Posted: January 3, 2006

Athletics: American Stroke Association’s ‘Train To End Stroke’ Program To Recruit Runners/Walkers For Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon

Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Philadelphia Teams to Sign Up Runners to Help Fight the #3 Killer in America

CLEVELAND (Jan 3, 2006) – The American Stroke Association is bringing runners and walkers to the 29th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon and Half Marathon in May, 2006 to help fight stroke, the No. 3 killer and a leading cause of disability in America.

American Stroke Association teams in Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Philadelphia will begin active recruiting for runners and walkers in January 2006 to join its Train to End Stroke program. Those who sign up will train with coaches experienced in running and walking events.

Train to End Stroke has become the premier fund-raising campaign for the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association. Since its inception in 2001, Train to End Stroke has raised more than $36 million for stroke research and educational programs and has registered more than 30,000 participants nationwide. In addition, more than 200 stroke survivors have completed a full or half-marathon.

“We are excited about partnering with the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon because it is an event that encourages and welcomes organizations like ours to become participants and helps us get our message out about the debilitating effects of stroke in America,” said Julie Senchak, Director, Train to End Stroke for Western Pennsylvania.

“Our association with Train to End Stroke meets our goals of giving charities an opportunity to benefit financially from our event, and providing a running experience for all individuals who want to participate, regardless of their abilities,” said Jack Staph, executive director of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K.

In addition to participating in a first class training program, Train to End Stroke covers the cost for hotel accommodations, registration fees for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon and airfare for runners and walkers from Philadelphia. Train to End Stroke participants will enjoy a pasta party and presentation the night before the race, and a victory celebration dinner following the race. Train to End Stroke is offering its program to any runner or walker for either the marathon or the half-marathon events.

For additional information on the American Stroke Association’s Train to End Stroke, go to www.strokeassociation.org. For additional information on the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K, go to www.clevelandmarathon.com.

About the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K
The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K is now in its 29th 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.

Mission Statement:
• To provide a running experience for all individuals who want to participate regardless of their abilities.
• To produce an event that highlights the Cleveland community and provides a positive economic impact for the community.
• To give charities an opportunity to benefit financially from the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K.

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