Local School to Start Cross Country Team With Funds Raised at Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon
Posted: 05/09/2007
CLEVELAND – Through volunteer and runner participation in the 30th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon on Sunday, May 20, Lawrence School will raise money to establish a cross country team in the fall of 2007.
The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, one of the 50 oldest races in the country, has a long-standing history of partnering with local schools, non-profits and charities to help them raise funds for their cause through participation as runners, walkers or volunteers during race weekend.
Lawrence School, one of the charities associated with the 2007 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, will use its funds to add a cross country program for male and female students in grades seven through 12. Lawrence School is an independent day school serving bright students with learning disabilities and attention deficits in grades one through 12. As one of only three schools in Ohio to specifically serve this population, Lawrence draws students from over 70 communities in 10 counties. Lawrence has recently expanded from a one-campus to a two-campus school with the Lower School (grades 1-6) located in Broadview Heights, and the Upper School (grades 7-12) in Sagamore Hills.
“Lawrence School serves intelligent students who struggle to learn in a conventional environment due to learning disabilities,” said Lawrence School communications manager, Courtney Baker. “Through the partnership with Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, the public is able to help our students have fun, stay healthy and compete in an organized and competitive sport program in which they are very interested.”
“We chose cross country because it is an inclusive sport that is rewarding for all ability levels. Our students are extremely excited to have this opportunity,” Baker said.
Through the partnership, Lawrence School will have more than 50 runners, consisting of staff, students and friends, participating in the 10K, half marathon and full marathon on May 20. The school also will have groups of students manning a water stop on race day and passing out race packets and tee shirts to runners at the Health and Fitness Expo on Saturday of race weekend.
“Funds raised at this event not only will help support the creation of the new Lawrence cross country team, but also help to support intramural sports programs for students in grades one through six. Any remaining money will benefit the Capital Campaign in place for the new Upper School that recently opened in Sagamore Hills,” Baker said. “We are able to help improve the lives of our students, and the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon is helping make that possible.”
A list of charity partners for the 2007 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon can be found at www.clevelandmarathon.com.
For further information on Lawrence school, please contact Courtney Baker at 440-526-0003 ext. 3106 or visit http://www.lawrenceschool.org/. To make a donation to the Lawrence School fundraiser, visit www.active.com/donate/lawrenceschool.
The 30th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon will hit the streets of Cleveland on Sunday, May 20 at 7:00 a.m., and weave runners through historic and scenic parts of the city. There will be a 26.3 Mile Rock Party at the finish line featuring food and live music. Those who are interested in participating in the marathon, half-marathon, 10K, wheelchair challenge, walking divisions or kid’s race, can register online at http://www.clevelandmarathon.com/ or call 1-800-467-3826 for more information.
About the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K
The Rite Aid Cleveland 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.
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Contact: Leigh Greenfelder, lg@HighlandPR.com or 330-996-4140