Posted: January 25, 2005

Athletics: Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K Adds Half-Marathon and Walking Divisions

CLEVELAND, Ohio - (January 24, 2005) - The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K, one of the 50 longest running marathon races in the country and a "must do" event among runners, has announced the addition of a half-marathon to the 2005 race day schedule. In addition, Cleveland's 28th annual premier running event - set for May 22 - is opening both the marathon and half-marathon to walkers by creating separate walking divisions.

"Our research has concluded that there is increased popularity among runners for a half-marathon event," said Jack Staph, Executive Director of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K. "With the number of runners rising nationwide and the increased emphasis on daily exercise for everyone, we believe it is important to offer both veteran runners and those new to the sport a variety of events to choose from depending upon their conditioning," added Staph.

In addition to the new half-marathon event, the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K has also recognized the increased popularity of walkers in distance events by creating new walking divisions in both the marathon and half-marathon. According to a recent article on walkers in Runner's World magazine, a survey found that there are nearly 40 million Americans who identify themselves as fitness walkers, up by about 1.7 million in the past 10 years. The survey, done by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, concluded that walkers outnumber joggers or runners by about two million.

"As running has gained in popularity over the years, it is now attracting runners, joggers and walkers - literally anyone who wants to take charge of their personal health and stay in shape," said Staph.

Getting into shape to compete in a marathon or half-marathon, whether you are a runner or a walker, takes time and a personal commitment. A training program offered by In On Time provides an individualized and comprehensive training plan that includes a progressive daily workout schedule, plus information to help prevent injuries, control hydration and other running-related topics. The program is directed by Kara Kelly, a veteran distance runner and coach who has completed 28 marathons and worked with hundreds of runners, almost all of whom completed their first marathon. Kelly can be contacted at kara@run-insight.com or at (440) 263-6142. Sign up ends on January 29.

About the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K
The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K is now in its 28th year of providing a running experience for all individuals who want to participate regardless of their abilities. More than 250,000 runners have participated, generating more than $6.8 million annually to benefit the Cleveland community and raising more than $1 million for various charities.

Sponsors of the 28th Annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K include:
Rite Aid, Alpine Springs Natural Spring Water, American Greetings, Miller Brewing, Lamisil Tablets, Carb Boom Energy Gel, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Hershey's Payday Pro, Coca-Cola, Sports Health/Cleveland Clinic, ASICS, Galleria at Erieview, Powerade, Panera Bread, WKYC-TV3, WAKS Kiss 96.5 FM, WGAR 99.5 FM, WMJI Magic 105.7 FM, WMMS 100.7 FM, WMVX Mix 106.5 FM and WTAM 1100 AM

Visit the race website at: www.clevelandmarathon.com.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.