Posted: October 10, 2007

Athletics: Cleveland Marathon Charities to Hold Information Sessions for Charities Interested in Receiving Funding

Organization donated over $40,000 to charities in 2007 CLEVELAND (Oct. 10, 2007) – Cleveland Marathon Charities, a 501 (c)3, announced that they will be hosting two informational sessions in October for charities and non-profit organizations interested in receiving and raising funds through the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K, one of the 50 oldest marathons in America, established the 501(c)3 charitable organization, whose mission is to raise and distribute funds to other Northeast Ohio non-profit organizations, in early 2007. Through the course of its 30-year history, the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon has given more than $1 million to charities, and over $40,000 in 2007 alone. The information sessions will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 24 and Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade beginning at 6:00 p.m. The six partnership program options as well as program guidelines will be reviewed at the meeting. Interested organizations only need to attend one information session. “Cleveland Marathon Charities provides funding to non-profit organizations that get involved in the race by providing volunteers and spectators, and it coordinates their involvement,” said Mary Grace McGuirk, director of fundraising for Cleveland Marathon Charities. As the number of participants in the marathon, half-marathon, 10K, wheelchair challenge and kid’s run continue to increase, so does the need for volunteers and spectators, said McGuirk. Northeast Ohio charitable organizations that organize groups of spectators or volunteers may be eligible for Cleveland Marathon Charities contributions and should attend the informational meeting to learn more about the guidelines of the program, she said. Organizations interested in attending the information sessions are asked to contact Cleveland Marathon Charities by Friday, Oct. 12. Further inquiries and intent to register should be directed to Mary Grace McGuirk at cmcharities@clevelandmarathon.com or (440) 665-4318. Cleveland Marathon Charities, a 501(c)3, organizes and financially rewards school, church and other non-profit groups that show their support of health and fitness through running by their active involvement as participants, volunteers or spectators in the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. The 31st annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon will hit the streets of Cleveland on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 7:00 a.m., and weave runners through historic and scenic parts of the city. There will be a 26.3 Mile Rock Party at the finish line featuring food and live music. Those who are interested in participating in the marathon, half-marathon, 10K, wheelchair challenge, walking divisions or kid’s race, can register online at www.clevelandmarathon.com or call 1-800-467-3826 for more information. About the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K is in its 31st 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 $12.1 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, Half Marathon & 10K. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest