Posted: May 1, 2006

Athletics: Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Retains Rank as One of the Country's Fastest Marathons

Running Times also Dubs Cleveland One of World's 'No Hassle' Marathons

CLEVELAND - (April 26, 2006) - Runners looking to set a personal best time with as little aggravation as possible still have time to register the 29th Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K on Sunday, May 21.

The Cleveland 26.2 mile course continues its ranking as one of the fast courses in the country with a median time of 4:05:38 according to Running USA's Road Running Information Center (RRIC), which recently released its annual marathon report. Running Times magazine editor-in-chief Jonathan Beverly also agrees. In the magazine's May issue, he lists the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon as one of the fast marathons in the U.S., based on reputation and statistics from the Association of Road Race Statisticians, RRIC, and MarathonGuide.com.

In the same May issue, Running Times Managing Editor Jim Gerweck also gives the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon the nod as one of the Top 12 no hassle marathons in the world. Gerweck believes mental calories should not have to be burned on such things as checking in, getting to the start, waiting in long lines and collecting your gear. And Cleveland gets thumbs up for no hassle on that front.

Runner registrations for the May 21st Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon are about 20 percent ahead of last year's numbers according Race Director, Ralph Staph. "The biggest percentage increase is in the half-marathon, which we made part of our race day activities for the first time last year," said Staph. Registrations for the half-marathon are up about 40 percent over the same time last year. Marathon registrations are up nearly 20 percent and 10K registrations are about even with last year.

Runners can register online for the marathon, half-marathon or 10K races by going to: 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 everybody. 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.

Source: Tom Koch, Highland Public Relations

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.

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