Utilizing open registration, the 2010 marathon and half marathon sold out in less than 60 hours. Switching to a lottery selection process gives all runners the same opportunity to register and be selected to run in the races. The lottery eliminates challenges caused by high-traffic volume to the event website, which resulted in individuals missing registration before the races reached their field limits.
"Demand for our races has never been greater, and we believe the lottery is the fairest system to offer all runners the same opportunity to participate," said Wade Morehead, Executive Director of the Houston Marathon Committee. "The lottery provides ample time for runners to complete their registration as our top priority is participant satisfaction."
To enter the lottery for the 2011 Chevron Houston Marathon or Aramco Houston Half Marathon, runners must register on the event website (houstonmarathon.com) during a 17-day period starting at 6:00 a.m. CST on Tuesday, July 27 and extending to 11:59 p.m. CST on Thursday, August 12. The Houston Marathon Committee will announce participants for each race on Tuesday, August 17.
The combined participant cap for the races will remain at 22,000 with 11,000 reserved for each of the marathon and half marathon fields. Registration fees for the marathon and half marathon are $115 and $95 respectively. Next year's races will take place on January 30, 2011.
A limited number of guaranteed race entries are available through a "Heroes" charity registration for both the marathon and half marathon. The "Heroes" charity registration enables runners to make a direct donation of at least $350 to an official race charity of the runner's choice, plus the cost of registration to secure a spot in either race. Official 2010-2011 Run for a Reason charities will be announced on June 15, 2010.
Additional details regarding the lottery can be found on the event website (houstonmarathon.com) under "FAQ."
About the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc.
Established in 1972, the Houston Marathon Committee, Inc. (HMC), a Running USA founding member, annually organizes the nation's premier winter marathon, half marathon, 5K and kids' fun run. In 2010, more than 30,000 runners participated in four race weekend events organized by 7,500 volunteers, creating Houston's largest single-day sporting event. In addition to hosting numerous world-renowned road races, including the Men's and Women's USATF Half Marathon Championships since 2005 and the 1992 Women's U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, HMC will host the 2012 Men's and Women's U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials on January 14, 2012.
For more information, visit houstonmarathon.comor call 713.957.3453.
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