Houston Marathon Foundation awards local students with college scholarships

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- If you are a runner or know someone who is, you know running is a huge part of their lives. For three recent high school graduates, their love of running and their community has them on the track to success.

Steve Schnell from the Houston Marathon Foundation said, "This is the second year in a row that we've brought it up to three recipients for $10,000 each. We're super excited to be able to do it."

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Eastwood Academy grad Marco Chavez, Heights grad Hailey Martine, and Colony High School grad Aden Saucedo are the 2026 recipients of the Houston Marathon Foundation scholarships.

Aden told ABC13, "It's going to help me go to school. I like where I'm going. I'm really blessed for the opportunity."

Marco added, "I want to train for a marathon and build up to an Ironman. With this scholarship, it will allow me to have time to train and not have to work at UT."

Hailey said the funds will lift the burden, "I'll be able to focus on my studies in Nashville."

As soon as they gave it a try, all three awardees fell in love with running. All three have run the

Aramco Houston Half Marathon. Their running skills are top-notch, as well as their classroom skills.

Marco is headed to the University of Texas to study computer engineering. Hailey will focus on civil engineering at Vanderbilt and Aden is heading to Rice University for chemical engineering.

All three shared their advice to young runners.

Aden said, "Don't give up, keep going. Every day is a new day to get better."

Hailey shared, "Running is at least 50 percent mental."

Marco reminded us, "Keep going, just chase your dreams regardless of how hard or big they seem."