International athletes should apply for a B-2 tourist visa or qualify under the ESTA program if eligible. Plan early due to processing times and race-week demand.
Once the final wall ball is done, Houston opens up: grab brisket or street tacos in Midtown, cool off with massage or compression therabands at local wellness centers, or unwind with a jog along Buffalo Bayou Park. From rodeo to recovery, Houston’s rhythm rewards effort with relaxation and local flavor.
Houston is relatively affordable for a major U.S. city. Mid-tier hotels in downtown range from USD 120–200 per night; budget options can be found for USD 80–120. In-demand Tex-Mex and BBQ meals typically cost USD 10–20, while full sit-down dinners run USD 25–50. Rideshare fare short trips average USD 10–20 depending on traffic.
Houston’s METRO bus and rail services offer limited coverage downtown. Rideshare is most reliable for race transits. Many downtown hotels are walkable or short Uber rides from the venue, making logistics athlete-friendly but dependent on traffic planning.
Clinch victory beneath the glowing George R. Brown entrance arch, catch sunset selfies along Buffalo Bayou with the skyline behind, or stage neon action shots on nearby Houston mural benches and Discovery Green park.
Spring humidity remains so race mornings may feel muggy but settle into comfortable warmth inside the venue. Plan hydration and breathable kit (e.g. light synthetic layers), and account for rush-hour humidity after moving between indoor and outdoor zones.
Post-race, dig into brisket at The Pit Room, protein-rich bowls at True Food Kitchen, or breakfast tacos at Tacos A Go Go. Most spots are carb- and calorie-conscious athlete-friendly.
F45 Houston Downtown hosts HYROX prep-style classes with sleds and SKIERGs, while CrossFit Shoreacres and Hybrid Fitness offer strong functional zone workouts. Many athletes also drop into hotel gyms with strength rigs near the venue.
The venue’s in-arena Recovery Zone sets you up neatly; for spa-level relief, head to Forever Wellness, or walk off sore hamstrings with riverside stretches at Buffalo Bayou’s Hermann Park paths.
