Remember the exhilarating feeling of riding a roller coaster, rolling to a stop and being overtaken by excitement to do it all over again. That, dear runners, is the essence of the Devil Dog Double. The Marine Corps Historic Half to be held in Fredericksburg, Virginia on May 21, 2017 boasts the most infamous on-course ascension of any half marathon. It even has its own name–Hospital Hill.
Runners come from across the state and around the country to overpower this elevation on the way to completing the scenic 13.1 mile course. This 200 foot climb at mile 10 has become synonymous with the Historic Half and squarely sits on the radar of every participant. To overcome leads to accomplishment. To submit leads one to struggle. Now, imagine scaling Hospital Hill, not once, but twice.
As part of the 10th anniversary of the Historic Half, the MCM is introducing the Devil Dog Double. Call it a two-fer. Going back-to-back. Think of it as a sequel or a repeat performance. Those who accept this unique double dare will line up at the downtown start line of the Semper 5ive (the accompanying five mile run associated with the Historic Half) and knock out that distance before immediately turning around to run the Historic Half. That’s 18.1 miles, two events, three medals on one day.
Devil Dog Double will begin with an exclusive 6:40 a.m. start. All participants must complete the Semper 5ive course in under a nine minute-per-mile pace to be eligible to run the Historic Half portion. Registration is limited and filling quickly. So grab a seat on this thrill ride and hang on.
