Recent News

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Announces Challenge Series

Three-day early-bird special slashes fees for all races by nearly 50 percent.

CLEVELAND (July 24, 2015) - Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon is introducing a challenge series that offers new options for runners and walkers looking for a twist on the typical marathon. The challenge series is divided into three levels of varying difficulty: 8K and full marathon; 8K and half marathon; and 5K and 10K. All events for the 39th Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, including the challenge series, will take place during the weekend of May 13-15, 2016, with the 10K, half marathon and full marathon occurring on Sunday. Participants in the challenge series will receive individual medals for each event, plus a challenge medal specific to their races. Like the 5K, the new 8K option is also an individual race available on Saturday, May 14, for those not wishing to participate in the new challenge series.

The marathon team will also be using a new registration platform for 2016 events, which will officially open to race participants at the beginning of August. Pre-planning will mean big savings for all runners and walkers who will save nearly 50 percent and as much as $60 if they register within the first three days of registration from Aug. 1-3.

"Over the years, we've developed a fast course that's an official Boston Marathon qualifier. It has high energy from the volunteers and spectators who come out to cheer on the athletes, and it winds through distinctive neighborhoods and landmarks throughout the city," said Ralph Staph, Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Race Director. "Still, we're always looking for ways to bring something new to the Cleveland Experience. We want be sure we are providing returning runners with exciting new options and offering something different for prospective participants, and the challenge series does just that."

There will be five price breaks from the time registration opens August 1 until online registration closes May 8, 2016. Savings will start at nearly 50 percent with early-bird registration from Aug. 1-3 and will decrease in percentage with each passing price break date. Runners and walkers will also be able to register at the Expo with an additional fee for any races that are not sold out by that date. More information will be available soon at www.clevelandmarathon.com/registration.

Title sponsorships are still available for each of the three new challenges and the 8K race. Interested sponsors should call 800-467-3826 to learn more about customizable sponsorship opportunities.

Both the 10K and full marathon courses of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon will be USATF certified and the full marathon is an official Boston Marathon qualifier. One of the 50 oldest races in the country, the 2016 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon will take place May 13-15. The following opportunities are available for people to participate in the event as a runner or walker: full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 8K, 5K and Kids' Run. The three challenge series combinations are also available. Online registration and further information is available atwww.clevelandmarathon.com.

Between 16,000-20,000 participants have competed in the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon weekend events for the past five years, and race organizers are expecting a similar number this year. Caps will be in place for all of the races, and runners and walkers are encouraged to register early to avoid a sold-out race. Rates and registration information can be found at www.clevelandmarathon.com.

There are also opportunities for nonprofit organizations to raise funds through their participation in the race through Cleveland Marathon Charities, for which information can also be found on the marathon's website.

About the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon 
The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon is in its 39th year of providing a fitness experience for all individuals who want to participate regardless of their abilities. The event offers a Kids' Run, 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon - all of which participants can choose to run or walk. Nearly 450,000 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.