ever done in my life, and I'm glad that I'm going to be able to glorify the good lord," Parrish said.
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.
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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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