News release

Annual Party Kicks Off 30th Season for Compaq Houston Marathon

On Monday, September 10, as many as 2,000 area runners are expected to take advantage of their first chance to register for the 2002 Compaq Houston Marathon, scheduled for January 20.

Registration will run from 5 to 7 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 also will be able to register for marathon weekend's newest event—the 13.1-miler, as well as the marathon's companion 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 fun run runners through pledges and donations. Runners in the new 13.1-miler also will have 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 13.1-miler on Sunday, January 20, 2002.

Online registration for the races will be available on the Compaq Houston Marathon Web site at http://www.compaqhoustonmarathon.com beginning September 11. Registration forms will be available at many Houston-area running and fitness stores, Houston YMCAs, the Tennis Center at Memorial Park and most local athletic clubs.

The Compaq Houston Marathon is administered by an executive committee of volunteers and involves more than 5,000 additional volunteers on race weekend. The city's largest single-day sporting event, the race is a member of Running USA, a nonprofit group devoted to improving the status of road racing in the United States.

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.