HOUSTON (February 25, 2014) – The 2014 Chevron Houston Marathon Run for a Reason charity program has raised a record $2,600,000 to benefit 60 local charities. With more than 16,000 donations, this year marks the fourth in a row that fundraising has surpassed the $2 million plateau.

“The philanthropic nature of the Greater Houston community, our runners, and our sponsors is truly amazing,” said Wade Morehead, Executive Director of the Houston Marathon Committee. “The growth of the Chevron Houston Marathon Run for a Reason program has exceeded our expectations annually and to surpass our previous record by over a quarter of a million dollars this year is remarkable.  We are appreciative of the charities who have chosen our event to serve as a vehicle to fundraise for their wonderful causes, and we would be remiss not to thank these organizations and the tireless efforts of their staffs to help this program achieve this level of success.”

Since the program’s inception in 1995, more than $19 million has been raised to benefit various charities. Since breaking the $1 million fundraising mark in 2008, charity donations have generated over $13 million.

The Run for a Reason program links runners with participating nonprofits and provides a platform for charities to raise awareness and funds as well as educate others about their cause. The program also offers alternative ways to enter the marathon and half marathon races through guaranteed charity “HERO” registration and “Fundraising for Registration” options.

Official 2014-2015 Run for a Reason charities will be announced on May 8, 2014.  Guaranteed “HERO” and “Fundraising for Registration” entries will be available beginning on June 4, 2014.  The last day for non-profit organizations to request a 2014-2015 Run for a Reason application is February 28, 2014.  For more information on applications, visit https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/RunForAReason/CharityApplicationInfo.cfm.

The 43rd running of the Chevron Houston Marathon race weekend, also featuring the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and ABB 5K, will take place on January 16-18, 2015. Lottery registration for the marathon and half marathon opens on June 4, 2014 at www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com.

To learn more about the Run for a Reason charity program, please visit www.RunforaReasonHouston.org.