New Sponsors Join Houston Marathon Race Weekend – Waste Management named first \“green\“ sponsor, Nissan official automotive sponsor

HOUSTON – The Houston Marathon Committee is excited to announce its new 2011 sponsors: Waste Management, Nissan and global law firm King & Spalding.

"We could not be more thrilled to welcome these new companies to our team," said Steven Karpas, managing director of business development and marketing of the Houston Marathon Committee. "As the popularity of our event continues to grow, it's the support of our sponsors that allows us to enhance and provide the best race weekend experience for our participants."

Houston-based Waste Management, a leading provider of comprehensive environmental services in North America, is the first official "green" partner of the Chevron Houston Marathon. Committed to helping reduce the event's environmental footprint, Waste Management will provide recycling receptacles during race weekend and will also perform a waste audit to help expand the Committee's green initiatives for future events. In addition, Waste Management's "Green Squad" will support the marathon with a team of volunteers.

Nissan, the new official and exclusive automotive sponsor of the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon, will provide official vehicles for the 2011 races.

"This marketing partnership is an ideal way for Nissan to bring the new 100% electric Nissan LEAF to Houston's active lifestyle community and connect to consumers in a way that aligns Nissan with their passions," said Jon Brancheau, Vice President, Marketing, Nissan Division. More information on Nissan in North America can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com.

In addition to Waste Management and Nissan, King & Spalding, a full-service, global law firm with offices in Houston, joins the team and will provide reusable goodie bags for more than 30,000 race participants.

The Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon and El Paso Corporation 5K will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2011.

To learn more about Houston Marathon Committee's sponsors and its green initiative, please visit the event website houstonmarathon.com.

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 USA Men's and Women's Half Marathon Championships since 2005 and 2007 respectively, and the 1992 U.S. Women's Olympic Marathon Trials, HMC will host the 2012 U.S. Men's and Women's Olympic Team Trials – Marathon on January 14, 2012.

For more information, visit houstonmarathon.com or call 713.957.3453.