News release

El Paso Corporation to Energize Marathon Weekend with Houston's First 13.1-Miler

As part of the Compaq Houston Marathon's 30th anniversary celebration in 2002, El Paso Corporation will present the city's first half marathon, the 13.1-miler. The new race is the only half marathon on the Houston running calendar and will be offered for the first time as part of race weekend on Jan. 20.

"El Paso Corporation is proud to sponsor the 2002 13.1-miler, the first of its kind in Houston," said Norma Dunn, senior vice president of communications and government affairs, El Paso Corporation. "We are honored to have the opportunity to demonstrate our dedication to the Houston community by hosting this fund-raising event, which provides participants, spectators and volunteers the chance to support more than 25 area charities."

Race weekend will include the traditional 26.2-mile marathon, the new 13.1-mile half marathon, a 5K fun run and the Texas Children's Hospital Kids' Fun Run.

"We are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with El Paso Corporation, which sponsored the marathon team competition last year, will again next year, and is now making the 13.1-miler an exciting new part of our 30th year of running in Houston," said David Hannah, race director, Compaq Houston Marathon. "The 13.1-miler will provide an excellent racing opportunity for novice runners who wish to participate in the event."

Due to extensive downtown roadwork, the marathon course is being redesigned to direct more than 7,000 runners through Houston areas, like the historic Heights, not included in previous races. The 13.1-miler will start and finish at the George R. Brown Convention Center and will use a portion of the revised course, which will be announced at the annual kickoff party in September.

"This year's race was a huge success, and we feel the addition of Houston's only half marathon will attract new runners to race weekend, increasing overall participation," said Steve Huey, vice president of marketing communications, Compaq Computer Corporation.

Registration for the marathon, half marathon and 5K will begin September 10 at the annual kickoff party held at Memorial Park. Runners may register online beginning September 11 at the Compaq Houston Marathon Web site: http://www.compaqhoustonmarathon.com. Registration forms also will be available at most local athletic clubs, YMCAs and the Tennis Center at Memorial Park.

An executive team of volunteers and an additional 5,000 volunteers who assist on race weekend administer the Compaq Houston Marathon. The race is the city's largest single-day sporting event and is a member of Running USA, a nonprofit group devoted to improving the status of road racing in the United States. The 2002 event will be Compaq's second year to sponsor the Houston Marathon.

For more information visit the marathon Web site or call (713) 957-3453.

Company Background

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation ("Compaq") is a leading global provider of enterprise technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets hardware, software, solutions and services, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, and desktop and portable personal computers that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq (NYSE: CPQ) and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.