Jack and Ralph Staph don't claim to be meteorologists, but the father-and-son organizers of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K could give Dick Goddard a run for his money. Last year, the 26.2-mile race was held at the end of April. This year, the Staphs chose to move the date to mid-May to coincide with the two-day Rite Aid Health & Beauty Expo at the Cleveland Convention Center, and they're glad they did. "If you'll recall, on the last weekend of April [this year], 18 inches of snow dropped on Northeast Ohio," laughs Jack, the race's executive director. The Staphs also added a 13.1-mile half-marathon and a marathon-length walk. "We're moving toward the middle-of-the-pack and the back-of-the-pack runners," says Staph. "The trend in running now is for the sake of fitness and the experience of it." The marathon starts at 7 a.m. Sunday at Superior Avenue and East 14th Street. Fees range from $10 (for the kids' race) to $80 (for the marathon); it's free to watch. Call 800-467-3826 for more info. -- Cris Glaser
Hay Now!
5/21-5/22
Whether you're a racing buff jonesing for more equine action, or someone who just likes to gawk at pretty ponies, this weekend's HorseFest has got you covered. In addition to the many breeds of horses on display, there will be events ranging from vaulting demonstrations and trick-training methods to freestyle dressage and choreographed presentations. "The variety of programming [draws] both the general public and horse owners," says event coordinator Beth Florian. In addition to all the horsing around, there's a children's activity area, where little cowboys and cowgirls can learn roping and grooming techniques, as well as ride and race ponies. HorseFest happens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Chardon Road in Kirtland. Admission is $6, $4 for kids. For more information, call 440-256-2122. -- Chad Felton
Fin City
SAT 5/21
The Ohio & Erie CanalWay has crammed its channel full of fins and tails for Saturday's 10th annual Captain Nye's Fishing Derby, where kids ages 8 to 12 will get a jump on their One-That-Got-Away stories. And with workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, "It's also an opportunity for children to learn about the rich heritage of their community," says spokeswoman Debora Rolland. Up for grabs are a pair of mountain bikes, fishing poles, and tackle boxes. It happens from 9 a.m. to noon at Canal Place, 520 South Main Street in Akron. Admission is free. Call 330-434-5657 for more information. -- Lucy McKernan
