Press Release - Cleveland Marathon - 4/26/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                       Contact: Tom Koch
                                                Highland Public Relations
                                                (330) 996-4140
                                                


                 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Retains Rank 
                as One of the Country's Fastest Marathons
  Running Times also Dubs Cleveland One of World's 'No Hassle' Marathons


CLEVELAND - (April 26, 2006) - Runners looking to set a personal best time 
with as little aggravation as possible still have time to register the 29th 
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K on Sunday, May 21.

The Cleveland 26.2 mile course continues its ranking as one of the fast 
courses in the country with a median time of 4:05:38 according to Running 
USA's Road Running Information Center (RRIC), which recently released its 
annual marathon report. Running Times magazine editor-in-chief Jonathan 
Beverly also agrees. In the magazine's May issue, he lists the Rite Aid 
Cleveland Marathon as one of the fast marathons in the U.S., based on 
reputation and statistics from the Association of Road Race Statisticians, 
RRIC, and MarathonGuide.com. 

In the same May issue, Running Times Managing Editor Jim Gerweck also gives 
the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon the nod as one of the Top 12 no hassle 
marathons in the world. Gerweck believes mental calories should not have to 
be burned on such things as checking in, getting to the start, waiting in 
long lines and collecting your gear. And Cleveland gets thumbs up for no 
hassle on that front.

Runner registrations for the May 21st Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon are about 
20 percent ahead of last year's numbers according Race Director, Ralph 
Staph. "The biggest percentage increase is in the half-marathon, which we 
made part of our race day activities for the first time last year," said 
Staph. Registrations for the half-marathon are up about 40 percent over the 
same time last year. Marathon registrations are up nearly 20 percent and 
10K registrations are about even with last year.

Runners can register online for the marathon, half-marathon or 10K races by 
going to: www.ClevelandMarathon.com

About the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K
The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K is now in its 29th year of providing 
a running experience for everybody. More than 250,000 runners have 
participated, generating more than $6.8 million annually to benefit the 
Cleveland community.

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 & 10K. 




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