QUANTICO, Va. - As registration opens Jan. 23 for the 2013 MCM Event Series, the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is solidifying New Year's resolutions to become more active by introducing exciting new running events and offering guaranteed entry to the country‟s fastest selling large marathon. At www.marinemarathon.com, the MCM will open 20,000 entries to the Event Series and Marine Corps Historic Half events.
The MCM Event Series, hosted March through November, includes the celebratory Marine Corps 17.75K; the the muddy fun of Run Amuck and Mini Run Amuck; the new Crossroads 4-Miler and the Turkey Trot 10K and Kids Mile. Marine Corps Historic Half events include the 13.1 mile Historic Half, the new Marine Corps Historic 10K (6.2 miles) and Semper Fred 5K (3.1 miles). Online registration for all events opens at noon EST on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at www.marinemarathon.com.
The Event Series launches with the Marine Corps 17.75K on Saturday, March 23 in Prince William County, VA, presenting finishers guaranteed entry into the 38th MCM, just four days before the Marathon opens for public registration. The unique 17.75K distance of 11.03 miles will be held just outside Marine Corps Base Quantico taking runners on a course along the wooded paths and scenic roads of Prince William Forest Park. The 17.75K represents the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775.
Runners age eight and above can register to run the 17.75K, but only 17.75K finishers ages 14 and above will receive guaranteed entry to the 38th MCM, to run the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles on Oct. 27, in Arlington, VA. Those 17.75K finishers receiving guaranteed spots in the 38th MCM will have nearly two days to complete their registration by utilizing the specific code provided with each entry card.
“The Marine Corps 17.75K provides ambitious participants assured spots into „The People‟s Marathon‟ before thousands of others compete to secure their entry when public registration opens on March 27,” says Rick Nealis, MCM Director.
In May, the Marine Corps Historic Half, Historic 10K and Semper Fred 5K will be held in Fredericksburg, VA.
Marine Corps Historic Half
May 19 – Fredericksburg, VA
“The greatest half marathon in history” leads runners on a 13.1 mile journey from the retail hub of Central Park through Fredericksburg‟s historic downtown with impressive landmarks and splendid scenery. The course continues up Fredericksburg‟s infamous Hospital Hill to Marines presenting medals at the Historic Half finish line.
New! Marine Corps Historic 10K
& Semper Fred 5K
May 19 – Fredericksburg, VA
Showcasing a new way to tackle Hospital Hill, the MCM introduces the new Historic 10K where participants traverse the final 6.2 mile portion of the Historic Half course. Also new in 2013, the Semper Fred 5K (3.1 miles) becomes a point-to-point run incorporating the challenge of Hospital Hill.
Run Amuck
New! Mini Run Amuck
June 8 – Marine Corps Base Quantico
The prevailing running event on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Run Amuck takes participants on a 3.5 mile mud and obstacle challenge through the trails and hills of Quantico. Confronting participants with arduous obstacles, punishing PT stations, messy mud pits and smashing water blasts, this year‟s Run Amuck includes the new amended version – Mini Run Amuck – for families to enjoy together.
New! Crossroads 4-Miler
September 7 – Prince William County, VA
This four-mile run hosted by the MCM wouldn‟t be right without an up-hill climb to the finish. The run concludes outside the stunning National Museum of the Marine Corps. This point-to-point road race begins in Stafford County, VA.
Turkey Trot 10K and Kids Mile
November 23 – Marine Corps Base Quantico
A classic late autumn run through the foliage and along the Chopawamsic Creek, the Turkey Trot 10K and Kids Mile are the best preemptive strike against Thanksgiving calories.
For more information about the MCM Event Series, visit MARINEMARATHON.com
The 2013 MCM Event Series is sponsored by Brooks, Geico, Marine Federal Credit Union, Holiday Inn Quantico Center and Discover Prince William County/Manassas. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.
Media Contact: Tami Faram
Tami.faram@usmc.mil
703.432.1840 (o)
703.862.6957 (c)