HOUSTON – (February 27, 2010) – Setting a new race record, more than 12,500 participants took part in the 23rd annual ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run. This year’s race saw an increase of 17 percent over last year’s event and raised $310,000 for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational Fund. Since the race began in 1988, the company has donated more than $2.5 million toward college scholarships for Texas youth.

Sean Wade, 44, of Houston, TX, took top honors in the men's 10K race overall finishing with a time of 31:27. This was Wade’s eighth ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run victory.

Mary Davies, 27, of Houston, TX, finished first in the women's 10K race with a winning time of 35:32. This was Davies’ first ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run victory.

ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run 10K winners in other categories were:

All 10K race winners received a custom, etched-glass trophy, an official "Go Texan" cowboy hat and two round-trip Continental Airlines tickets.The costume contest winner in the Best Dressed category was George Stratts, 40, of Villanova, PA. Most Spirited award winner was Elise Nellsch, 18, of Livingston, TX.

"We are excited to have set a new race record of participants in this year’s ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run," said ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run Race Chairperson Carin Knickel, vice president for human resources. "ConocoPhillips is very proud to be a part of this Houston tradition. All of the runners and walkers help make college dreams a reality for deserving Texas youth. "

More than 1,400 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Educational Fund. Gold sponsors of the race include Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bechtel, Brooks, Chartis Insurance, Continental Airlines, Fulbright and Jaworski LLP, GE Oil and Gas, Halliburton, Luke’s Locker and McJunkin Red Man Corporation. Silver sponsors include Accenture, A-Rocket Moving and Storage, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Houston Astros, Securitas, Staples Promotional Products, The Royal Bank of Scotland and Zachry.

Comprehensive 10K race results and streaming video of runners crossing the finish line, a feature unique to this race, will be posted on the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run Web site this evening. Runners may view the results and download the video file at www.conocophillipsrodeorun.com for individual use. 

The ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run is 10K sanctioned by USA Track & Field and the Gulf Association of USA Track & Field. The race offers Houston's only point-to-point 10K race and 5K fun run/walk in a festive atmosphere that celebrates the city's western heritage. From the organization, crowd support and Texas-sized post-race party, the Rodeo Run is one of the most popular and memorable races in the region.

ConocoPhillips is an integrated energy company with interests around the world. For more information, go to www.conocophillips.com.

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Cheryl Lao (media) 281-293-2754 (w) or 281-907-3251 (c)