Health Fair ahead, experts share race tips

(Photo by UTHealth Houston)

With race day just around the corner, participants, families, and community members can get a healthy start to the weekend before the first runner ever crosses the starting line.

The annual packet pickup and Health Fair returns Oct. 23 and Oct. 24, bringing two days of health screenings, wellness resources, interactive activities, and race preparations to the UTHealth Houston Professional Building-Bellaire Station.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the event gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about their health, connect with UTHealth Houston experts, and enjoy activities for all ages before the 2026 UTHealth Houston Half Marathon & 10K on Oct. 25.

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 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, with no registration required

Plan your Health Fair 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.

• Oct. 23: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Oct. 24: 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.

Additional health screenings available

No-cost health screenings provided by UT Physicians and Memorial Hermann will also be offered 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 due Oct. 19. Visit the UT Physicians website for additional information.

Race experts share final training tips

With race day approaching, UTHealth Houston experts recently shared advice to help runners and walkers reach the starting line prepared and healthy.

The Oct. 13 webinar featured health education and practical guidance from UTHealth Houston providers. Asia Bright, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, moderated the discussion.

Panelists included Ryan S. Brown, DO, assistant professor of family and community medicine at McGovern Medical School; Khang H. Dang, MD, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at McGovern Medical School; Brittany M. Owen, MD, assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine at McGovern Medical School; and Dolores Woods, RDN, nutritionist supervisor for the Nourish Program at the Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.

As race day gets closer, participants should prioritize good sleep, hydration, and nutrition, while tapering their workouts to preserve their fitness for the event.

“I think tapering is very important. You don't want to feel fatigued going into and on race day. You want to feel like you're fresh,” Dang said. “And when you feel fatigue, you may injure yourself.”

Brown advised participants to pay attention to new or worsening pain, particularly symptoms that persist as training mileage decreases.

“If you are having body pains and your ankle is feeling a little bit worse, and even with a little rest, as you're decreasing your mileage, the pain seems to be worsening or starting to hurt you in your regular day-to-day life apart from your running, that would be a red flag for sure,” Brown said.

Owen reminded participants that the benefits of preparing for the race extend beyond crossing the finish line.

“We train and the training is honestly probably where you're getting the most bang for your buck from a heart standpoint because you're doing a lot and you're doing it consistently,” Owen said. “You've already done all the healthy things you need to do. You already should be patting yourself on the back that you've done it. [The race is] a fun way to complete the mission, but don't feel like you are any less than if you need to take a break because we don't want to have to have a medical emergency for you if we don't need to.”

For nutrition, Woods advised runners to maintain their normal eating patterns and focus on foods high in carbohydrates and low in fiber and fat. During the race, hydration is also important, with water and sports drinks containing electrolytes among the options.

“The best food is the one that you've tried and you know is not going to upset your stomach,” Woods said. “You should be practicing your meals. Everyone is different. I could give you a hundred different food combinations to eat, but everyone's different. Again, high carbs, low fiber.”

Recovery begins soon after crossing the finish line, Woods said, with an emphasis on replenishing fluids and energy.

“You want to hydrate, and then ideally within the first 30 minutes, have an easy-to-digest carb. So, they're going to give you the banana, they're going to give you the chocolate milk most likely. So, those are perfect,” Woods said. “Have those and then later have your regular meals.”

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. Visit houstonhalf.com for race details and registration.