Posted: February 14, 2005

Athletics: Running Legend Bill Rodgers Returning To Cleveland For 28th Annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K

CLEVELAND, (Feb. 14, 2005) – Four time New York City Marathon and four time Boston Marathon winner Bill Rodgers is returning to Cleveland to run in the 28th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K. The race, scheduled for Sunday, May 22, will mark Rodgers’ first appearance in Cleveland in 12 years. In 1993, he ran the 10K with a time of 30:50, setting an American Masters age group record for 45-49 year olds. The record still stands. It is one of six American records that Rodgers currently holds.

“I am looking forward to returning to Cleveland to run in one of my favorite races,” said Rodgers. “Cleveland is a special place for me, as it was one of the races in the early running boom. The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K helped put running on the map and has a terrific history, rivaling any of the other big races.”

“We are delighted that Bill is coming back to Cleveland,” said Jack Staph, executive director of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K. “He is a running legend and is one of the best long distance runners this country has ever seen.”

Rodgers was ranked #1 in the world in the marathon in 1975, 1977 and 1979 by Track and Field News, and in 1989, was inducted into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame. At age 57, he still runs in approximately two dozen races a year.

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K is one of the 50 longest running marathons in the country. A new addition to the 2005 race day schedule is a half-marathon along with walking divisions for both the marathon and half-marathon.

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	WKYC-TV3
Hershey’s Payday Pro		WAKS Kiss 96.5 FM
Coca-Cola			WGAR 99.5 FM
Sports Health/Cleveland Clinic		WMJI Magic 105.7 FM
Asics				WMMS 100.7 FM
Galleria at Erieview			WMVX Mix 106.5 FM
Powerade			WTAM 1100 AM
Panera Bread