Meb Keflezighi, Bazu Worku looking to defend Houston titles

The defending champions for the marathon and half-marathon are both back in Houston, Tx., this weekend to race their respective distances.

Ethiopian marathoner Bazu Worku is in the hunt for a rare three-peat at the Houston Marathon in as many years. Meb Keflezighi, who broke a 31-year Boston title drought for the United States last April, will also be lining up in Houston for the half-marathon, which he won in 2014.

Last year Keflezighi used the Houston race as preparation for his gutsy Boston win, which saw him break away from the front pack early on, barely holding on for the title one year after the race was targeted in a terrorist attack. Keflezighi recently announced he will return to Boston this spring.

The 39-year-old Eritrean-born American has been a long-time star within the running community, having represented the United States three times at the Olympics, even winning a silver in the 2004 marathon, though it was his emotionally-charged Boston win and personal-best – at an age many thought too old – that made him an overnight celebrity.

The Houston Marathon’s shoe sponsor, Skechers is also Keflezighi’s sponsor.

Though the top seeds are not as well known as Worku and Keflezighi, the women’s races also promise exciting finishes.

The races are set for 7 a.m. local time Sunday morning.