Historic Half

Be there when the town crier calls for the starting musket to fire and run the streets where the nation's first president lived as a boy and the North and South came face to face in battle.

The Historic Half takes runners on 13.1 mile journey from the retail hub of Central Park through the historic downtown streets, up the now famous hospital hill to awaiting Marines at the Historic Half finish line. Perfectly situated in the timeless city of Fredericksburg halfway between the capital of the Commonwealth in Richmond and the nation's capital, Historic Half Weekend features the Healthy Lifestyle Expo, the Semper Fred 5K and, starting in 2013, the Marine Corps Historic 10K. The new Historic 10K and Semper Fred will unveil point-to-point courses, both tackling Hospital Hill.

A quick drive of just 50 minutes from DC and Richmond, Fredericksburg hosts the Marine Corps Historic Half-- the best half marathon in history. View the Historic Half presentation.

Debuting at the 2013 Historic Half, the Runners bRUNch will begin at 9:00 a.m. near VA Runner in Central Park.  Runners and others are eligible to participate in the 5K shakeout run led by "Marathon Junkie" Chuck Engle on Saturday morning, May 18.  Runners registered in the Historic Half, 10K or 5K will all benefit from the bRUNch as featured speaker Chuck Engle leads you through the final mile of the course.

After crossing under the finish line structure, guests will proceed to the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center for a special catered brunch.  Engle will offer running tips for completing any event, such as 'dressing as if its 20 degrees warmer at the start line.'  First timers, 10K or 5K runners and Iron Mile Company alike will be motivated by the information shared by the Marathon Junkie.  From qualifying for the Olympics as a female to being stuck in a bathroom the race starts, Engel has learned from many-a-mistake and is happy to share his experiences with the bRUNch guests.  Engle owns 154 marathon wins and has completed a sub-3 hour marathon in all 50 states.  When bRUNch concludes, runners are welcome to pick up their Historic Half packets and browse the booths and exhibits at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo.

Register now for this energizing event, open to runners and family members.  Space is limited to 200 participants.  Guests need not be registered for any Historic Half Weekend event to participate.  bRUNch registration fee includes the delicious buffet, speaker session, 5K run and a special, limited edition bib.

VA Runner Distinguished Participation Medal
VA Runner is proud to recognize a dedicated community of runners who register for and finish events during Historic Half Weekend and as part of the 2013 MCM Event Series.  Every runner who finishes either the Marine Corps Historic Half, Historic 10K or Semper Fred 5K on May 19 plus Run Amuck (June), Crossroads 4-Miler (September) and Turkey Trot 10K (November) will be presented a special participation medal for a year-long commitment to running.   In addition to receiving the limited edition medal, award winners who wear the medal into the VA Runner store will receive a special one-time 30 percent discount off all non-sale items.

2011 Historic Half Weekend Recap: 
Press Release  |  Photo Gallery  |  Individual Results  |  Runner Photos  |  Finish Line Video