The Anadarko Run Thru The Woods is lining up dedicated sponsors to race for charity at the annual Thanksgiving day event held at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands.

Anadarko Petroleum has stepped up to take the lead as the event's title sponsor this year which benefits several charities of South Montgomery County including the YMCA Partners-of Youth Program, Oak Ridge High School Operation Graduation and (CISD) AFJRROTC Programs, The Woodlands High School Operation Graduation, and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Education Outreach Program. Last year, the event raised $60,000 for the charities.

As Platinum sponsors for this year's event, The Woodlands Operating Company, L.P. will be hosting the Men's Open Championship while Memorial Hermann Sports Care hosts the Women's Open Championship, and GE Betz sponsors the Children's race. The Shenandoah Texas Convention & Visitors Bureau will be sponsoring the Post Race Party on the Plaza, and The Woodlands Town Center will sponsor the media coverage for the event.

Gold Sponsors racing for charity include Chicago Bridge & Iron sponsoring the 3-Mile walk and TXU Communications committing as the Chip Technology sponsor. Entergy is participating as the T- Shirt sponsor and Conroe Coca-Cola is the beverage sponsor. The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center is also a gold sponsor supporting the Thanksgiving Day event.

"I am proud to say that every year this event continues to build endurance from continued support," said Roxanne Davis, Marketing Director for the South Montgomery County Branch of the YMCA. "This generous support comes not only from our wonderful sponsors who help make the charity event possible, but also from the enthusiastic participants who enjoy coming out to race to help us make a difference for the young people in our community."

The Anadarko Run Thru the Woods will begin at 7:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, with a Children's 1-Mile Race, followed by the 5-Mile Race at 8:15 a.m. and the 3-Mile Walk at 8:20 a.m. All of the events will begin and end at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands.

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation is one of the world's largest independent oil and gas exploration and production companies, with assets of $17 billion and reserves of 2.3 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Houston-based Anadarko is active in the U.S., Canada, Algeria and Qatar and is executing a strategic exploration program in several other countries. More information is available at www.anadarko.com.

The YMCA Partners of Youth Program provides financial assistance for area youth to attend summer camp and to participate in a variety of other YMCA programs designed to develop character and build self-esteem.

Oak Ridge High School Operation Graduation and The Woodlands High School Operation Graduation provide a safe and fun alternative program each year for high school senior on their graduation night.

The AFJROTC (Airforce Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps ) is dedicated to building better and more productive citizens for America. The program teaches cadets about serving the United States and building personal responsibility and self-reliance. The program also teaches appreciation for the role of military service in a democratic society, and helps define self-discipline while providing a sense of accomplishment and achievement for cadets.

The Educational Outreach Programs provide fun and learning for children throughout the community through various year-round functions that celebrate life and entertain children of all ages. Programs include concerts, talent shows, art shows, education forums, workshops and more, helping children deal with current issues and overcome challenges while building on new achievements.

For more information about the Anadarko Run Thru The Woods or sponsorship opportunities, please call Roxanne Davis at (281) 367-9622 or visit www.woodlandsonline.com/runthruthewoods.