Total reserves increased 237 million boe, or 23 percent at year-end 2002, to approximately 1,283 million boe.

"Marathon's reserve replacement performance was one of the company's key achievements during 2002 and reflects our commitment to create a foundation that will fuel continued value growth," said Clarence P. Cazalot, Jr., Marathon president and CEO.

"This milestone puts us on track to increase our proved reserve base to approximately 1.4 billion boe by the end of 2004 at competitive finding and development costs." The projected increase excludes any future acquisitions or dispositions.