Posted: May 7, 2007

Athletics: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Join Forces to Celebrate the Race’s 30th Anniversary

CLEVELAND (May 7, 2007) – The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon announced a new partnership with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to promote and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the marathon on Sunday, May 20. The Cleveland organizations, which both bring thousands of people and millions of tourism dollars to the city each year, will work in conjunction to promote weekend events and offer reciprocal discounts and promotions to one another’s constituents. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will also staff one of the water stations along the course. The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, one of the 50 oldest marathons in the country, begins at East 13th and St. Clair and ends at St. Clair and East 12th street, just blocks from the Rock Hall entrance. Runners pass the state-of the-art facility on their 26.2 mile journey, as well as other points of interest including the Rockefeller Park, Browns Stadium, Jacobs Field, Ohio City and more. Saturday’s annual Kids Run for kids 12 and under takes place on the lawn between the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center “The connection between the two organizations is obvious to me,” said marathon executive director, Jack Staph. “The Rock Hall and its representation of our city’s role in history is a key element of the city of Cleveland, and we are an event that takes thousands of people on a ‘tour’ of Cleveland celebrating all of the unique elements that make this city so great. After 30 years, the marathon is now a part of the city’s history as well.” "This important annual community gathering brings thousands of people together to accomplish individual goals for the collective good of many worthwhile Cleveland charities," said Todd Mesek, vice president of Marketing and Communications for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. "We are proud to form a partnership with the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of Cleveland’s most important events." All participants registered by Wednesday, May 16, in any of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon events will be entered into a drawing for tickets for two Rock Hall special events. Two pairs of tickets will be given away to “It's Only Rock and Roll,” the Sixth Annual Benefit Concert for the Rock Hall on Saturday, May 19. Two pairs of VIP tour tickets, which include an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the museum's vault and a guided in-depth tour of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, will also be given away to registered runners. The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon offers the following opportunities for people to participate in the event: full marathon, half marathon, 10K, full marathon walking division, half marathon walking division, 10K walking division, full marathon wheelchair division, 10K wheelchair division, Kids race and Corporate teams. Volunteers are needed for a number of pre-race and race day responsibilities as well. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum contains remarkable interactive exhibits, films, videos and priceless and poignant artifacts, and serves as host of the permanent Hall of Fame exhibit. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Museum stages a number of temporary exhibits throughout the year, including large-scale exhibits that occupy the top two levels of the building. The Museum also produces programs for the public that include concerts, lectures, panel discussions, film series, teacher education and other events. For more information on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, visit www.rockhall.com or call 216-781-ROCK. For details on the race, or to register for the 30th Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, call 800-467-3826 or visit www.clevelandmarathon.com. About the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K is now in its 30th year of providing a running experience for all individuals who want to participate regardless of their abilities. More than 250,000 runners have participated, generating more than $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, Half Marathon & 10K.