Courtesy: event press release

Expanding its visibility in the Houston community, Chevron has acquired title sponsorship rights to the annual Houston Marathon. The three-year agreement, which renames Houston's only marathon the Chevron Houston Marathon, takes effect with the 2006 race, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 15.

"Being part of a Houston tradition like the marathon is a tremendous opportunity for Chevron," said Ray Wilcox, Chevron Corporation vice president. "The marathon has been an important part of the Houston community for more than three decades, and has helped raise millions of dollars for area charities. This is especially important given the great needs by the people impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Chevron has a significant presence in Houston, and we are pleased to be the title sponsor of this great event."

Chevron, one of the world's leading energy companies, is the second-largest integrated energy company in the U.S. With more than 47,000 employees, Chevron conducts business in approximately 180 countries around the world, producing and transporting crude oil and natural gas, and refining, marketing and distributing fuels and other energy products. The company is based in San Ramon, Calif. and currently has approximately 5,000 employees and contractors in Houston.

"Chevron is one of the most recognized brands in the world and a company with a history of developing successful community partnerships," said Brant Kotch, race director of the Chevron Houston Marathon. "Our ability to attract a high-profile sponsor like Chevron speaks to the impact that the marathon has on the city of Houston and its significance in the running community. Chevron's support of the marathon will enable us to continue to offer a world-class experience to runners and spectators alike."

Chevron is the largest sponsor in the history of the Houston Marathon. Chevron is ranked No. 11 in the 2005 Fortune Global 500, with revenues of $147.9 billion.

In 2005, more than 20,000 runners participated in four marathon weekend events, with record participation of 7,013 in the marathon.

The Chevron Houston Marathon race weekend, which marks the 34th running of the marathon, will also include the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, Houston Press 5K and the Texas Children's Hospital Kids' Fun Run. The marathon's annual kickoff party is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Memorial Park. The event offers runners the opportunity to register for races, pick up "in-training T-shirts," and learn more about the Run For a Reason Program.

Registration for the Chevron Houston Marathon is under way online at www.houstonmarathon.com. Early registration fees are $70 for the marathon, $50 for the half marathon and $20 for the 5K. After Sept. 12, marathon and half marathon fees increase by $10.

Registration forms will be available at many Houston-area running and fitness stores, Houston YMCAs, the Tennis Center at Memorial Park and most local athletic clubs after Sept. 12. The Chevron 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. The Chevron 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.

More information is available online at www.houstonmarathon.com or by calling 713-957-3453.