Cyclists of all levels will gather at City Hall on Sunday, March 19, as the annual Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation kicks off to benefit the Re-Plant Houston Program managed by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. The ride begins and ends at City Hall with the first start at 7:30 a.m. (61.45-mile route) followed by another at 8 a.m. (43.55-mile route) and 8:30 a.m. (20-mile route). Mayor Sylvester Turner will be on hand to start and ride in the event with the route heading to Missouri City for the first time in history.
“We are thrilled to welcome back the Apache Corporation as the title sponsor of this event. They continue, year after year, to provide support and generosity in helping to reforest our parks and open spaces”, said Mayor Turner. “I can’t think of a better way for Houstonians to see our scenic city and enjoy the outdoors.”
Tour de Houston is part of the Mayor’s Wellness Weekend which also includes the 40th Annual Bayou City Classic.
For those who prefer to leave the bike at home and run, the Bayou City Classic Presented by Apache Corporation will begin at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 18 at City Hall looping through Downtown and along portions of Allen Parkway with a finisher’s shirt and post-race party at the finish line. Proceeds from the 10K Race and the family-friendly 5K Fun Run & Walk will be donated to The Houston Parks Board for trees.
“Apache is honored to once again serve as title sponsor for the Tour de Houston and Bayou City Classic benefitting the city’s reforestation efforts,” said John Christmann, Apache CEO and President. “We are proud to partner with the City of Houston to create the Mayor’s Wellness Weekend and further our commitment to the environment through restoring Houston parks. Since 2005, Apache has awarded 4 million trees to cities throughout the United States and of these; more than 100,000 trees have been planted in Houston parks to restore the city’s tree canopy.”
Now in its 12th year, the Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation is the perfect outdoor event for all cyclist levels, from the leisure rider to cycling competitors, and it is a recommended BP MS150 training ride. The event is expected to draw approximately 5,000 participants. Along the route, riders will find fully-stocked rest stops, mechanical support, along with police and medical support. The ride will conclude with a post-ride party at City Hall for participants and volunteers with live music and lunch.
Registration Fee Schedule:
- Advanced Registration – ongoing through February 6, $30 adults
- Pre-Registration – February 7 – February 21, $35
- Registration – February 22 – March 18 until midnight, $40
- Onsite event registration: March 19 is $45 – CASH OR CHECK ONLY
- Ages 12 and under is $20.00 for the duration
More details including packet pick-up and schedules for pre-registered riders can be found at www.tourdehouston.org.
For more information and to register for the Bayou City Classic Presented by Apache Corporation, please visit www.bayoucityclassic.org by March 17. Day of race registration is available for 5K participants; however there will be no 10k registration available on the morning of the race. Wheelchair participants begin the 10k at 7:50 a.m. Runners and walkers begin the 10k at 8:00 a.m. All 5k participants start at 8:10 a.m.
Tour de Houston Sponsors include: Title Sponsor Apache Corporation, Michelob Ultra, Sun & Ski, Houston, PowerAde, Corner Bakery, The Eagle, 106.9/107.5, KSBJ-God Listens, BP MS150, Sparkletts, KIND, Houston Avocado Company, the Kolache Factory, Motiva Enterprises, Liberty Oilfield Services and multiple City Departments. The event is produced by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. Funds raised will benefit the city’s reforestation program managed by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. For more information call 832.393.0868.
About Apache
Apache Corporation is an oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Canada, Egypt and the United Kingdom. Apache posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and copies of all press releases on its website, www.apachecorp.com, and on its Media and Investor Center mobile application, which is available for free download from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. To learn more about the apache tree grant program, please visit www.apachelovestrees.com.