Cleveland Marathon elite program presented by insight academy

Prize Money and Elite Program presented by:

The Cleveland Marathon invites athletes to inquire about participation in our event.  The race will distribute a 50% reduction in registration fees based on demonstrated past performance.  Elite bib placement is limited and these participants will receive placement in the front of the pack and the start of the race.

In order to qualify for the Cleveland Marathon Elite Field, a runner must:

1. Meet the time standards (USATF certified courses only) (see below)

2. Be an American Citizen

3. Hold a valid USATF Membership

Each request must provide a web address for the race results that documented a comparable performance recorded within the last 2 years. The race must be USATF certified. Cleveland Marathon does not provide appearance fees, hotel accommodations, or hotel reimbursement.

A runner may only win one monetary prize per race.  If a runner should win two categories (ex. 2nd overall and top Ohioan), the runner will win the higher of the two prize amounts (2nd overall prize).

Prohibited Technology: In compliance with USATF competition rules, the possession or use by athletes of video, audio, or communication devices of any kind in the competition area is prohibited.  Those competing for awards, medals, or prize money may not use such devices (e.g. no headphones, AirPods, etc).

Anyone outside the competition field is not allowed to help an athlete make forward progress. This includes, but is not limited to, biking alongside another athlete and providing fuel such as water and gels.

Zero-Tolerance Policy: Cleveland Marathon has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDS). Any athlete who has been determined to have violated anti-doping rules or policies and is currently serving suspension, whether enforced by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), or any other national sports federation is ineligible to compete for any prizes associated with events sponsored by Cleveland Marathon.  The Cleveland Marathon reserves the right to conduct pre- and post- competition testing for any and all PEDS listed on the current WADA Prohibited List.  Any athlete who refuses to submit to anti-doping controls, if selected for testing, shall be disqualified and subject to a lifetime ban from any Cleveland Marathon event.

The Cleveland Marathon believes that supporting American Distance Running is our responsibility and should be a priority.  With this in mind, our elite athlete invitations and prize purse are reserved for athletes who are Citizens of the United States and hold a valid USATF membership.

To apply: E-mail elites@clevelandmarathon.com with your name, age, address, USATF ID number, and link to recent race performance.  Submissions are due March 1, 2024.