Runner Profiles

HOSPITAL HILL: SPEED BUMP, EVEREST OR JUST ANOTHER WALK IN THE PARK?
It looms large on the horizon after you pass mile marker ten on the Marine Corps Historic Half marathon course. There’s a buzz in the air as novice Historic Half runners are in awe of this hurdle placed so near to the finish of their 13.1-mile race. Iron Mile Company members just smile- or grit their teeth- secure in the knowledge that not even this portion of the course can defeat them. At the 2011 Historic Half finish line, Drew Carey declared he “owned” it. No two words strike more fear or inspire greater determination in the hearts of Historic Half runners everywhere: Hospital Hill. Will you own it like Drew? Or will it own you?

In true Marine Corps fashion, Historic Half runners are challenged to charge the final hill before claiming the title of “finisher.” Hospital Hill is, perhaps, the best on-course test of the Marine ethos “Earned. Never given.” The good news is, earning a place among the ranks of those who have succeeded in their quest to take on Hospital Hill is actually quite doable. All it takes is a bit of smart running technique and mental fortitude.

With a steady rise in elevation over the span of a mile, Hospital Hill can be a feat for those not prepared for an uphill run, but with a few tweaks to your running plan it can be easily managed. Bret Schmidt, Operations Manager for the Marine Corps Marathon and former Marine Corps running coach, says Hospital Hill, while challenging, is really just a mental game.

“Where Hospital Hill is located after mile ten is tough if you’re not properly trained,” says Schmidt. “Beginning runners begin to question if they will finish or not.”

Schmidt says that the best way to keep Hospital Hill from defeating you mentally is to familiarize yourself with the course. Understanding the elevation map will help you to plan for the hill and adjust your pace accordingly. Conserving energy for the final few miles along the Historic Half course is the key to a successful run.

“Don’t empty your tank prior to mile ten,” Schmidt cautions.

To help keep up runner motivation, entertainment is strategically placed along this portion of the course to usher runners up the hill. During those tough Hospital Hill moments, runners can enjoy great music provided by local radio station WFLS as well as unique road stickers placed to encourage- or distract -Historic Half participants as they complete their climb.

Hospital Hill takes its name from its location on the campus of Mary Washington Hospital. Ironically, and to the amusement of those runners with a good sense of humor, this portion of the course passes directly by the emergency room of the hospital, with trauma signs decorating the uphill climb. James Swisher, Vice President, Project Management and Continuous Improvement at Mary Washington Healthcare, says that hospital associates enjoy being a part of the race day action.

“We love being part of the fun and excitement of the Historic Half,” he says. “We know this is a challenging part of the course for runners, so we’re excited to cheer them on as they climb Hospital Hill and get that much closer to the finish line. We also love to see and hear the feeling of accomplishment runners have when they make it to the top.”

Although Mary Washington Hospital staff members are busy working the Hospital Incident Command Center to ensure safety of runners and coordinate EMS efforts, those who can make it outside enjoy encouraging runners as they begin their climb up Hospital Hill. At the crest of the hill, additional Mary Washington associates volunteer their time at the aid and water stations on the hospital grounds.

“We’re happy to reward runners with a cold drink of water at the water station and provide them access to the First Aid station when they reach the ‘summit’ of Hospital Hill,” says Swisher. “Whenever anyone asks me about Hospital Hill, I tell them to hang in there and take it slow and steady. You’ll get to the top before you know it!”

Over the course of the brief history of the Historic Half, Hospital Hill has become legendary among runners. Official MCM social media networks and email inbox's are alive with post-race commentary about the Mile Ten Monster ranging from triumph to caution for future runners. “Hospital Hill was, as advertised, a BEAST,” said one runner after the 2011 Historic Half. Echoing that sentiment, another added, “Watch out for mile 11, the Hospital Hill from Hell!” Celebrating his accomplishment, a more positive 2011 finisher noted, “I need another run up that hill!”

Love it or hate it, Hospital Hill has become an integral part of the Historic Half experience. Will you be able to count yourself among those who have battled Hospital Hill and won? Will you own it? Will you echo these immortal words of Caesar? Veni, vidi, vici.

I came, I saw, I conquered Hospital Hill.

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