Courtesy: event press release

Rodeo Run Photo Gallery

Approximately 4,800 participants took part in the 17th annual ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run, raising $115,000 for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo(tm) Educational Fund. Since the race began in 1987, the company has donated over $1.25 million toward college scholarships for Texas youth.

Houston Mayor Bill White served as the official starter for the 10K and 5K races, while Navy F/A -18 pilot Lt. Commander John "Jake" Ellzey and Navy F/A - 18 pilot Lt. Chad Albold sounded the horn for the wheelchair race.

Henok Lechebo, 18, of Toronto, Canada, took top honors in the men's 10K race overall finishing with a time of 31:26:05.

Kelly Keane, 31, of The Woodlands, Texas, finished first in the women's 10K race with a winning time of 34:18:65.

All 10K race winners received a custom, etched-glass trophy, an official "Go Texan" cowboy hat and two round-trip Continental Airlines tickets.

Jorge Alvarado, 39, of Houston, was the 5K male winner. Debi Kling, 35, of Spring, Texas, was the 5K female winner The 5K fun run is a non-competitive, non-timed event, and winners were awarded an official "Go Texan" cowboy hat.

Corporate Team honors went to ConocoPhillips I (Division I- Male), Air Liquide I (Division II-Male), ConocoPhillips II (Division I-Female) and Andrews & Kurth II (Division II-Female).

"Our race participants and volunteers did more than cross the finish line today," said ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run Race Chairperson Carin Knickel, vice president for human resources. "They made dreams a reality for Texas youth who will be awarded these scholarships. We are so proud to be a part of this Houston tradition."

More than 1,000 volunteers, including ConocoPhillips employees, retirees, contractors, family members and friends help plan and administer the race from start to finish allowing the company to contribute entry fee proceeds to the Rodeo's Educational Fund.

During the post-race party outside Minute Maid Park, the J. Michael Carroll Band entertained post-race partygoers as they enjoyed the Family Fun Area with plenty of fun for all ages including face painting, a picture booth, a balloon artist and a massage therapist.

In addition, race participants entered their numbers for a chance to win dozens of great prizes including a National Finals Rodeo Las Vegas package provided by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This incredible package features a two-night stay at the Mirage Hotel and two tickets to an action-packed NFR performance.

Also during the post-race party, T.J. Kilponen and daughter Chloe, of The Woodlands, Texas, were selected as the Costume Contest winners and received a $100 gasoline card for their cowgirl garb. The Biker Chicks and the Sweeny (Texas) Refinery team were chosen as best Hoopla Teams in their respective group divisions for the spirit and cheering they provided for runners along the course.

Six contestants from the Discovery Health Channel's National Body Challenge participated in the 5K fun run. Five contestants came in from Seattle, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and one represented Houston. The program will air in April.