Courtesy: event press release

Earliest-ever registration to build on record-setting 2004, field size capped at 7,500 per race

Runners can get a jumpstart on the 2005 HP Houston Marathon and its companion half marathon and five-kilometer fun run when online registration begins June 1 - the earliest registration date in the event's history. The discounted early season registration fee - $65 for the marathon, $45 for the half and $20 for the 5K - is available at the event web site through event kickoff Sept. 13. The 2005 races are slated for Sunday, Jan. 16.

"The 2004 season was our best yet, with 13,500 runners participating in the three races - and 18,000 total when you add in the Texas Children's Hospital Kid's Fun Run," said race director Brant Kotch. "We want to keep the momentum going by allowing runners to commit to our events and begin training earlier in the year."

Runners registering online receive a membership in the event's Runners Rewards program and free access to its Virtual Training program. Both provide participants with training strategies and tips to help them prepare.

For the first time in 2005, race organizers will cap field size at a maximum of 7,500 runners in each race.

"We have experienced tremendous growth over the past several years, with total weekend participation this year up 18 percent compared to 2003," said Kotch. "We want to continue successfully managing this growth to ensure all participants have a safe and enjoyable race."

The HP Houston Marathon, a Running USA founding member, is the nation's premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from across the U.S. 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 more information, visit the marathon Web site at www.hphoustonmarathon.com or call 713-957- 3453.