65 Roses 5k is Back on March 26th

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.

Meet Tiffany

Meet the newest member of Team Terra: Tiffany!

Q: Tell us about yourself!

A: I am originally from the East Coast — 30 minutes north of Baltimore, Maryland (Go Ravens)! I found my way to Tennessee when I moved here to go to college. After graduating, I worked at Lee University for almost a decade (CRAZY) and I just transitioned to Team Terra! Though you will definitely find me working on the floor in the store, I am also going to be helping put on events and managing our marketing. Other things to know about me? I love coffee, music, travel, and my cat Theodore (who is perfect).

Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside?

A: Not surprisingly, my favorite thing to do outside is run! If we are getting specific, trail running has become my favorite even though I am relatively new to it. Since I also love hiking, trail running is the best of both worlds. Recently, I have also started mountain biking, which has been a blast. I am so thankful that there are so many amazing trails around the Cleveland/Chattanooga area!

Q: What is your favorite movie, book, and TV show?

A: Though I definitely enjoy a good movie, I am generally more of a documentary person. Right now I would recommend Kiss the Ground and Honeyland (two completely different types of documentaries). As far as books, my “favorite” is probably Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo. It is honestly a tough read since it is about real people living in the slums of Mumbai, but it is excellently written and certainly sticks with you long after finishing. My favorite TV show is much lighter than either of my previous picks — Parks and Recreation! I don’t know if watching Leslie Knope and the crew in Pawnee will ever get old for me. Brooklyn 99 is definitely a close second, though!

Q: How long lived in Cleveland?

A: If you count my time as a college student, I have been in Cleveland since 2009, though I officially moved here in 2013 when I started working at Lee University as a Resident Director. It is crazy that I have been here for so long!

Q: What is your advice for someone looking to be fit for shoes, never been to Terra?

A: Don’t assume that you know your shoe size! Running shoes should fit a little bit bigger than your regular street shoe since feet swell during activity. I made this mistake when I first got into running and ended up with a lot of blisters, a lost toenail, and numbness and tingling in my feet — all because my shoes were too small! This is why it is so important to let us size and fit your feet; we will help get you in a pair that feel comfortable for whatever type of activity you plan to do in your shoes.