The Woodlands Township has approved a new host venue sponsorship agreement with The Woodlands Marathon to keep the race in the community through 2019. Approved July 27, the new agreement gives the township more control and final approval regarding the race routes and schedules. The next Woodlands Marathon will be held March 4, 2017. “The terms and conditions are very similar to the existing agreement that expired after this last race with a couple exceptions,” said John Powers, assistant general manager for community services for the township. The original agreement was established in 2011 and ended this spring after five years. The annual race brings 25,000 athletes and visitors to The Woodlands each year and has become a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, according to the township. “While I prefer a two-year term, I think a three-year term will give the marathon and mostly importantly, our residents, plenty of time to find out if there’s a route that works for everyone,” township Director John McMullan said. Township Director Mike Bass said Montgomery County Precinct 3 prefers The Woodlands approve routes for future race events in the community while it will limit involvement to approving the traffic control plans. The event includes a 26-mile run along with other races, such as a half-marathon, five-kilometer race, a marathon relay and a two-kilometer fun run walk. Township venues for the event are limited to Town Green, Lakeside, Terramont and Shadowbend parks. The agreement also includes two one-year extension options that must be agreed upon by both parties.