HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 13, 2008) - Kate O'Neill won her first U.S. championship, winning the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in 1:11:57. O'Neill pulled away from the field about 5k into the race and alone the rest of the way. Desiree Davila made a strong charge during the second half of the race, but O'Neill was too strong.

"I was running pretty scared for the last few (miles)," said O'Neill at the post-race press conference wearing an enormous cowboy hat presented to the race winners.  "The wind was picking up; I was just working as hard as I could."

O'Neill, who was second here last year, was a little disappointed that her finish time of 1:11:57 did not lower her personal best, but she was elated to have won her first U.S. title at any distance.  "This is my first championship so I'm excited," she said.  "I'll run a fast time another day."