The Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon saw ideal running weather under cloudy skies on Sunday, May 19. Over 3,700 participants took to the historic streets of Fredericksburg and tackled the challenging Hospital Hill. The event celebrated 3,729 finishers from 46 states, the District of Columbia, and 14 countries.

The highlight of the “Greatest Half in History” was Samuel Yakulis, Jr., a 20-year-old from Stafford, who claimed victory with a time of 01:13:27. “I’ve done the five miles in recent years, but with that being discontinued, I decided to move up and give it a shot,” said Yakulis in a press release. Last year, Yakulis won the Semper 5ive with the second-fastest time in the event’s history at 26:34.

Jonathan Ladson, 32, from Woodbridge, finished just over a minute behind Yakulis with a time of 1:14:33. James Erickson, 38, from Woodberry Forest, Virginia, secured third place with a time of 1:15:55.

Natalie Daniels, 32, from Fredericksburg, was the top female finisher with a time of 1:24:12. “I’m actually four months pregnant. This is my last race before I have a baby,” Daniels shared in a press release. She was also the Historic Half female winner in 2022 when the event returned to in-person racing following the pandemic.

Grace Vandegrift, 31, from Washington, D.C., finished second among the women with a time of 1:27:39, followed by Stacy Mercer, 38, from Charlotte, N.C., who finished in 1:29:19.

All results are currently unofficial and are available at marinemarathon.com.

Also at the annual event, Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine served as the ceremonial starter for the Marine Corps Historic Half. Other officials in attendance included Colonel Michael L. Brooks, commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Quantico, and Sergeant Major Michael Brown. Major General David Maxwell, commander of Marine Corps Installations Command, also participated in the event.

The Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, currently on an East Coast Tour, presented the colors to start the race. Participants and spectators had the opportunity to meet the horses and their riders at the Finish Festival.

Another 203 runners from across the U.S. and around the world are registered to complete the Historic Half virtually. Both in-person and virtual participants received a specially designed technical shirt, finisher medal, and more.

The next event in the series is on August 24 at the Quantico 12K aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico.

On Sunday, May 19, Fredericksburg, will witness the live and in-person running of the Marine Corps Historic Half, organized by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO).

Anticipating a turnout of over 4,300 runners, the event is set to commence at 6 a.m., with the final participant expected to cross the finish line by 10 a.m. Residents and commuters should prepare for significant road closures and potential delays between 3 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Temporary and rolling road closures will be enforced throughout the city, affecting various routes and intersections. To accommodate participants and spectators, parking will be available at the Central Park Shopping Complex. Attendees are advised to walk to the start line on Carl D. Silver Parkway near Gordon W. Shelton Drive.

Those interested in joining the Marine Corps Historic Half can register until Saturday, May 18, either online at marinemarathon.com or in person at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo.

The Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend is a celebrated event, attracting thousands of participants and onlookers from across the nation and beyond to engage in the half marathon, Semper 5ive, and the Devil Dog Double, a challenging combination of both distances.

Jonathan Ladson, 32, from Woodbridge, won the Marine Corps 17.75K today at Prince William Forest Park. He finished the run in one hour, six minutes, and 26 seconds.

For the third year in a row, Ladson and Alex Trouteaud, 44, from Barnesville, Md., were the top two finishers, with Trouteaud trailing by 89 seconds.

From the Marine Corps Marathon organization that organized today’s race:

Though it wasn’t the warmer weather Ladson typically thrives in, the cold and wet didn’t stop him from pushing through and finally winning on his tenth attempt. At the start of 2024, Ladson stated multiple running goals to include taking the 17.75K title. “This was number one,” expressed Ladson.

Rounding out the top three male finishers was Brian Reider, age 38, from Bridgeport, WV. coming in at 1:09:25.

Leading the female finishers was Elizabeth Rodriguez, age 28, from Allentown, Pa. with a time of 1:19:20. “It went really well today,” said Rodriguez. “It was definitely challenging but I thrive on the challenge, so it was super fun. There were lots of hills with a lot of ups and downs, but I really enjoyed it.” Active duty in the Air Force, Rodriguez travels in to participate at multiple MCMO events a year. She is the current Quantico 12K Female Champion.

Coming in as the second place female was Andrea Rodman, age 41, from Bealeton, Va. followed by Alexandra Pena, age 29, from Richmond, Va. Their times were 1:25:27 and 1:26:04, respectfully.

The 1,722 finishers also earned guaranteed entry into the 49th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM). Known as “Access Granted,” finishers also received guaranteed entry into the much anticipated 50th MCM.

The 11.03 mile event, which commemorates the founding year of the United States Marine Corps, is a qualifying event of the 2024 Semper Fidelis Challenge. This challenge is a multi-event combination pushing runners to complete today’s distance, the Marine Corps Historic Half on May 19 in Fredericksburg, Va. and finishing with the Marine Corps Marathon on October 27 in Arlington, Va. The Marine Corps 17.75K is also the first tier of the 2024 Distinguished Participant Program, motivating runners to complete a live event from each of MCMO’s 2024 race weekends.

Runners across the United States are also registered to complete the 17.75K distance virtually. Participants in both the in-person and virtual events received a specially designed technical shirt, finisher medal and more.

Runners have the opportunity to #RunWithTheMarines again on May 19 as part of the Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend in Fredericksburg, Va. Entries are still available online.

Drivers on Route 234 should watch for delays on Saturday, March 23, 2024, near Prince William Forest Park.

The Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) will hold the Marine Corps 17.75K at the national park near Dumfries. Over 2,000 runners will begin running the 11-mile course at 7 a.m., with the last participant estimated to finish around 11 a.m. Marathon organizers say that significant delays should be expected between 4:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. on event day.

Road Closures and Time:
The biggest delays will be seen on Route 234 between Waterway Drive and Country Club Drive. Closures and times will follow as such:

Pleasant Road will be closed to vehicular traffic from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

One southbound lane and one northbound lane of Route 234 will be closed from 3:45 a.m. until end of the event, estimated to be around 12:00 p.m.

Southbound Route 234 will be fully closed to all traffic from 6:30 a.m. until the start line clears, estimated to be around 7:30 a.m.
Scenic Drive will be closed from Parking Lot D to Turkey Run Road from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Event Day Detours:
South Route 234 traffic will be detoured onto Waterway Drive starting at 6:30 a.m. Traffic will be rerouted to Route 234 at Country Club Drive.

Parking and Shuttle Information:
Participants and spectators will be able to utilize several parking lots along Route 234. It is highly recommended for runners to carpool and park at the following parking lots and use the provided shuttles:

Route 234 Commuter Lot, 17300 Dumfries Road, Dumfries, Va.
Quantico Center (Fettler Commercial Buildings), 3850 Fettler Park Drive, Dumfries, Va.

Grace Church, 17100 Van Buren Rd, Dumfries, Va.
Forest Park High School, 15721 Forest Park Dr, Woodbridge, Va.

The designated shuttles will transport participants back and forth between the start/finish area at Montclair Tabernacle Church of God before and after the event. On event morning, the free shuttles will begin operating at 4:30 a.m., with the last pre-event shuttle departing the parking lots at 6:20 a.m. Post-event shuttles will begin running shortly after 8:30 a.m. from the 17.75K finish area and return to the designated parking lots. Each bus will be labeled with a specific parking destination.

There are also a limited number of parking spaces at Moncure Park and Montclair Commuter Lot. Due to the closer proximity to the start/finish area, there will be no shuttle service to these parking lots. Therefore, participants who choose to park in these areas are expected to walk to the start/finish area.

There is no participant parking at John F. Pattie Elementary School, Washington-Reid Preschool Center or Montclair Tabernacle Church of God.

Prince William Forest Park campground guests have been notified and provided detail through the park.

Marine Corps Marathon Organization: “Jonathan Ladson of Woodbridge, age 32, defended his championship as the Turkey Trot overall winner on Saturday, November 18. He finished first of 923 runners in this morning’s Turkey Trot 10K, presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods and Tour Stafford, aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico.”

“Ladson crossed the finish line first with a time of 33:31, besting last year’s time by 27 seconds. His inspiration came from his daughter, who overcame a health scare in September which almost took her life.”

“About another 200 participants took on the Turkey Trot Mile, which was open to all ages. Unofficial results are available online.”

“All participants received a unique Thanksgiving Turkey Trot shirt and medal. Top finishers and age-award winners received frozen Thanksgiving turkeys or pies provided by Wegmans.”

“The Turkey Trot 10K and Mile is part of the MCM Event Series hosted by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization. The MCM Event Series features a variety of distances and fun challenges on or near Marine Corps Base Quantico.”

The Marine Corps Marathon Organization: “The Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) announced today that Altra Running has come on board as the new Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) footwear partner starting with the 48th MCM Weekend in October.”

“Altra Running is an inspirational company that is evolving the shoe industry with great options for both ‘every climb and place’ and every runner,” said Alex Hetherington, director of MCMO. “Their footwear’s combination of form, fit and functionality for all lends to ideals honored by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization. We couldn’t be more pleased to partner with Altra as the footwear sponsor of the MCM.”

“Altra specializes in unique running shoes designed for comfort and technical terrain. Their FootShape™ and Balanced Cushioning™ comfort brings top-of-the-line road running shoes, trail running shoes and hiking shoes to every runner regardless of their desired distance and terrain.”

The Healthy Lifestyle Expo will open its doors and make fitness fun for thousands of runners and guests on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20.

The Expo is free and open to the public at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center (2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway). It is conveniently located near Central Park Shopping Complex and near Historic Downtown Fredericksburg’s restaurants and shops. Free parking is available.

The times are as follows:

Friday, May 19 at 3:30 p.m. – Healthy Lifestyle Expo Opening Ceremonies

Friday, May 19, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Healthy Lifestyle Expo and Packet Pick-up

Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Healthy Lifestyle Expo and Packet Pick-up

The festivities kick off with the Expo Opening Ceremony, featuring a special presentation from Building Homes for Heroes, Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) Charity Partner, to an area Veteran.

The Expo will feature athletic wear, giveaways, the latest endurance and recovery products, and more. Runners will experience a diverse expo experience with a range of wellness products, active interests, and can’t-miss photo opportunities. Check out these incredible moments:

• A yoga session with YogaSix Fredericksburg
• Virginia-based small businesses are selling local products like peanut butter and teas.
• Snap a selfie with fun photo backdrops like the Coleman Motor Company military truck.
• CPR demos from Cogent Steps
• Opportunity to sign the special cheer banner from the City of Fredericksburg
• Military-related organizations and other running events from around the region

The Expo also hosts Packet Pick-up, where runners will pick up their packets, including the official bib with timing device, competitor shirt, and more.

Limited entries remain available for the Marine Corps Historic Half, Semper 5ive, and Devil Dog Double. Visit marinemarathon.com to register or for more information about Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend.

Vendor registration for the Marine Corps Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, part of the Marine Corps Marathon weekend, October 27 to 29, 2023. 

Booth pricing ranges between $3,700 and $7,000. 

Vendors will have access to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center starting on Thursday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for set up. Arrangements to move in on Wednesday, October 25, can also be made by appointment only.

This year’s opening ceremonies will occur at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 27, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Exhibit Halls C & D at 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland.

The MCM Health & Fitness Expo, including Packet Pick-up, will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on Friday, October 27, from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. and Saturday, October 28, from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. 

Move-out will be on Saturday, October 28, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Vendors will be able to sample, sell, promote, and demonstrate to more than 80,000 runners and guests from the national capital region, the majority of all 50 states and all branches of the military.

 The Health & Fitness Expo is held indoors and is free to the public. For more information, please email [email protected].

The Marine Corps Marathon Organization 17.75K will take place Saturday, March 25 at Prince William Forest Park near Dumfries, causing some road closures and delays.

Over 3,000 runners will take to the 11.03-mile course at 7 a.m., with the last participant estimated to finish about 11 a.m. Significant delays should be expected between 4:30 a.m. and noon on the day of the event.

More in a press release:

Road Closures and Time:
The biggest delays will be seen on Route 234 between Waterway Drive and Country Club Drive. Closures and times will follow as such:

Pleasant Road will be closed to vehicular traffic from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
One southbound lane and one northbound lane of Route 234 will be closed from 3:45 a.m. until end of the event, estimated to be around 12:00 p.m.
Southbound Route 234 will be fully closed to all traffic from 6:30 a.m. until the start line clears, estimated to be around 7:30 a.m.
Event Day Detours:
South Route 234 traffic will be detoured onto Waterway Drive starting at 6:30 a.m. Traffic will be rerouted to Route 234 at Country Club Drive.

Parking and Shuttle Information:
Participants and spectators will be able to utilize several parking lots along Route 234. It is highly recommended for runners to carpool and park at the following parking lots and use the provided shuttles:

Route 234 Commuter Lot, 17300 Dumfries Road, Dumfries, VA
Quantico Center (Fettler Commercial Buildings), 3850 Fettler Park Drive, Dumfries, Va.
Grace Church, 17100 Van Buren Rd, Dumfries, Va.
Secondary parking is available at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA.

The designated shuttles will transport participants back and forth between the start/finish area at Montclair Tabernacle Church of God before and after the event. On event morning, the free shuttles will begin operating at 4:30 a.m., with the last pre-event shuttle departing the parking lots at 6:20 a.m. Post-event shuttles will begin running shortly after 8:30 a.m. from the 17.75K finish area and return to the designated parking lots. Each bus will be labeled with a specific parking destination.

There are also a limited number of parking spaces at Moncure Park and Montclair Commuter Lot. Due to the closer proximity to the start/finish area, there will be no shuttle service to these parking lots. Therefore, participants who choose to park in these areas are expected to walk to the start/finish area.

There is no participant parking at John F. Pattie Elementary School, Washington-Reid Preschool Center or Montclair Tabernacle Church of God.

Prince William Forest Park campground guests have been notified and provided detail through the park.

A very limited number of entries remain for the Marine Corps 17.75K. Interested runners can register at marinemarathon.com until Friday, March 24.