Conoco Disqualifies Rodeo Run Female Winner.

Sports Writers & Business/Energy Editors

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 2002

Conoco said it has disqualified the overall female winner of the 2002 Conoco Rodeo Run after learning that she was suspended and sanctioned by USA Track and Field for illegal steroid use prior to the race. The Conoco 10K Rodeo Run is a USATF-sanctioned event and had 4,100 registered runners.

Desiree Owen, of Kingwood, Texas, accepted the sanction and two-year suspension Feb. 5, four days prior to the Conoco Rodeo Run. She tested positive for androstendione, a prohibited anabolic steroid under the International Amateur Athletic Federation rules. According to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, Owen tested positive for the substance on Jan. 2, 2002.

Ms. Owen apologized for her error in participating in the Conoco Rodeo Run and agreed to return the prizes, including airline tickets and a custom-etched glass trophy.

Jody Hawkins of Richmond, Texas, who was the second place overall female, will be designated the winner of the competition and awarded the prizes.

"Conoco is guided by its core values, and fully supports the decision of the USATF," said Race Chairman Rick Oshlo, Conoco vice president and general manager, supply and trading, materials and services. "While this incident is very unfortunate, we hope it can serve -- in a beneficial manner -- to help prevent other athletes from making similar mistakes," said Oshlo.

Conoco (NYSE:COC) is a major, integrated energy company active in more than 40 countries.

www.conocorodeorun.com

www.conoco.com