Chevron is keeping people running as it extends its sponsorship contract for the Chevron Houston Marathon, according to runnersweb.com.

The Chevron Houston Marathon is the nation’s premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from all 50 states and more than 30 foreign countries. The race has been going on for 35 years. The marathon offers the only closed marathon course in Texas and is ranked among the top five in the nation by the Ultimate Guide to Marathons for fastest course, organization and crowd support. More than 5,000 volunteers organize the race, which is Houston’s largest single-day sporting event, according to the website.

Chevron, title sponsor of the marathon in 2006, 2007 and 2008, has opted to continue its sponsorship of the 26.2-mile race for an additional five years, through 2013. Along with Chevron, two other companies–Aramco Services Co. and the El Paso Corp.–are also extending their contracts as well for their own titled events, keeping marathon enthusiasts running in the years to come.

“We are extremely pleased to have three fine companies as partners in our endeavor to stage three great races for our runners,” Race Director Brant Kotch said. “Their support, both financial and in spirit, help guarantee that the races will only get better with every passing year.”

The Chevron Houston Marathon will be run on January 13, 2008.