Texas City Half Marathon participant running on the course

Texas City, Texas · December 5, 2026

Rules& Safety

Race smart, race fair, and know the event rules before reaching the start line.

Review the rulesUSATF rule books

Race smart · Race fair

Know the rules before the start.

Every participant is responsible for following current USATF competition rules, Texas City event policies, and race-day instructions from authorized personnel. Immediate safety directions from police, medical staff, officials, course marshals, volunteers, and race management always take priority.

Know these before racing

10 essential event rules.

This athlete-friendly summary does not replace the complete current USATF Competition Rules.

No pets in the race
Pets are not permitted in the race. Large, fast-moving crowds can create risks for participants and animals.
No propulsion aids
Devices that aid a runner’s forward propulsion are not allowed in the race.
Strollers start at the back
Unless race management directs otherwise, stroller runners must begin at the back and maintain safe spacing.
Stay able to hear
You must hear traffic and respond to staff, volunteers, officials, and medical personnel. Failure may result in a penalty or disqualification.
Use authorized hydration
Carry your own supplies or use official hydration stations. Do not accept hydration or nutrition from non-volunteers.
No littering
Dispose of trash only at hydration stations. Littering may result in disqualification and a future-event ban.
Do not block the lane
Run no more than two abreast; single file is preferred. Leave room to pass and move fully aside before stopping.
Stay on the course
Remain within the marked route and cone line. Never enter a traffic lane that is open to vehicles.
Wear your bib correctly
Wear the bib visibly on the front of your outermost layer. Do not remove, cover, or bend the attached timing tag.
Practice sportsmanship
Respect runners, volunteers, and crew. Help anyone in need, and never place a finish time ahead of another person’s safety.

Officials & enforcement

How violations are handled.

The response depends on the violation, athlete safety, and the integrity of the competition.

Instruction

An official may direct a participant to correct an unsafe or noncompliant action immediately.

Penalty

Some violations may affect a participant’s result or continued eligibility.

Course removal

A participant may be removed when continuing creates a safety concern or required pace cannot be regained.

Disqualification

Course deviation, littering, and other serious or repeated violations may result in disqualification.

Follow instructions first.

Questions about a ruling should be addressed with race management after finishing. During the event, immediately follow directions from authorized personnel.

Know the rules. Respect the course.

Review the current USATF Competition Rules before race day.

Open USATF rule books