CLEVELAND – (May 15, 2023) — The Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon announced today that former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar would lead ‘Team Bernie’ in the marathon’s 5k race in support of The Race to End CTE in partnership with the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Kosar will race his team past First Energy Stadium on Saturday, May 20 as part of the marathon’s weekend of festivities.

“This is a way for all of us to make a difference,” said Kosar. “It’s important that we show support for people struggling with concussions or possible CTE, so I’m excited to partner with the Concussion Legacy Foundation and the UHM Cleveland Marathon to raise awareness and share this message promoting overall brain health.”

Registration for the 5k race is open through Friday, May 19. Those interested in supporting The Race to End CTE and partnering with Bernie can sign up directly at clevelandmarathon.com/2023-registration.aspx and look for the Concussion Legacy Foundation’s official sign up. Team members are encouraged to participate in a team photo with Bernie before the start of the race at 7am. Afterwards, Team Bernie will begin walking the 5k route together.

“Every die hard Cleveland sports fan knows and loves Bernie Kosar for his contributions on the field,” said Race Director Ralph Staph. “On Saturday, May 20th they’ll get to see the incredibly meaningful work he’s doing off the field in support of this critical research. We’d love to see everyone come out and join him either running, or walking, the 5k to benefit the Concussion Legacy Foundation’s Race to End CTE.”

The Concussion Legacy Foundation raised more than $278,000 during last year’s Race to End CTE campaign in partnership with the UHM Cleveland Marathon and hopes to close in on its 2023 goal of $400,000 this week. Donations raised show support for fellow NFL alumni and help to fund CTE research as well as programs like the free CLF HelpLine, which provides personalized support to those struggling with the outcomes of brain injury, as well as their families.

About the Concussion Legacy Foundation:

The Concussion Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States with chapters in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It was founded by Robert Cantu, MD, and Chris Nowinski, PhD to support athletes, veterans and all affected by concussions and CTE to promote smarter sports and safer athletes through education and innovation and End CTE through prevention and research. CLF is a proud supporter of and collaborator with the Boston University CTE Center. For more information, please visit ConcussionFoundation.org.

About the Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon

One of the 50 oldest races in the country, the Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon features the following opportunities: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Challenge Series. Online registration and additional information are available at clevelandmarathon.com.

There are opportunities for non-profit organizations to raise funds through their participation in the race through Cleveland Marathon Charities. Find out more at clevelandmarathon.com