Marine Corps officials are not releasing her identity, but have banned her from participating in any more Marine Corps Marathon events.
They say the 55-year-old woman cheated in multiple events over the course of four years, including 2018 and 2019. The events the woman is accused of cheating at including the Marine Corps Marathon held annually in Arlington, and the Marine Corps 17.75 run held annually in Prince William Forest Park.
This is the third time the Marine Corps Marathon has issued a lifetime ban. Officials say they will issue a new award to the rightful winner of the age group.
Press release | The research, including photographic evidence and timing data, indicates that the runner had cheated over multiple years by not running the entire course and then claiming the rewards of a finisher.
This investigation was launched when the runner applied for membership in the MCM Runners Club, an exclusive group of runners who have officially completed five MCMs. As a result, this runner has been permanently banned from participating in any event organized by the MCMO.
“Marines pride themselves on their Corps Values of honor, courage and commitment. The Marine Corps Marathon Organization shares these values,” said MCMO Director Rick Nealis, “and holds our participants to those same standards.”
The MCMO exercises multiple punishments for cheating during running events. Punishments range from short-term bans, such as one year from participating in events, to lifetime bans. Runners can expect the most severe punishment when their cheating results in an award win.
“In such an instance, the expectation is that the runner will demonstrate personal integrity and immediately surrender the award that was based on fraudulent results,” adds Nealis. Additional scenarios for more serious punishment includes cheating in events that serve as a qualifier for other races or a repeated pattern of habitual cheating.
The evidence in the most recent case indicated that the runner cheated during multiple events over four years. One such incident of cheating, in which the runner only crossed the start and finish timing mats and posted no on-course data, resulted in an age category win during the 2018 17.75K. Additionally, during the 44th MCM, the runner only crossed the finish line mat and photographic evidence was not consistent with a runner who completed the marathon.
The runner has acknowledged these findings and accepted the punishment. She has also been given an opportunity to appeal as is the practice with all bans issued by the MCMO.
The 2018 Marine Corps 17.75K results have been updated to indicate the correct standings of female finishers, including the rightful age-award winner who Nealis has invited to receive the award at the upcoming 17.75K Motivational Dinner aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico on March 27.
Recent Stories
The Manassas City Council voted to extend a lucrative tax incentive for Micron Technology Inc. through 2035, solidifying the semiconductor company’s continued presence in the city. The deal, passed during the February 10, 2025, council meeting, ensures Micron’s annual tax payments increase by 4% while maintaining a lower tax rate than other manufacturers.
However, the decision has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Multiple sources have indicated that Davis-Younger is in a relationship with Delbert Parks, Vice President and Site Director at Micron’s Manassas facility.
Parks is named in an official letter from the mayor, dated the same day as the vote, outlining the incentives offered to Micron. During the meeting, Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe alluded to the relationship, stating that “some of the comments floating around online are BS,” referring to speculation that the mayor’s ties to Parks influenced the tax break discussions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.
On February 4, 2025, the board approved Rezoning #REZ2024-00042, NVA05C, changing the property’s zoning from agricultural and business districts to Planned Business District (PBD) to accommodate a data center. The site, located 700 feet southwest of Freedom Center Boulevard and Wellington Road, is part of Innovation Park, an area designated for high-tech development.
The rezoning application was submitted by STACK Infrastructure, which operates data centers in multiple locations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. Some key Northern Virginia locations include:Â Manassas, Ashburn, and Leesburg.
Fredericksburg is taking another step forward to become a more walkable community with the recent start of construction off LaFayette Boulevard, which is part of the city’s Twin Lake Drive and Kensington Pedestrian Connector project.
This $2.4 million project includes extending a 10-foot wide paved shared-use path along the north side of Lafayette Boulevard between Twin Lake Drive and St. Paul Street in the City of Fredericksburg. The path will be accessible, with ramps and crosswalks built where the route intersects with Twin Lakes Drive, Springwood Drive, Kensington Place, and St. Paul Street.
The project includes a paved access point to the Virginia Central Railway Trail from the cul-de-sac of Springwood Drive, and a bike repair station will be installed at Alum Spring Park.
The process Fredericksburg City Council is following to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat could conflict with state code—especially with a provision added last year that states that governing bodies must publicly announce the names of those being considered to fill a vacant seat at least seven days before the appointment is made.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
