Health fair returns Oct. 23-24; race webinar set for Oct. 13

(Photo by UTHealth Houston)

Before runners and walkers take to the streets of downtown Houston for the 2026 UTHealth Houston Half Marathon & 10K, race weekend kicks off with two days of health, wellness, and community at the annual packet pickup and Health Fair Oct. 23 and Oct. 24.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the event pairs race preparations with opportunities to learn more about health and wellness, connect with UTHealth Houston experts, and enjoy activities for all ages at the UTHealth Houston Professional Building-Bellaire Station.

Race participants are encouraged to bring family and friends to join the festivities.

Health, wellness, and fun under one roof

The health fair will transform the ground floor of Bellaire Station into a hub of activity, with festive, interactive, and educational experiences.

Visitors can:

• Explore health education booths
• Participate in games and interactive activities
• Receive athletic tape application or support
• Take advantage of complimentary health screenings
• Bring children for face painting
• Get walk-up dental, skin health, and vision screenings (no registration required)

Register now for additional health screenings

No-cost health screenings provided by UT Physicians and Memorial Hermann will occur during the event.

Available screenings include arteria screening, carotid artery screening, and electrocardiogram. Mammogram screenings will also be available and will be billed to insurance or offered as self-pay.

Registration for these screenings is required by Oct. 19. Visit the UT Physicians website to schedule a screening.

Plan your visit

Packet pickup and the Health Fair will take place on the ground floor of the UTHealth Houston Professional Building-Bellaire Station, 6500 West Loop South in Bellaire, during the following dates and times:

Date: Oct. 23
Time: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Date: Oct. 24
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free garage parking is available at the building’s north entrance from North First Street. Overflow parking is available at the south entrance.

Get race ready with UTHealth Houston experts Oct. 13

Before race weekend arrives, participants can get practical advice from UTHealth Houston experts during “Get race ready: Your final tune-up,” a Zoom webinar at noon on Oct. 13.

The webinar will feature specialists in cardiology, sports medicine, orthopedics, and nutrition, with guidance designed to help participants train consistently, stay healthy, and feel their best on race day.

Topics will include supporting heart health and staying motivated during training, recognizing red flags and symptoms that should not be ignored before or during the race, helping prevent injuries and managing common aches and pains, and properly fueling and hydrating during race week and on race day.

Asia Bright, PhD, will moderate a panel featuring Brittany M. Owen, MD; Dolores Woods, MA, RDN; Ryan S. Brown, DO; and Khang H. Dang, MD. Participants will also have an opportunity to get their questions answered before race day.

Register for the Oct. 13 webinar via Zoom.

Those who missed the first installment of the race webinar series on Sept. 15 can watch the recording on YouTube.

Lace up for race day

The weekend culminates Oct. 25, when runners and walkers gather for the 2026 UTHealth Houston Half Marathon & 10K.

Hosted by the Houston Striders, the event features a scenic, mostly flat course through downtown Houston and welcomes participants with a range of experience levels, from first-time racers to seasoned runners pursuing a new personal record.

Thousands of participants take part in the event each year, bringing together runners, walkers, families, volunteers, and supporters while promoting health, wellness, and community engagement across the Houston region.

Registration remains open, but the event is expected to sell out. For race details and registration, visit houstonhalf.com.