Courtesy: event press release

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 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.

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

Prize Money Schedule
Marathon Overall (Male / Female)	
First	$10,000
Second	$8,000
Third	$6,000
Fourth	$4,000
Fifth	$2,000
Marathon Masters (Male / Female)
First	$1,500
Second	$1,000
Third	$500
Marathon Wheelchair (Male / Female)
First	$500
Marathon Local Athlete (Male / Female)
First	$500
Second	$350
Third	$150
Marathon Local Masters (Male / Female)
First	$250
 		
Half Marathon Overall (Male / Female)
First	$5,000
Second	$3,500
Third	$2,500
Fourth	$1,500
Fifth	$750
Half Marathon Masters (Male / Female)
First	$750
Second	$500
Third	$250
Half Marathon Wheelchair (Male / Female)
First	$300
Half Marathon Local Athlete (Male / Female)
First	$250
Second	$150
Third	$100 
Half Marathon Local Masters (Male / Female)
First	$150