Cleveland’s iconic 65 Roses 5k, which benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, is back on March 26th! The race, hosted by Lee University, has been going for almost two decades. In preparation for the event we asked race director and member of Cleveland City Council, Dr. Bill Estes, some questions about what runners can expect this year.

Can you tell us a little bit about the 65 Roses 5k? Why is it called the "65 Roses" and how many years has Lee University been hosting this event?  

Kids can’t say, “Cystic Fibrosis.”  They wind up calling it the 65 Roses Disease.  You can read the whole story here. The first walk was in 2001, and the first 5K was in 2003.

How many years have you served as the race director?  

Every single year.

Can you tell us about the course? 

It starts and ends on the campus of Lee University.  The first kilometer is due south to downtown. The longest stretch, on Ocoee Street from Inman to 23rd , is right at 2 kilometers, or 1.25 miles if you are from Pittsburgh.  Going five kilometers through Historic Downtown and then the Historic Neighborhood in the spring makes for a perfect 5K. 

What can runner's expect at the finish?  

This year at the finish we will have coffee mugs for all the runners along with vintage swag, including cotton shirts.  Along with water, Powerade, and fruit, we will have the usual big cheering section. And, timing by Terra Running. 

Over the years this race has raised over a million dollars for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; do you all have a monetary goal that you are hoping to reach in 2022?

We would love to raise $45,000 this year.  All runner should know that all $20 of their entry fee goes directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation since local partners underwrite the cost of race for us. 

Can runners do more to help raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation beyond signing up for the race?

If runners want to do more, they can form teams here. And every year we accept donations the morning of the race. Just go to either the run or walk tent. We give receipts if needed. 

Do you have a favorite memory or story from your time involved with this race?  

Certainly we all remember Meb Keflezighi coming to run and celebrate our surpassing one million dollars raised.  Another set of memories revolve around all the people who come up to me each and say, “You don’t know me, but I’ve come to run for ___________.” All of these stories reinforce the work we all do year to year.

What are you most excited about for this year's race?  

I think, like many things, the word normalcy comes to mind. Just getting back to putting on a community event where Cleveland and the University can come together for a fun, family friendly event is at the forefront of my little mind.

Any final thoughts?  

We dropped the entry fee this year to $20; and nowhere else will get to run a flat, fast course with great swag at that price point. We have had literally thousands of Clevelanders run our race through the years, and I hope they all choose to come back in 2022.  We’re working hard to put on the best event we can, and we love seeing Cleveland on the move.

Runners can sign up for the race here or in person at Terra Running. Early packet pick up is at Terra Running on March 25th and the race starts at 9am on March 26th.