Chevron, Aramco Services Company Back As Title Sponsors Of Marathon And Half Marathon

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 1, 2009) Thanks in large part to the support of several major sponsors, a record 18,000 runners have registered to run in the 2009 Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon. Both events are scheduled for January 18.

It is through the generous support of sponsors, such as Chevron, Aramco Services and El Paso Corporation, title sponsor of the companion EP5K, that Houston Marathon race weekend has exploded in popularity and become a racing destination for thousands of runners from around the world.

“We pride ourselves in creating a race experience that is second to none,” said Steven Karpas, managing director. “Whether it is a world-class runner taking aim at a course record or a first-time marathoner seeking to finish, we strive to ensure all competitors are treated like champions. We simply could not accomplish that without the help of our sponsors.”

The nonprofit Houston Marathon Committee depends on the support of companies large and small for financial contributions and volunteers to run virtually every aspect of race weekend – from the technology powering athlete alerts to water stations along the course.

The backing of key corporate sponsors also has enabled Houston to serve as the host city for the USA Half Marathon Championships. The men’s title race will be held in Houston for the fifth consecutive year in 2009, while the women’s half marathon crown will be decided in the Space City for the third year in a row.

“We are very fortunate, especially in light of the current economic challenges facing our country, to have the ongoing support of companies who share our passion for this great event,” said Karpas.

In addition to the three race title sponsors, ABB, Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine, Under Armour, Sports Authority and H-E-B are supporting Houston Marathon race weekend 2009.

The Chevron Houston Marathon, a Running USA founding member, is the nation’s premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from nearly all 50 U.S. states and more than 20 foreign countries. In 2008, more than 20,000 runners participated in four marathon weekend events (marathon, half marathon, 5K run and children’s run). The Houston Marathon has been ranked among the top five marathons in the nation by the Ultimate Guide to Marathons for fastest course, organization and crowd support. More than 5,000 volunteers organize the race, which is Houston’s largest single-day sporting event.