Suzy Seeley, a 66-year-old resident of Houston, Texas, is set to reach a remarkable milestone as she participates in the 2026 Chevron Houston Marathon. This race will mark her 350th marathon, a testament to her enduring passion for running.
From Beginner to World Record Holder
Seeley’s journey into marathon running began at the age of 35 when she completed her first race—the Houston Marathon—in 1995. Reflecting on that experience, she shared, “When I finished, I couldn’t walk for a week afterwards.” Despite the challenge, Seeley embraced running as a lifestyle, stating, “I picked it back up, and I thought… Well, I can do that again next year.”
Since then, Seeley has participated in every Houston Marathon since 2020, apart from the race in 2020, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication has led her to run marathons in all 50 U.S. states and on every continent, including a notable marathon in Antarctica. She chronicles her experiences in her book, This Is The Race.
A Family Affair
The world of marathons has become a family event for Seeley. Her husband has joined her in running, and her daughter has completed 12 marathons. This Sunday, her son, Ryan, will participate in his first marathon. Seeley fondly recalls how her running journey began: “When I started running, I would run before the kids woke up. So, no one even knew I was running until I went to the marathon. Now, they are my biggest support crew.”
Seeley holds two prestigious world records. She has achieved a Guinness World Record for the fastest aggregate time to complete a marathon in all 50 U.S. states for a female runner. Additionally, she holds the record for the most marathons completed in under 4 hours by a female, recognized by the World Record Academy.
When asked about the most common reactions she receives regarding her extensive marathon history, Seeley noted, “Some people don’t believe me or think I’m crazy.” Inquiries about her annual marathon count often arise, to which she responds that she runs approximately 12 to 14 marathons each year.
Seeley’s enthusiasm for running is palpable. “Running kicks in my endorphins, and it makes me feel happy. I know that’s cliché. It clears my mind,” she explained. As she approaches this significant milestone, Seeley continues to inspire many with her unwavering commitment to the sport.
As the 2026 Chevron Houston Marathon approaches, Seeley looks forward to celebrating her remarkable journey and the community that has supported her along the way.
