"We have a flat, fast course that is well liked by elites, runners and walkers alike," said Executive Director Jack Staph. "The increase in prize money should draw more elite runners in our marathon and 10K events and make for an even more exciting finish line for fans."

The prize money for the 2012 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon and 10K is as follows:

Marathon (Men and Women)
$3000*, $1500 and $1000 per gender = $11,000 total overall
*Men's marathon winner and Women's marathon winner earn an additional $3000 each if they break 2:20 and 2:40, respectively.

Marathon Masters (Men and Women 40 and older)
$750 each; $1500 total

10K (Men and Women)
$2000, $1000, $500, $400 and $250 per gender = $8300 total overall

10K Masters (Men and Women 40 and older)
$500 each; $1000 total

10K Ohioans (Men and Women)
$500 each; $1000 total

Race organizers are anticipating a repeat location of the 2011 finish line area, which received rave reviews from participants. The finish line is located between the Cleveland Browns Stadium and Great Lakes Science Center, just past the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, in the heart of the North Coast Harbor.

This past May, both the full marathon and half marathon sold out and the 10K and 5K came close to reaching their respective caps as well. 18,300 people competed in the 2011 events over the weekend. Registration is currently up 30% from this time last year, and organizers are expecting at least 20,000 participants for the 35th edition in 2012.

The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon offers the full marathon, half- marathon, 10K, full marathon walking division, half-marathon walking division, 10K walking division, 5K (run or walk) and Kids' Run. The events take place May 19 and 20, 2012. To register for any of the events, or learn more, visit: www.clevelandmarathon.com