Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, begun in 1976, is one of the 50 oldest marathons in the United States. The 26.3 mile marathon, 10k run, half marathon, and kids run, are held in late May each year and accompanied by a health and fitness expo and a kick-off dinner. Proceeds help local Northeast Ohio charities. The 2008 race day is May 18.

The Races:

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon events include a marathon, a half marathon, a 10K walk and run, a wheelchair challenge, and a kids walk and run. The adult races are held on Sunday and the kids race is held the day before.

The adult races start at St. Clair and E. 13th St., in downtown Cleveland. The Kids event is Saturday at 330pm. The location will be announced closer to race day.The adult races begin at the following times:

• Wheelchair Challenge Marathon and Half Marathon - 655am
• Marathon and Half Marathon - 7am
• Wheelchair Challenge 10K - 730am
• 10k - 720am

How to Register and Cost:

All entrants must register and pick up their packet prior to race day. Cost are as follows (lower prices are for early registration):

• Marathon (walk, wheelchair challenge, and run) -- $65-$95
• Half Marathon (walk, wheelchair challenge, and run) -- $60-$80
• 10K (walk, wheelchair challenge, and run) -- $25-$35
• Kids event -- $10

All participants receive an official tee-shirt and a goodie bag. There is no registration on race day.

The Expo:

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Health and Fitness Expo is held at the Cleveland Convention Center the Friday and Saturday prior to race day. Here, last minute participants may register and pick up their packets. In addition, the expo will feature over 100 health and fitness exhibitors. The 2008 times are Friday from 11am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

The Pre-Race Pasta Dinner:

In conjunction with the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, the Hyatt Regency, located in the Arcade downtown, is hosting a pasta dinner Saturday evening before the race. The menu includes salad, "create your own pasta" bar, rolls and butter, and iced tea or lemonade. The dinner will be held (2008) from 6pm to 8pm. The cost is yet to be determined.

The 26.3 Mile Rock Party:

The after-race party is held at East 9th Street and St. Clair Avenue. This free event will feature live music, food, giveaways, and lots of fun.

Hotels near the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon:

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon and related events are within walking distance of major downtown hotels, such as the Renaissance Cleveland (check rates), the Ritz Carlton(check rates), the Holiday Lakeside (check rates). For less expensive accommodations, try one of the hotels at the I-77/Rockside Road corridor, such as the Days Inn Independence(check rates).

Volunteer for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon:

More than 2000 volunteers are need to make the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon a success. For more information, or to sign up, see the event's Web site or call 216 464-5510.

Contact Information:

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon
29525 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 215
Pepper Pike, OH 44122
800 467-3826

^{(Updated 1-14-08)}