Registration for Marine Corps Historic Half /USA Opens Feb. 19

QUANTICO, Va. – The Marine Corps Historic Half held annually in the timeless City of Fredericksburg, Va. will welcome thousands of participants to run in the footsteps of presidents and generals on Sunday, May 18. Online registration for three events, the Marine Corps Historic Half (13.1 miles), the Historic 10K (6.2 miles) and Semper Fred 5K (3.1 miles) opens at 3 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at www.marinemarathon.com.

Perfectly situated halfway between the capital of the Commonwealth in Richmond and the nation's capital, the Marine Corps Historic Half invites runners to embark on a distinctive journey from the modern shopping district of Fredericksburg's Central Park to the city's historical downtown where quaint shops, restaurants, museums and galleries line the streets. While traversing the Historic Half course, runners will meet significant landmarks dating back to our nation's beginnings and travel through neighborhoods that were home to America's forefathers, including Presidents George Washington and James Monroe.

Participants of each of the three running events then will travel through the campus of Mary Washington Healthcare to "meet the challenge" of Hospital Hill. This 200-foot continuous incline situated along the hospital's emergency entrance has become the signature segment on each of the three distance courses. Like Marines on a mission to "take the hill" Historic Half runners annually accept the charge, tackle Hospital Hill with great enthusiasm and cheer their accomplishment as they reach the top.

Runners then depart the hospital campus, crossing over the I95 interchange and return to Central Park running along Carl D. Silver Parkway – and to the Historic Half finish! Runners will share their experiences and gather with family and friends in the Historic Half finish festival, located outside the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center.

The Marine Corps Historic Half is open to all runners age 10 and above, with the Historic 10K welcoming runners age eight and above and the Semper Fred 5K open to all ages. Initially, registration for the Marine Corps Historic Half costs $65, but increases to $85 after April 1. Runners registering for the Historic 10K will pay $45, while Semper Fred 5K participants will pay $35 upon registration. All participants will receive technical T-shirts at Packet Pick-up, which will be held on May 16 and 17 at the Expo Center and all runners completing each event will receive a beautifully designed medal from a U.S. Marine at the finish.

"Marine Corps Historic Half events are designed for runners of all athletic abilities, from the novice to the strong competitor," says Rick Nealis, MCM Director. "The charming backdrop and historical prominence of the City of Fredericksburg makes each of these events an even more memorable experience for participants and for the families and friends supporting their run."

More information about the Marine Corps Historic Half is available at www.marinemarathon.com

Source: Marine Corps Marathon Date: February 16, 2014