FAQs
1. Is it safe and secure to register over the internet?
YES! The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon has partnered with Active.com who is a leader in online registration. Their website is safe, easy and secure. They guarantee that your personal information will be safe.
2. I registered for a Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon event and now I am unable to run. Can I get my money back or transfer to another year?
We are sorry, but we do not offer refunds or transfers to future races.
3. What if I sign up for one event, but my training doesn't go as planned? Can I switch races?
You may switch races, but please note the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon will charge a $20 fee to switch your registration into another race (per switch) plus the difference in event fees.
You are currently able to switch races until April 20, 2012 (when bib labeling begins). If an event is still open at the Expo/packet pick-up, switching will be permitted for $20 plus the difference in event fees should you upgrade.
Once the caps for each event are met, no new registration or race switches will be permitted.
You may call the marathon office directly or email info@clevelandmarathon.com to switch races, or visit the Solutions Booth at the Expo to switch (as long as the race you want to enter is not sold out).
4. I already registered, but cannot run. Is there a way to allow someone to run in my place?
Yes. New this year and starting in January, we will offer a Participant Registration Transfer option. This will allow you to transfer your bib/registration to another runner should you not be able to participate. There is a flat fee of $20 for the new participant to take over another registrant's spot in the race. Please CLICK HERE for more information.
5. Can't I just "give" my entry to my friend if I cannot run?
No. Due to USATF rules and regulations, each participant must register themselves and sign their own waiver. Any walker or runner who is participating with another participant’s bib number can be disqualified at the discretion of the race director.
The new Registration Transfer process (#4 above) includes the proper management of the waiver in the transaction.
6. What are the age requirements for registering for a particular event?
Participants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign their Registration Waiver for all events. We do not recommend that participants under 18 run in the full marathon event.
7. What is included in my entry fee?
Every participant will receive a short-sleeved shirt (tech shirt for half and full marathoners) and a goody bag. Marathoners and half marathoners also receive a finisher's medal. Additionally, entry fees are used to ensure that the course is free of cars and safe for all participants. Also, there is water and Powerade at every Hydration Station on course, and refreshments at the finish line.
8. This is my first running event. Can you direct me to a training program?
Please visit our website under Runners Info - Training - for several training program options as well as other helpful tools such as training tips and pace charts.
9. I am traveling from another town. Can you direct me to your Host Hotel as well as other hotels in close proximity to the start and finish line area?
Our host hotel is the Hyatt Regency at the Arcade and is approximately .8 miles from the start and finish. For the Hyatt's contact information and a list of other recommended hotels please visit our Hotel page on our website.
10. Do you have an Elite Running Program?
Yes. We have a 10K Elite Program. For additional information and how to apply, please contact our Elite Program Director, John Tope at ontherunus@comcast.net.
11. How do I become a Charity Partner?
You may access our 2012 Charity Program Information and Registration by clicking here. Please direct any questions to cmcharities@clevelandmarathon.com.
12. How do you time the events?
The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K will use the B-tag timing system created by ChronoTrack Systems.
Participants no longer have to register their timing chip at the Expo, or attach it to their shoe. The ChronoTrack system allows race organizers to print an integrated bib and tag for each participant, encoding the runner’s bib number into the tag’s RFID chip. The B-Tag, stays mounted on the runner’s bib and does not detach.
No personal timing chips, including ChampionChips, may be used.
13. Can I wear headphones on the course?
YES. Because USA Track & Field (USATF), the governing body for long distance running in the United States, recently revised their safety rule (#144.3b) banning the use of headphones and other music devices at all USATF-sanctioned running events, the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon may now allow runners in non-championship races to wear headphones on the course. All participants wishing to pursue prize money, must still obey USATF rules (#144.3).
14. Are strollers or baby joggers allowed on the course?
NO. Strollers and baby joggers are prohibited.
15. Is there a wheelchair and/or handcrank division in the race?
Yes, there is a Wheelchair Exhibition for the full marathon division. There is a participant cap of 12; 10 handcyclists and 2 wheelchairs. Interested participants should contact John Squires at jpsquires@att.net for registration information and to obtain a copy of a special waiver that must be signed prior to race weekend.
16. What is the Health and Fitness Expo? Do I have to go? Does it cost money?
The Health and Fitness Expo is FREE and open to participants, their friends and family, and the general public. The Expo will be held on Friday and Saturday May 18 & 19, 2012 at the I-X Center in Cleveland. Each registered participant is required to attend to pick up their race bib (including timing chip), t-shirt and race bag. Please bring your ID in order to pick up your packet.
Additionally, the Expo is a great place to get great deals on shoes and clothing, meet running legends, sample new products and more. Check back on the website for speaker schedules, vendor info and other information.
17. Can someone else pick up my bib and race packet for me?
YES! Someone other than the registered runner may pick up the race packet at the Expo. BUT - everyone must show an ID to get a packet. A photocopy will suffice, but no packets will be given out without proper ID.
18. Can I pick up my race packet on race day?
No, there is no packet pickup race day. All packets must be picked up at the Health and Fitness Expo.
19. I won't be able to participate; can I still pick up my t-shirt?
YES! Please stop by the Health and Fitness Expo and pick up your bib, t-shirt and goody bag.
20. Does Rite Aid own this event?
No, Rite Aid Pharmacy is the title sponsor of the event and through their support we are able to put on this event year after year.
21. Who are the other sponsors of the event?
We are thrilled to partner with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, American Greetings, Coke, ASICS and more. To see the full list of sponsors, please click here.
22. Is there something for my kids to do?
YES! On Saturday May 19, 2012 there will be a Kid's Run. Distances are based upon the child's age, but everyone receives a commemorative t-shirt, goody bag and finisher's medal. There will also be food, drinks, clowns and more fun for the whole family. For more information on the Kid's Run, click here.
23. What can my family do while waiting for me to finish?
For the fifth year, we will be holding the 26.3 Mile Rock Party. Located at the finish line - there will be live music, food, drinks, cheering and more! Family and friends are also encouraged to line the course to cheer for runners.
24. On my registration my name is misspelled, my age is wrong, I have moved, etc.
No problem! Just let us know by emailing us prior to April 15, 2012 at info@clevelandmarathon.com OR you can make the change at the Solutions Booth at the Health and Fitness Expo.
25. I have a friend who would like to volunteer, can they help?
YES! We always need an extra set of hands! Please visit our volunteer page to learn about the opporunities available for volunteers.
26. How many water stations are there on the course? What type of energy drink and gel are available?
We have 16 water stations along the full and half marathon course and 3 along the 10K course. Water station locations can be found on our course map (indicated by a water droplet). All water stations include lemon-lime PowerAde; two locations (approximately miles 9 and 19) will have Gu gel packets in a variety of flavors.
27. Is the water provided along the course clean and safe to drink?
YES! The water we use on the course on race weekend is from hydrants that are flushed twice before race day. The hydrants are flushed two weeks before the race and once again the day before the race or race morning. The process we use to obtain the drinking water results is the same quality that a Cleveland resident would receive from turning on their faucet. The Cleveland Water Department tests the water quality, and assures us that it is safe. We also purchase new hoses every year to ensure the highest level of quality for our participants. And, as an added safety feature, our water stop volunteers wear gloves while distributing the cups.
28. What is the temperature usually like on race day in Cleveland?
On May 20, the average high temperature in Cleveland is 69 degrees Farenheit. The low is 49 degrees. It's often chilly in the morning, but warms up rather quickly. Layers are advised for all runners! For more details, please click here for the National Weather Service page.
29. Is the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon a Boston Marathon qualifier?
YES! Our marathon course is measured and certified, and runners who meet the required Boston Marathon finisher's times at our race can qualify for Boston.
30. I do not remember if I registered and need another confirmation email?
Please visit our Registration Page and click on one of the link under "CONFIRM YOUR REGISTRATION". Please be sure to type in your name and/or email exactly as you did when you registered.