RUNNING USA – Marine Corps Historic Half Named RRCA\’s National Championship – Road Runners Club of America to host annual convention in city of Fredericksburg

QUANTICO, Va. – (May 2, 2011) – The Marine Corps Historic Half marathon has been designated the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Half Marathon National Championship. The RRCA, which represents 1,200 local running clubs across the United States, will hold its annual convention in the City of Fredericksburg, VA, also the location of the Marine Corps Historic Half. The Fredericksburg Area Running Club (FARC) and the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) are hosting the convention from May 12 through 14, coinciding with Historic Half Weekend.

"For over 50 years the RRCA has designated well-organized events as RRCA National Championship events," says Jean Knaack, RRCA Executive Director. "We are very honored to call the Marine Corps Historic Half our 2011 RRCA National Half Marathon Championship event."

The Marine Corps Historic Half marathon will be held on Sunday, May 15 attracting runners from all 50 states and six countries. Nearly 8,000 will participate in the 13.1 mile event through Fredericksburg's scenic streets and neighborhoods.

During the Marine Corps Historic Half Awards Ceremony that will be held at 9:30am on race morning, the RRCA will present special awards to eight Historic Half finishers in these categories: overall male and female; male and female masters (age 40+); male and female grand masters (age 50+) and the male and female senior grand master finishers (age 60+).

Nearly 200 club representatives will participate in RRCA Convention activities being held in Fredericksburg's Historic Downtown hotels and restaurants. In addition, local tour and running events will be offered to convention attendees at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Battlefields and through scenic Downtown.

The Marine Corps Historic Half marathon is located halfway between the nation's capital in Washington, DC and the capital of the Commonwealth of Richmond, VA. The annual Marine Corps Historic Half marathon is coordinated by organizers of the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM).

More information about the Historic Half and other MCM events is available at www.marinemarathon.com.

RUNNING USA