FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Steve Sievert, (281) 514-3192
steve.sievert@compaq.com

HOUSTON, Tex. - (Dec. 28, 2000) - Houston's premier running event takes on a new look in January with Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) as title sponsor of the Houston Marathon.

Compaq, building on its commitment to the Houston community, announced a three-year agreement with the race in August and is working with marathon organizers to provide the event with equipment, technology expertise and employee volunteers.

"Sponsoring the Houston Marathon gives Compaq the opportunity to share our innovative products and solutions, and it gives our local workforce of more than 15,000 the chance to support the community in which we live and work," said Michael D. Capellas, Compaq chairman and chief executive officer.

Compaq technology will play a lead role in the Compaq Houston Marathon, highlighted by a first-of-its-kind tracking system for spectators. The Compaq Runner Tracking Network will be available in the George R. Brown Convention Center on race morning.

Through this computer network, spectators will be able to access real-time data on race participants by entering runners' bib numbers into a database to determine where they are on the racecourse. More than 20 computer stations will be available for use in the convention center.

A computer chip, worn by each runner, is activated at the start of the race and linked to the Compaq network. Three checkpoints will be set up on the course - one at 13 miles, another between 17 and 19 miles and one at the finish line - to allow fans to track runners' progress through the second half of the event. The technology also will project, based on their pace per mile, where runners are between each checkpoint.

In addition, the network will be available to computer users around the world via the Internet on the race's official Web site at www.compaqhoustonmarathon.com, allowing friends and family members of runners from outside of Houston to follow the race.

"Compaq truly will be powering the marathon," said Steve Huey, vice president of the company's sponsorship group. "Virtually every aspect of the race will be enhanced with the use of Compaq equipment."

A technology showcase will be set up at the marathon's Health & Fitness Expo at the convention center on race weekend, with Compaq's latest Internet and wireless devices available for interactive demonstrations during the two-day event.

Compaq technology also will be awarded to the race's top runners. As part of their winnings, the first overall and masters male and female finishers will each receive the popular Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC, and age-group winners will receive leading-edge iPAQ Personal Audio Players.

While Compaq clearly will have its stamp on the race from a technology standpoint, company employees also will be an integral part of the sponsorship effort.

More than 200 Compaq employees from around the country have registered to run the race, and several hundred other members of the workforce are expected to volunteer at various areas along the course.

"Our sponsorship of the race has received an incredible response from employees, who are really excited about Compaq getting more involved in the community," said Huey. "The race is thought of first as a sporting event, but it is much more than that. It's a community experience, serving as a major fund-raiser for more than 25 area charities and drawing tens of thousands of spectators. Our employees are enthusiastically behind our effort."

As evidence of Compaq's community ties to the event, one of the company's official charities, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, is included in the race's Run for a Reason program.

The program pairs runners with charities, with the race serving as the fund-raising vehicle. More than $300,000 was raised for charities through the 2000 Houston Marathon and its companion 5K fun run. Organizers hope the total from the 2001 race tops that mark by $50,000.

More than 5,000 runners, 5,000 volunteers and an estimated quarter of a million spectators are expected Jan. 14 for the 29th running of the Compaq Houston Marathon. Complete details about the marathon are available online at www.compaqhoustonmarathon.com or by calling (713) 957-3453.

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Special thanks to 
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Coordinator for providing us this press release.
USATF Road Running Information Center
5522 Camino Cerralvo, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 696-6252
http://www.runningusa.org
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