Posted: February 25, 2005

Athletics: Running Legend Bill Rodgers Set for 28th Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K

CLEVELAND, Ohio - (Feb. 22, 2005) - Four-time New York City Marathon and four-time Boston Marathon winner Bill Rodgers is returning to Cleveland to run in the 28th 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 U.S. 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 & 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 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

The race website is at: www.clevelandmarathon.com.

CONTACT:
Tom Koch, Highland Public Relations, (330) 996-4140

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.