On Monday, Sept. 10 as many as 2,000 area runners are expected to take advantage of their first change to register for the 2002 Compaq Houston Marathon, scheduled for January 20. Registration will run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. during the marathon's annual kickoff party in Memorial Park's Picnic Loop area, south of Memorial Drive and across from the softball field parking lot. Attractions include complimentary "In Training" T- shirts for marathon registrants, free refreshments, live music and door prizes.

Runners will also be able to register for the marathon weekend's newest event -- the El Paso 13.1 miler, as well as the marathon's companion 5K fun run.

"The marathon has a storied history in Houston, and we're looking forward to celebrating 30 years of running at the 2002 event," said David Hannah, race director. "We encourage all interested runners to attend the kickoff party to help them get into the spirit of the race, motivate themselves for the many months of training still ahead, and take advantage of the opportunity to sign up to "Run for a Reason" with a local charity."

Run for a Reason is the Compaq Houston Marathon's successful charity program. Over the past seven years, more than $1.3 million has been raised for local charities by marathon and 5K runners through pledges and donations. Runners in the new El Paso 13.1 miler also will ahve an opportunity to participate in the program.

Nonprofit organizations designated as official charities for the 2002 race will staff information booths at the kickoff, where runners can learn more about each charity and sign up to raise money for their favorite causes.

"Not only is the Compaq Houston Marathon the city's largest single-day sporting event, it's also a community icon that links all parts of Houston's diverse population," said Michael Capellas, Compaq chairman and CEO. "At Compaq, our goal is to support the kind of community activities that bring Houstonians closer together. We're looking forward to our second year of sponsoring the Compaq Houston Marathon, which helps raise thousands of dollars for local charities."

Internet-based registration will be made available at the kickoff party, highlighting Compaq computer products and technology that will be used throughout marathon weekend events.

More than 7,000 runners are expected for the 30th running of the Compaq Houston Marathon and the El Paso 13.1 miler on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2002.

Online registration for the races will be available beginning Sept. 11.

For more information visit the marathon web site at www.compaqhoustonmarathon.com or call (713) 957-3453.