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Momentous Year Continues with Honors for Jack Staph

March 28, 2017

Executive Race Director Inducted into Running USA Hall of Champions

One of the pioneers in race organization with more than 40 years of service, dedication and vision, Jack Staph, Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon executive race

director, has been selected to the Running USA Hall of Champions. The 14th class was honored Feb. 26-28 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be named to the Running USA Hall of Champions with so many extremely talented people,” said Staph. “Over the past 40 years, I’ve seen a great deal of change in the industry. We’ve been able to evolve our race to meet those different challenges, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it.”

Hall Of Champions _Jack And Bernadette Staph _crop

The Running USA Hall of Champions is tabbed for those who have made a difference in the sport of road running at the highest levels, while continuing to show devotion, vision and commitment to the runners they serve.

“Jack (Staph) has built an event that showcases his local community, generates a significant economic impact and raises money for charities, all while making the running community proud,” said Running USA CEO Rich Harshbarger. “I attend about 12 races in major cities all over the world each year, and I can honestly say that the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon does an absolutely wonderful job of highlighting Cleveland and everything it has to offer.”

The honor comes just weeks after the marathon, one of the 50 oldest races in the country, announced its new courses for each of the five races that will take place May 20-21. It is also just 53 days away from celebrating its 40th anniversary. Harshbarger emphasized the Cleveland event’s ability to capture the vibrancy of the downtown resurgence, an essential part of a good marathon.

Named to the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, Staph is known as a mentor throughout the running industry. He is a long-standing member of the Running USA Board of Directors and is the president of the Cleveland Marathon, Inc. The avid runner has guided the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon since inception, hosting more than 350,000 runners over the past 40 years, while generating more than $18 million each year for the local economy.

About the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon

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 350,000 runners have participated, generating more than $18 million annually to benefit the Cleveland community. www.clevelandmarathon.com

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, 8K and 5K events.

 

 

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