ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run Raises $3.3 Million for College Scholarships
25th anniversary event donates a record $400,000 to the Rodeo Educational Fund
On Feb. 25, 2012, ConocoPhillips [NYSE:COP] hosted the 25th anniversary ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run and raised a record amount for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ (HLSR) Educational Fund, totaling approximately $3.3 million to date. More than 15,000 runners and walkers participated in this year’s 10K race and 5K fun run and walk in downtown Houston which raised $400,000 for the educational fund.
ConocoPhillips, joined by a number of other sponsors, has funded and operated the event since 1988. This financial support, along with nearly 1,500 volunteers – including ConocoPhillips employees, retirees, contractors, family members and friends who help plan and administer the race from start to finish – enables the company to contribute all entry fees to college scholarships for Texas youth.
"We are proud of our contribution to Texas education through the annual ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run. Community investment in youth and education programs has long been a tradition for ConocoPhillips," said Carin Knickel, ConocoPhillips, vice president, Human Resources and executive chairperson, Rodeo Run. "Over the past 25 years, thousands of runners, walkers and volunteers have helped make a difference in the lives of more than 200 Texas high school students."
The ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run is 10K sanctioned by USA Track and Field and the Gulf Association of USA Track and Field. The event leads the HLSR Parade and is Houston’s only point-to-point 10K and 5K race. In addition to the usual Texas fanfare, western costumes and post-race party, this year’s event featured live music along the course from more than eight local bands.
Michael Reneau, 33, of St. Paul, Minn., took top honors in the men's 10K race overall finishing with a time of 30:36. This was Reneau’s first ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run victory.
Mattie Suver, 24, of Lake Tapps, Wash., finished first in the women's 10K race with a winning time of 35:11. This was Suver’s first ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run victory.