New Course Announcement

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon has announced new courses for each of its five events to take place May 20-21, 2017 during the 40th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon race weekend. 

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon race officials have updated the full marathon, half marathon and 10K courses to feature more of the city’s major landmarks in honor of its 40th running. Notable additions include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, FirstEnergy Stadium and Great Lakes Science Center, among others. 

On Sunday, May 21, the full marathon, half marathon and 10K will start outside of the Quicken Loans arena at 7:00 a.m. as they have for the past three years. Each course will wind throughout the city, and in the case of the full marathon, beyond into Lakewood and Rocky River.  All three races will finish in the newly renovated Public Square in downtown Cleveland. The new courses also boast a smoother, straighter run for an estimated 15,000 participants with the removal of the Cleveland Memorial Shoreway hill.  

“We wanted to do something special for our runners in recognition of the 40th anniversary,” said Ralph Staph, race director for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. “This new courses truly highlight the best aspects of Cleveland, from taking in the unique architecture of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to enjoying the popular neighborhoods and cheering parties of Tremont and Ohio City.”

The courses for Saturday’s events are also getting a major facelift for 2017. Rather than starting at Edgewater Park as they have in the past, the 8K and 5K will start in downtown Cleveland on Superior Avenue, just west of Public Square. Both courses navigate through downtown, including a stretch past the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and finish at the start line. 

Both the 10K and full marathon courses will be USATF certified and the full marathon is an official Boston Marathon qualifier. Though city officials have approved the courses, all courses are subject to change by the city over the next few months. To view the course maps and changes, please visit www.clevelandmarathon.com.

One of the 50 oldest races in the country, the 2017 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon will take place May 20-21. The following opportunities are available for people to participate in the event: full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 8K, 5K and Kid’s Run. All events feature a walking division. Online registration and additional information is available at clevelandmarathon.com. 

There are opportunities for non-profit organizations to raise funds through their participation in the race through Cleveland Marathon Charities. Find out more at clevelandmarathon.com. 

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon is in its 40th year of providing a fitness experience for all individuals who want to participate regardless of their abilities.  The event offers a 5K, 8K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon – all of which participants can choose to run or walk. More than 375,000 runners have participated, generating more than $18 million annually to benefit the Cleveland community. www.clevelandmarathon.com 

• 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, 8K and 5K events.