HOUSTON, Dec. 16, 2004 --- Runners, to your marks…get set…let's rodeo! Registration is now open for the 18th annual ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005.

Some 6,000 participants are expected to dash through the streets of downtown to lead the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ (HLSR) Parade past thousands of spectators. Since its inception, the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run has raised nearly $1.4 million for the HLSR Educational Fund, with $115,000 raised in 2004.

Beginning at the corner of Texas and Smith streets, the wheelchair race will start at 9:45 a.m. and the 10K race and 5K fun run/walk will follow at 9:50 a.m. The events finish with a Texas-sized post-race party at Minute Maid Park, packed with family fun, food, live music and valuable giveaways.

"The Rodeo Run offers something for everyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors, be part of Houston's Rodeo tradition, and help raise funds for college scholarships," said Carin Knickel, ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run Steering Committee Chair and vice president, Human Resources. "Point-to-point race courses, streaming video technology, and a fun, family-oriented atmosphere, make the Rodeo Run one of the most popular races in the region."

The registration fee is $20 until Feb. 5, 2005, and $25 thereafter. Eligible registrants have a chance to win Continental Airlines tickets and numerous prizes through drawings and contests.

Complete race and registration details, as well as eligibility requirements for the drawings and contests, are available at www.conocophillipsrodeorun.com. General information is available on the race hotline at 281-293-2447.

The ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run is made possible by Gold Spur Sponsors: Baker Botts LLP, BKD LLP, Continental Airlines, Kroger and Luke's Locker; and Silver Spur Sponsors: A-Rocket Moving & Storage, Accenture, Corporate Express, Houston Astros, JPMorganChase and Mercer Human Resource Consulting.

CONTACT: Jennifer Durand,   Laura Hopkins