Posted: September 20, 2004

Athletics: HP Houston Marathon Significantly Boosts Prize Money

$100,900 at stake in 2005 HP Houston Marathon & Aramco Houston Half Marathon

HOUSTON - (Sept. 16, 2004) - Reaching the finish line first at the HP Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon has become a lot more lucrative.

The organizing committee of the HP Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon has significantly boosted prize money for both 2005 events. A total prize purse of $100,900 will be awarded, with a top prize of $10,000 going to the male and female winners of the marathon. Half-marathon winners will each receive $5,000.

"Over the past three years, we have worked hard to enhance all aspects of Houston Marathon weekend, with a particular emphasis on ensuring all runners - regardless of ability - have a positive race experience. That focus will not change," said race director Brant Kotch. "With those goals reached, our organizing committee believes the timing is ideal to increase our prize money offering so as to attract more world-class runners to the largest marathon and half marathon in Texas."

Participation in the new elite division of the 2005 HP Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon will be by invitation only. Prize money, which has increased by $38,500 from 2004, will be awarded in the following categories:

* Men's and Women's Open
* Men's and Women's Masters
* Wheelchair Competitors
* Local Houston-area Men and Women

All athletes will be eligible to win cash awards in more than one category.

"We believe this level of prize money will allow us to attract deep, talented fields in both the marathon and half marathon," Kotch said. "The increase in prize money, coupled with a fast course and typically ideal weather conditions, will appeal to many elite American and international runners."

Over 15,000 participants are expected to participate in the 2005 HP Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 16.

The HP Houston Marathon, a Running USA Founding Member, is the nation's premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from all 50 U.S. states and nearly 20 foreign countries. In 2004, more than 18,000 runners took part in four marathon weekend events (marathon, half marathon, 5K and children's run). The HP Houston Marathon offers the only closed marathon course in Texas and is ranked among the top five 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.

For a complete prize money breakdown and more race information, visit the race website at www.hphoustonmarathon.com or by calling (713) 957-3453.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.