Story Category: Live Updates »

The Marine Corps Historic Half marathon, one of the largest half marathons in Virginia, will open online registration beginning at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at www.marinemarathon.com. Since 2008, the Historic Half marathon held in the scenic colonial city of Fredericksburg has increased in popularity and participation to an anticipated 8,000 runners in 2011. The May 15 event is organized by the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) and U.S. Marines.

Debuting at this year's Historic Half is the new two-person relay. Historic Half relay participants will run approximately a quarter-marathon distance. The relay zone handoff will be located on mile 6.55 of the 13.1 mile Historic Half course at Fall Hill Ave. Relay runners will receive a distinctive ribbon on their finisher's medal for their teamwork in completing the half marathon.

In addition to the Historic Half and the relay, registration also opens for the Semper Fred 5K. Participants of all ages can embark on this certified 5K event that immediately follows the start of the Historic Half marathon. Semper Fred's 3.1 mile course is located within Fredericksburg's Central Park shopping and entertainment district. Young runners, ages nine and under, also can participate in an untimed 5K. New in 2011, all Semper Fred finishers will receive a medal for their accomplishment.

Individual runners can register for the Historic Half at www.marinemarathon.com before March 25 to receive $10 discount off the $75 Historic Half registration cost. Historic Half relay participants will pay $90 per two-person team, while Semper Fred participants pay $35 to register. Those who are participating in the untimed Semper Fred 5K pay $15. All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt, finisher's medal, runner's bib and post-race hospitality.   

The Marine Corps Historic Half course starts in the Fredericksburg Central Park Shopping district, enters into quaint neighborhoods, passes along the University of  Mary Washington and winds through the city's historic district with architecture, monuments, houses, battlefields and parks dating back to the colonial and Civil War eras. Further along, the course parallels the picturesque Rappahannock River, runs across Rt. 1 and into the Mary Washington Hospital campus before returning to Central Park for the grand finish outside the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center.

"The Historic Half course is rich in American history, scenery and entertainment offering something for everyone from the veteran half marathoner to the first-time runner," says Rick Nealis, MCM Director.

Kicking off Historic Half Weekend is the Healthy Lifestyle Expo that will feature fitness experts, running gear, food samplings and training and exercise products during the two-day event at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center.
   
The Healthy Lifestyle Expo opens to the public on Friday, May 13 and continues through Saturday, May 14. All participants of the Historic Half Weekend running events will pick up their race-day materials at the Expo.

For media information, contact Tami Faram, MCM public relations coordinator at (703) 432-1840 or tami.faram@usmc.mil

The Marine Corps Historic Half marathon is located half way between the nation's capital in Washington, D.C., and the capital of the Commonwealth, Richmond, VA. The Marine Corps Historic Half marathon is coordinated by organizers of the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM). The 2011 Historic Half marathon is sponsored by New Balance, Geico and Mary Washington Hospital. More information about the Historic Half and other MCM events is available at www.marinemarathon.com. No Marine Corps endorsement implied.