Runners to Experience a Rock and Roll History Tour at Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon
Posted Friday, 9 May, 2008
CLEVELAND - (May 8, 2008) - The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum have joined forces to provide the participants in the 31st annual road race on Sunday, May 18 with a rock and roll history lesson throughout the course.
Runners will get their rock and roll "history tour" both visually and audibly through 16 History of Rock and Roll stations. Signs listing the major eras in rock music history will be placed along the marathon's 26.2-mile stretch with corresponding music stations playing songs from the era's most notable artists.
From Elvis and Johnny Cash in the Memphis Era, to Nirvana and Pearl Jam in the Seattle Era, to the music of Ohio, race participants will learn about and hear the music of a variety of the world's most notable entertainers.
"With the official source for the history of rock and roll right here in Cleveland, we thought a 'rock history tour' for the race participants would be the perfect way to demonstrate the motto 'Cleveland Rocks and Runs,'" said Todd Mesek, vice president of Marketing and Communications for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
"The Rock Hall is an iconic part of Cleveland. It helps make this city great and unique," said Jack Staph, executive race director of the Cleveland Marathon. "Our race is all about promoting the best that Cleveland has to offer, so we're very excited to give thousands of runners a glimpse into this part of Cleveland's heritage."
The Rock Hall will also provide all Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K participants with a discount voucher to the museum to continue their rock and roll history experience. Runners can download the rock hall voucher from the marathon website at: ClevelandMarathon.com
Staph said the History of Rock and Roll stations will be a significant part of the course entertainment this year, but as in past years, there will be cheering sections, spectators and volunteers spread out along the course as well. Once the participants cross the finish line, they can join the spectators at the 26.3 mile finish line rock party featuring live bands and other rock history trivia and music.
"Constant entertainment. That is our goal for the marathon course," said Staph. "Whether it is provided by charity cheering sections, lively water stations or musical stations, runners won't go far without being entertained. Runners and spectators alike will experience unique entertainment and an enjoyable atmosphere."
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' Run and Corporate teams. Volunteers are needed for a number of pre-race and race day responsibilities.
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 31st Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, call (800) 467-3826 or visit: www.ClevelandMarathon.com