OREANDA-NEWS.    The ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run continued its tradition of making college dreams a reality for Texas students by raising USD400,000 for the Houston Livestock Show and RodeoTM (HLSR) Educational Fund. This brings the 27-year total to more than USD4 million. 

Financial contributions from ConocoPhillips and other event sponsors, along with operational support from nearly 1,500 volunteers, enable the company to contribute all participants’ entry fees to fund college scholarships. Approximately 13,000 runners and walkers participated in the 10K and 5K events in downtown Houston.

“We’re always proud to support our local communities,” said Sheila Feldman, ConocoPhillips vice president, Human Resources, and Rodeo Run chairperson. “We’re fortunate to have so many dedicated employees, retirees and contractors who support this event in our hometown, which enables us to donate 100 percent of the entry fees to deserving Texas students.”

The ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run led the HLSR Parade and featured Texas fanfare, western costumes and a Texas-sized post-race party.

Sammy Kiplagat, 40, of Georgetown, took top honors in this year’s men's 10K race overall, finishing with a time of 30:43. This was Kiplagat’s second ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run victory.

Betzy Jimenez, 26, of San Antonio, took top honors in this year’s women's 10K race overall, finishing with a time of 35:50. This was Jimenez’s first ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run victory.