General Info
What is the date for the 2008 Marine Corps Historic Half?
The inaugural MCHH will be held on May 18.
How many participants will you accept?
The race field for 2008 was 5,000 participants and the limit was reached less than 2 weeks after registration opened on November 1, 2007.
Registration
How do I register?
Registration for the MCHH closed with a capacity race field just 13 days after the November 1 opening of online registration.
Do I need a qualifying time to participate?
You do not need a qualifying time for MCHH. However, the 13.1 mile course has a time limit of four hours for runners to reach the finish line.
Can I walk this marathon?
Runners must maintain an 18-minute per mile pace to complete the course within the four hour time limit.
What is the age requirement?
To run the MCHH, participants must be at least 13 years of age on May 18, 2008.
How do I know that my registration went through when I signed up online?
You will receive an e-mail that contains your confirmation number and other important information. Please make sure you keep your confirmation number.
When will I receive my bib number?
Your bib number will be listed on your e-confirmation card that will be available online prior to the MCHH.
How do I get my e-confirmation card?
There will be a link on the MCHH website in the spring to retrieve and print your e-confirmation card. You will need your confirmation number available in order to access the e-card. Your confirmation number can be found included in the confirmation e-mail you received after successfully registering.
What if I can’t print my e-card or my confirmation number does not work?
All runners received an e-mail with the confirmation numbers. Please ensure you type in this number and your data of birth in order to print the e-card needed for Packet Pick up. Please contact support@active.com if you have further problems.
How do I know if my transfer is complete? Can I transfer my entry?
The deadlines for both options will be posted on the MCHH website. All runners that transferred should see their changed information on the website confirmation page and will receive an e-mail from Active with their confirmation number to print their e-card in their own name. If you experience difficulties, please contact support@active.com.
Teams
Can I register a team?
The Marine Corps Historic Half does not offer a team award category at this time.
Expo and Packet Pick-up
What are the Expo/Packet Pick-up hours?
The Healthy Lifestyle Expo will be held at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center on Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Packet Pick-up will be available on Saturday only.
What do I need to bring to Packet Pick-up at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo?
E-Confirmation printout and a photo ID are required
Can someone else pick up my race packet for me?
Runners are highly encouraged to pick up their own race packet, to verify information and prevent race day hassles. However, if you must have a family member or friend pick up your packet, they will need a letter from you giving permission to release your packet. Be sure they have their photo ID and your e-confirmation card
What is in my race packet?
Your race packet contains your bib number, safety pins, timing system, MCHH short-sleeve shirt and goodie bag including special giveaways and offers as well as the informative Race Program.
What is the best way to get to the Expo?
Parking will be available at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, or use the free shuttles on race day, May 18.
Weekend Events
What can the kids participate in?
Even the younger members of the family can enjoy race weekend activities. Check back soon for more details regarding a family-friendly run as part of MCHH weekend.
Do you have a pasta party?
The MCHH Pasta Party features live entertainment and guest speaker Katherine Switzer. Please click here for more info.
The Start
How do I get to the Start line?
The MCHH will offer free race day shuttles from the parking areas to the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, the location for both the Healthy Lifestyle Expo and the Start/Finish areas for both runners and spectators.
Shuttles will run from two commuter lots located near Fredericksburg. The first is located of House road, just off Courthouse Road and Gordon Boulevard in Spotsylvania. The second lot is located at US-17 towards Warrenton, just off I-95.
An additional shuttle will be available on race day to take spectators to downtown Fredericksburg, approximately miles 7-8 of the MCHH course. The shuttle will run from the VA Runner/Cracker Barrel parking lot in Central Park to Hanover Street downtown.
What is the starting time?
The starting time for the MCHH is 7:00 a.m.
Where is the start line?
The start line is near the Fredericksburg Expo and Convention Center. Please click here for more information.
How should I line-up at the start line?
Runner will line up in their appropriate corrals, based on bib numbers. Bib numbers will be assigned based on expected finish time.
What do I use for baggage and where do I drop off my baggage?
Baggage Drop-off and Pick-up will be available in the Hospitality area of the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, Hall B.
Can I use a walking stick, roller blade, take my dog, or wear a walkman?
These objects are not permitted on the course. It is against USATF rules and is a safety hazard. This will be strictly enforced on the course.
On the Course
Where are the water points and aid stations located?
Six water points, one food station featuring JellyBelly Sport Beans and two aid stations will be located throughout the course. Food, drink and medical assistance will also be available at the Finish.
What energy drink is featured on the course?
The MCHH energy drink will be announced soon.
Where are port-a-jons located?
Port-a-jons are located at the start/finish line, and on the course at miles 4 and 9.5.
The Finish
How do I meet up with my family after the marathon?
Help family members track your progress by letting them know what you will be wearing and your approximate pace per mile. Post race, plan to meet them at the link up area outside the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, under the designated letter. Runners are encouraged to use the first letter of the runner’s last name.
What type of medical support is available during the marathon?
The MCM course offers 3 aid stations throughout the 13.1miles, two on the course and one at the start/finish. Each aid station is equipped with Naval medical personnel as well as medical volunteers.
Will there be post-race massages?
The Ballroom at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center will feature free post-race massages for runners.
Results
When will I receive my medal?
Runners will receive a coin, medal and special gift at the Finish Line.
When can I view my race results?
Results will be posted on the MCHH website shortly after the event.
Records and Awards
What are the Half Marathon Records?
American Record
Men: 2007 Ryan Hall 00:59:43
Women: 2006 Deena Kastor 1:07:34
World Record
Men: 2007 Samuel Kamau Wanjiru 0:58:33
Women: 2007 Lornah Kiplagat 1:06:25
What awards do you offer?
The Marine Corps Marathon offers awards for the top 3 male and top 3 female winners overall, as well as the top 3 male and top 3 female masters runners and the top male and top female in each age group. Age groups are divided into the following increments: ages 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and older.
Technology
Is the MCHH an officially timed race?
The MCHH is certified by USATF officials and runners will receive their official time on the results webpage, posted on the MCHH website shortly after the event.
Volunteer
How do I sign up as a volunteer?
The volunteer module will be available in late January on the MCHH website.
Contact Information
Marine Corps Historic Half
Phone: (800) RUN-USMC
Fax: (703) 784-2265
E-mail: marine.marathon@usmc.mil
Driving directions to Marine Corps Marathon headquarters
3399 Russell Rd, Quantico, VA 22134
From North:
Take I95 South toward Richmond and take Exit 148, proceed toward Marine Corps Base, Quantico, drive through the gate, be prepared - ID is required. Please note: The gate is closed between the hours of 10 pm until 5 am or take Exit 150A toward Triangle/Quantico, proceed to Marine Corps Base, Quantico and enter through the front gate, ID is required. The front gate is open 24 hours/day.
From South:
Take I95 North toward Washington DC and take Exit 148, proceed toward Marine Corps Base, Quantico, drive through the gate, be prepared - ID is required. Please note: The gate is closed between the hours of 10 pm until 5 am or take Exit 150A toward Triangle/Quantico, proceed to Marine Corps Base, Quantico and enter through the front gate, ID is required. The front gate is open 24 hours/day.