RUNNING USA – Organization for Autism Research Presents Rite Aid Cleveland 5K – Charity event part of 34th Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon race weekend in May 2011

CLEVELAND – (Jan. 11, 2011) – The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon has officially partnered with the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) for the Rite Aid Cleveland 5K Presented by OAR on Saturday, May 14, 2011 as part of the 34th Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon race weekend events.

"The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon has experienced tremendous growth during the past decade, and it has become increasingly important to use our growth to benefit our community," said Ralph Staph, race director of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. "Through Cleveland Marathon Charities and our 5K charity partnership, we are providing opportunities for worthy causes in the Cleveland area to get much needed support through participation in our race."

As presenting charity of the 5K race, OAR will have naming rights for two years, be listed on the marathon's marketing and promotional materials and gain publicity in front of thousands of runners for its cause and RUN FOR AUTISM program.

In addition to their duties as presenting charity, OAR has set three goals to accomplish during the next two years: bring the greater Cleveland autism community together around the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, raise $30,000 to fund a research study, and open the door to greater support and collaboration between area autism organizations.

"We are very excited to be the presenting charity for the 2011 and 2012 Rite Aid Cleveland 5K," said OAR Executive Director Mike Maloney. "Having a team of 300 runners in a single race will be a new record for our RUN FOR AUTISM program. It's only fitting that we break our record in the city of Cleveland where we have enjoyed so much support and success."

During the last three years, OAR has partnered with Cleveland Marathon Charities to raise nearly $65,000 and gather more than 180 runners to run on behalf of its cause. Monies raised through these partnerships have been applied toward funding two research grants supported by OAR.

There are opportunities for other non-profit organizations to raise funds through their participation in the race through Cleveland Marathon Charities. In 2007, Cleveland Marathon Charities, a 501(c)3, was formed to organize and support non-profit groups that show their support of health and fitness through their active involvement as participants, volunteers or spectators in the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. A list of 2011 charity partners can be found at www.clevelandmarathon.com/charity_partners. Cleveland Marathon Charities is still accepting new charities as 2011 partners.

Runners and walkers who are planning to participate in any of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon events may sign up to join one of the Cleveland Marathon Charity partners or OAR to help the cause of their choice raise funds through race participation.

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon offers the following opportunities for people to participate in the event: marathon, half-marathon, 10K, marathon walking division, half-marathon walking division, 10K walking division, 5K (run or walk) and Kids' Run. The events take place May 14 and 15, 2011.

To register for any of the events, or learn more, go to: www.clevelandmarathon.com

RUNNING USA