Courtesy: event press release

Houston's premier running event is seeking a title sponsor to run with in 2006.

With the closing of HP's five-year sponsorship commitment, the high-profile title sponsorship of the Houston Marathon is now available to interested companies or organizations.

"We enjoyed a tremendous partnership with HP," said Brant Kotch, race director of the Houston Marathon. "Through the collaboration, the event became the most technologically advanced marathon in the country and experienced significant growth. The Houston Marathon is more successful than it's ever been, and we believe the title sponsorship represents an exceptional opportunity for another company to be part of our future."

The Houston Marathon, a tradition for 32 years, is the most recognized road race in Houston and one of the top marathons in the country. In 2005, more than 17,200 runners participated in three HP Houston Marathon weekend events - the flagship 26.2- miler, the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and the Houston Press 5K. Participation increased 21 percent from 2003, and as a result, the weekend raised $800,000 for Houston-area charities as part of the event's Run for a Reason program.

"The Houston Marathon is more than just a race," said Kotch. "The event touches the lives of so many: the runners who participate, the organizations that benefit from our charity program, the 5,000 volunteers who make it possible and the many thousands of spectators who inspire the runners each year. The marathon is a true community effort. But as with any event of this kind, it takes support from sponsors to make it all happen."

Title sponsorship offers a premium branding opportunity with significant exposure in all aspects of the event from signage to T-shirts to media coverage with an estimated value of $6 million. In addition to community visibility, past event sponsors have found the event an excellent vehicle for employee involvement. Combined, the marathon and its associated events will contribute $25 million to Houston's economy. "While securing a title sponsor is critical to ensuring the continued long-term success of the marathon, we are blessed with broad support from companies and organizations at other sponsorship levels," Kotch said. "Planning is well underway for our 2006 event Sunday, Jan. 15, and we're eager to welcome a new title sponsor to help further grow Houston's largest single-day sporting event and a great community tradition."

Online registration opens June 15 for the 2006 Houston Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K at www.houstonmarathon.com.

The Houston Marathon, a Running USA founding member, is the nation's premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from all 50 U.S. states and 30 foreign countries. In 2005, more than 17,200 runners took part in three marathon weekend events (marathon, half marathon, and 5K). The 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.