Courtesy: event press release

The Houston Marathon Committee, in partnership with Greg McMillan of McMillan Running Co., Inc., is proud to continue its support of U.S. distance running by launching the U.S. Athlete Development Project at the Chevron Houston Marathon, being run January 14, 2007.

Designed to help emerging U.S. talent attain a marathon qualifying time for the Olympic Trials preceding the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Project will bring as many as 100 of America's top developing male and female distance runners to the 35th anniversary of the Chevron Houston Marathon.

"We are thrilled to add the Project to our commitment to U.S. distance running," said race director Brant Kotch, "and to help dozens of rising new stars achieve their dreams and get to the Olympic Marathon Trials. Coupled with the 2007 USATF Men's and Women's Half Marathon National Championships, also to be run here over Marathon weekend, the Project will definitely make Houston the place to be in January."

Begun at the 2006 Austin Marathon, the program will continue to provide logistical and financial support to athletes who have met an established marathon time standard. Additionally, runners who achieve an A or B qualifying time at the Chevron Houston Marathon will receive financial incentives from the Houston Marathon Committee.

"Houston is the perfect venue for runners looking to get their qualifying standard," said Greg McMillan, who coached Kelly Keane to victory at the 2005 Houston Marathon. "In addition to ideal January weather conditions and phenomenal crowd support, the course is renowned for being one of the fastest in the country."

Additional information, including how to register for the U.S. Athlete Development Project, is available by contacting Greg McMillan at greg@chevronhoustonmarathon.com.