ConocoPhillips has interests around the world, but with its headquarters in Houston, it's no surprise to see the integrated energy company's strong ties to the city and its people. This February marked the 24th annual ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run, an event held each year prior to the start of the city's famed Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™. Since the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run began in 1988, the company has donated $2.9 million to college scholarships for Texas youth.

In Texas, everything is bigger, and this year's event held up to the standard — a new course record of nearly 13,000 participants was set and a remarkable $360,000 was raised by the company for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Educational Fund. The company touts the 2011 Rodeo Run as the most successful in the history of the event.

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 heritage. Texas fanfare, westernwear and a country-themed post-race party help make the Rodeo Run one of the most popular and memorable events in the region.

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The 2011 event's nearly 13,000 participants set a new course record.
Photos courtesy of ConocoPhillips

Stephen Tanui, 28, of Houston, took top honors in the men's 10K race overall finishing with a time of 32:13. This was Tanui's first ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run victory. Angela Spadafino, 23, of Houston, finished first in the women's 10K race with a winning time of 36:19. She was also a first-time ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run victor.

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Houston Mayor Annise Parker was on hand to enjoy the day's activities.
Photos courtesy of ConocoPhillips

All 10K race winners received a custom, etched-glass trophy, an official "Go Texan" cowboy hat and two round-trip Continental Airlines tickets.

Jason Speed, 20, of Pearland, TX, was the 5K male winner. London Deloach, 42, of Cypress, TX, was the 5K female winner. The 5K fun run/walk is a non-competitive, non-timed event, and winners were awarded an official "Go Texan" cowboy hat.

The event also included a costume contest. This year's Best Dressed winner was Paul McSweeney, 55, of Houston. Elise Nellsch, 19, of Livingston, TX walked away with the prize for the Most Spirited.

"Thousands of runners and walkers helped make this year's Rodeo Run a success," said ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run chairperson Carin Knickel, vice president for human resources. "Today's record event participation will help provide college scholarships to many deserving Texas students. We are proud to host the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run and contribute to the Educational Fund each year."

The event's success is also closely tied to the many volunteers who put forth effort well in advance of race day. Nearly 1,500 volunteers, including ConocoPhillips employees, retirees, contractors, family members and friends helped to plan and administer the Rodeo Run from start to finish, allowing the company to contribute all entry fees to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Educational Fund.

Another group of volunteers from ConocoPhillips and various community organizations were on hand a week prior to the event at the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run's Fix Up Fun Day. Nearly 80 volunteers helped to clean up a downtown neighborhood that surrounded the Rodeo Run race course. Following the clean up activity, Rodeo Run gold spur sponsor, Halliburton, hosted a BBQ lunch for the volunteers and nearly 300 residents in the area.

Gold sponsors of the 2011 race included Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bechtel, Brooks, Chartis Insurance, Continental Airlines, Fulbright and Jaworski LLP, GE Oil and Gas, Halliburton, H-E-B, Luke's Locker and McJunkin Red Man Corp. Silver sponsors included Accenture, A-Rocket Moving and Storage, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Houston Astros, Securitas, Staples Promotional Products, The Royal Bank of Scotland and Zachry.

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ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run funds Texas youth scholarships

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