Cleveland Marathon expects record number of runners in 2012

CLEVELAND - Organizers of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon expect a record number of people to lace up their running shoes on race weekend, May 19 and May 20.

Race Director Ralph Staph believes more than 20,000 runners will register for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids' run. If so, that would shatter the record set in 2011 of more than 18,000 runners.

Staph estimates 3,000 to 4,000 people will go the full 26.2 miles and 10,000 runners will opt for the half marathon, 13.1 miles. The rest of the runners will run the shorter distances, the 10K (6.2 miles), the 5K (3.1 miles) or the Kids' run, ranging from 50 yards to a half mile, depending on age.

Staph said the volunteers are still needed to help at water stops, the finish line and at the I-X Center, where runners can pick up their race packets on May 18 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or May 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Staph expects about 2,000 volunteers will help runners navigate city streets.

The 5K kicks off race weekend at 8 a.m. on May 19. The Kids' run takes place on the same day at 11 a.m.

The marathon, half marathon and 10K start at 7 a.m. on May 20.

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, celebrating its 35th year, starts and ends near Cleveland Browns Stadium.

For information on how you can register or volunteer, follow this link: www.clevelandmarathon.com.