OMB #0703-0053 Expires on: 09/23/2023 Privacy Act Statement - Authority: 10 U.S.C. 5041, Headquarters, US Marine Corps; Marine Corps Order P1700.27B, Marine Corps Community Services Policy Manual (MCCS); Marine Corps Marathon Charter effective 27 Mar 2007; and SORN MMC00010 and SORN NM01700-1. Purpose: To register, acknowledge and promote participation in Marine Corps Marathon Organization events. Information is used to plan, organize, coordinate and execute the events and communicate with the runners and volunteers before, during and after the event to include publication of finisher results, finisher certificates and race photographs, videos and motion pictures. Data and photographs, videotape, motion pictures and other recordings may be used by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization and its select sponsors for surveys, publications on websites, race programs and promotions, newspaper articles, newsletters and other race marketing purposes and runner enhancements. Routine Uses: Information is accessed by Marine Corps Marathon Organization personnel with a need to know to meet the purpose. Information may be provided to television, online and print media to provide publicity on the Marine Corps Marathon Organization events and to selected sponsors approved by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization. A complete list and explanation of the applicable routine uses is published in the authorizing SORN available at https://dpcld.defense.gov/Privacy/SORNsIndex/DOD-wide-SORN-Article-View/Article/570650/mmc00010/. Disclosure: Voluntary. However, failure to provide the information may result in ineligibility to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon Organization events. Agency Disclosure Statement - The public reporting burden for this collection of information, 0703-0053, is estimated to average 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or burden reduction suggestions to the Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, at whs.mc-alex.esd.mbx.dd-dod-information-collections@mail.mil. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number.
The 13.1 mile run in Fredericksburg, VA on May 19, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. boasts a fantastic finisher medal, terrific technical participant shirt and a start ceremony concluding with the shout of a town crier and the blast of a vintage musket. Registration is now open.
It’s the greatest half in history! Run through historic Fredericksburg from the retail hub of Central Park, through quaint downtown shops and restaurants, up Hospital Hill to a finish line bathed in stars and stripes. It’s a 13.1 mile journey with support from the U.S. Marines. Participants must be 14 years or older and able to maintain 17:30 minute mile pace.
Do you have a group of friends, classmates, service members or more that all run? The Marine Corps Marathon Organization is excited to announce the addition of an affiliated-based Teams competition to the live Marine Corps Historic Half. Gather your squad and get ready to take on the mission!
In 2023, the Semper Fidelis Challenge will now encapsulate the Marine Corps Marathon Organization’s three premiere events and bring them together in an exciting new way. Runners who qualify for the challenge will complete the following live events:
Participants interested in the Semper Fidelis Challenge should register for each event individually. There are no additional registration requirements. MCMO will monitor those who qualify in-house.
Finishers will receive all three event medals, plus an exclusive challenge medal. Additionally, individuals will now have the chance to compete for category awards.
The Distinguished Participant medal will be presented to runners who have participated in all MCMO LIVE events in 2023:
The Distinguished Participant medal, recognizing a year-long commitment to running with the Marines, is awarded to qualified runners after they finish the live and in-person Turkey Trot in November.
After registering, some runners determine they are unable to participate in the Historic Half, Semper 5ive or Devil Dog Double. These runners may opt to transfer their entry to a non-registered runner or change events through the Transfer Program. Runners often find transfer partners on the MCM Facebook page. Additionally, the transfer program offers registered runners the opportunity to switch between Historic Half Weekend events.
Run your best Marine Corps Historic Half with Runcoach for a one-time fee of $45 (60% discount)! Runners who train with the Runcoach app and coaching service improve finishing times by an average of 7 percent. Get an exclusive membership for Runcoach Premium, have all your 1:1 questions answered, and train to race day with your coach by your side (normally $24.95/month).
Participants who are concerned they may not be able to participate in a Marine Corps Marathon Organization event can pay an additional service fee (14% of all items purchased, excluding event processing fees) for a 100% refund. The service fee will be the only amount not refunded. Refundable registration must be purchased as part of the registration process. Participants cannot go back and purchase once registration is complete.
For more information on the perils covered by refundable registration visit: https://refundable.me/haku/.
Please note, refundable registration does not cover the following:
Between registration and participation, updates to a runner’s personal information may be necessary. Runners may send an email with specific changes to mcmcustomerservice@usmc-mccs.org. The corrected participant information may require several days before appearing in the database.
Named after the Iron Mines Company, a mining and smelting operation founded in nearby Spotsylvania in 1725, the 82 runners comprising the Iron Mile Company have completed every Marine Corps Historic Half since its inception in 2008.
Membership in this exclusive group must be maintained by continuing to run and finish the Historic Half every year. Since 2017, a finish in the Devil Dog Double also qualifies. The current company is comprised of 29 women and 52 men. The youngest runner is 30; the oldest is 76. Iron Mile members hail from 8 states and the District of Columbia with 23 runners from right here in Fredericksburg!
Each runner in the Iron Mile Company has displayed their dedication and resiliency by conquering the distance virtually in 2020 and 2021 before returning to once again run live in 2022. Who will continue to be Iron Made in 2023?
Delaware
Suni Edson
Georgia
Amanda Stift
Illinois
Trent Runyon
Maryland
Charles Cook
David Huryk
Andrew Kimmell
Carlos Mendes
Daniel Pannullo, Sr.
Simon Reynolds
Samuel Santos
North Carolina
Mary Castro
David DeHart
New York
Daniel Payne
Ohio
Paula Banks
Anne Denton
Pennsylvania
Robert Abbott
Robert Muhlhauser
Beth Muhlhauser
Texas
Shannon Riffe-Orca
Virginia
Richard Agnew, Jr.
Denver Alexander, III*
James Armond*
Francisco Barboza*
Jennifer Bonney*
Kevin Bouffard*
Dennis Bradecamp*
Bob Brammer*
David Bridi*
Christopher Brock
Michael Buck*
Anthony Capizzi
Christopher Cella
Brett Chappell*
Kim Crisp
Vic Culp*
Timothy Daniels
Matthew Denson*
Laurie Dishman
Kathy Early
Rex Edwards
Sharon Firewicz*
Mark Glass*
Jim Gogan
Stephanie Hayden*
Julie Heflin*
Jeffrey Higgins*
Beth Howser
Jack Hyland*
Robyn Johnson
Joseph Kairys
Michael Kimes
Joseph Kingman*
Sandra Latta
Evan Lewis
Laura Linville
Steve Lisco*
Christian Lisco*
Gilbert Macias
Nick Marino
Sylvia Nelson
Lance Nelson
Kerry O’Neill*
Odysseas Pentakalos
Debbie Pereira
Joe Pereira
Robert Platt
Thomas Presecan
Tammy Rall
Anna Sargent
Susan Snead
Joseph Soley
Lawrence Taber
Kelli Tate
Donna Ubben
Gregory Ubben
Vickie Veley
Jerry Warden
Dan Weidensaul
Cindy Whitehead*
Amy Wilmerton
Gary Winch
Washington D.C.
Annie Cocchiaro
*Local to Fredericksburg
Conquer Hospital Hill and celebrate completing the Semper 5ive, presented by Navy Federal Credit Union! The 5 mile run in Fredericksburg, VA on May 21, 2023 boasts a fantastic finisher medal, terrific technical participant shirt and more.
Semper 5ive registration is now open to ages 10 and above. Participants must be able to maintain a 20 minute per mile pace.
After registering for the live Semper 5ive some runners unfortunately are unable to participate. These runners may opt to transfer their entry to a non-registered runner through the Transfer Program. The MCM doesn’t assist in the identification of individuals to receive a transfer. Runners often find transfer partners on the MCM Facebook page.
The five mile journey begins at 6:00 a.m. adjacent to James Monroe High School on Fredericksburg’s Washington Ave. Runners will have until 6:15 a.m. to begin at which time the Start Line will close. Runners travel past scenic Old Mill Park on Caroline Street to Riverside Drive where they catch a stunning view of the Rappahannock River. At the end of Riverside Drive, runners turn right into Fall Hill Avenue.
From Fall Hill Avenue, runners circle right around the traffic circle and turn right onto Mary Washington Boulevard traveling along the road as runners turn right on Hospital Drive presenting runners with the challenge of Hospital Hill at mile 2.5. At the top of Hospital Hill, runners remain right around the traffic circle. They continue straight on Hospital Drive, remaining with the traffic pattern. Runners will then take a right onto Cowan Boulevard before taking the final right onto Carl D. Silver Parkway and running into the finish.
Nuun Endurance: Lemon Lime flavor will also be available at all water points with the exception of water point 7.
Five Aid Stations provide basic medical and Basic Life Support care along both, the Semper 5ive, Devil Dog Double and Historic Half courses with support from proud sponsor, Mary Washington Healthcare, volunteers from area Military Medical clinics and hospitals as well as other volunteers.
Fredericksburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS), along with mutual aid partners from the surrounding areas, provide bike teams, medical gators and EMS transport in support of the event. Each Aid Station is equipped with an AED, as well as other medical supplies needed to care for Historic Half participants. Aid Stations are located:
All Historic Half Weekend participants are required to attend Packet Pick-up, located within the Healthy Lifestyle Expo, to obtain the official bib with timing device and technical competitor shirt. Runners are required to bring the e-Card and a photo ID to Packet Pick-up. e-Cards are emailed to all participants in the weeks prior to the event.
Runners are highly encouraged to pick up their own materials and verify personal information.
For runners unable to attend Packet Pick-up, proxy pick-up is an available option. Runners may designate an individual to obtain their bib and event materials. The individual picking up the bib for a registered runner must present a hard or digital copy of the completed e-Card with a copy of the runner’s photo ID, as well as a copy of his/her ID. Please obtain the runner’s preferred shirt size. e-Cards are emailed to the registered runner before the event. Parents may sign waiver and retrieve packets for their children under 18 years of age.
Packet Pick-up is not available on event morning.
On event morning, Semper 5ive participants will have many parking opportunities available within Central Park, the shopping complex in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with over 200 stores, restaurants and businesses. The complex is located near the intersection of Interstate 95 and State Route 3. A shuttle will take Semper 5ive participants from parking to the event start area.
Pre-event Shuttle: There will be a pre-event shuttle service to the Semper 5ive start area. Semper 5ive participants can utilize the many parking opportunities available within Central Park. Pre-race shuttles will launch from near the Hilton Garden Inn located near the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center. Semper 5ive participants should head toward the MCHH start line from Central Park to access this location. Pre-event shuttles will begin at 4:00 a.m. and run through 5:15 a.m.
Spectators are welcome to ride the shuttle to the Semper 5ive start line. However, there will be no shuttles back to the finish line area. Spectators will be responsible for their own transportation back.
Semper 5ive baggage is available at the U-haul truck at the Semper 5ive start line area. Baggage for the Semper 5ive will close at 5:30 a.m. to move over to the Finish Festival. If you plan to utilize baggage, it is recommended to take a shuttle before 5:15 a.m.
The Devil Dog Double combines the Historic Half, which covers 13.1 miles from Central Park, through the city’s historic streets, along the river and up Hospital Hill, with the Semper 5ive (five miles) for a challenging 18.1 miles. Complete both events within the 12 minute mile pacing requirement to earn three impressive finisher medals.
Registration for the Devil Dog Double on May 21, 2023 is now open to ages 14 and above. Participants must maintain a 12 minute per mile pace.
Devil Dog Double participants will begin the morning at the start of the Marine Corps Historic Half at 6:00 a.m. Runners have until 6:15 a.m. to begin at which time the Start Line will close. Runners must complete the half marathon and make the turnaround by 8:50 a.m. before immediately beginning the final five mile leg. Upon completion of the first 13.1 miles, all DDD runners will complete the additional 5 mile portion starting at the MCHH finish and continuing down Gordon W. Shelton Drive. Runners will have a sharp turnaround on Gordon W. Shelton Drive before turning right back onto Carl D. Silver Parkway and continuing onto Cowan Boulevard. DDD Runners will be turned around at Hospital Drive and run back on Cowan Boulevard to the DDD Finish.
The 18.1 mile course remains open until 10:00 a.m. Runners are required to complete the Marine Corps Historic Half with a 12:00 minute per mile pace or faster and maintain this pace for the final five mile leg.
Nuun Endurance: Lemon Lime flavor will also be available at all water points with the exception of water point 7.
Five Aid Stations provide basic medical and Basic Life Support care along both, the Semper 5ive, Devil Dog Double and Historic Half courses with support from proud sponsor, Mary Washington Healthcare, volunteers from area Military Medical clinics and hospitals as well as other volunteers.
Fredericksburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS), along with mutual aid partners from the surrounding areas, provide bike teams, medical gators and EMS transport in support of the event. Each Aid Station is equipped with an AED, as well as other medical supplies needed to care for Historic Half participants.
Aid Stations are located:
All Historic Half Weekend participants are required to attend Packet Pick-up, located within the Healthy Lifestyle Expo to obtain the official bib with timing device and technical competitor shirt. Runners must bring the e-Card and a photo ID to Packet Pick-up. E-Cards are emailed to all participants in the weeks prior to the event.
Runners are highly encouraged to pick up their own materials and verify personal information.
For runners unable to attend Packet Pick-up, proxy pick-up is an available option. Runners may designate an individual to obtain their bib and event materials. The individual picking up the bib for a registered runner must present a hard or digital copy of the completed e-Card with a copy of the runner’s photo ID, as well as a copy of his/her ID. Please obtain the runner’s preferred shirt size. e-Cards are emailed to the registered runner before the event. Parents may sign waiver and retrieve packets for their children under 18 years of age.
Packet Pick-up is not available on event morning.
On event morning, participants and spectators can walk to the Historic Half and Devil Dog Double start line from the many parking opportunities available within Central Park, the shopping complex in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with over 200 stores, restaurants and businesses. The complex is located near the intersection of Interstate 95 and State Route 3. The Historic Half and Devil Dog Double start and finish is located at Carl D Silver Parkway and Haymarket Street.
Participants should use the clear plastic bag provided at Packet Pick-up to store personal items on event day. Check the bag at the Baggage Tent near the start/finish location in the Wegman’s parking lot and retrieve baggage from the same location after a successful finish.
All three events start at 6:00 a.m. and all participants will have until 6:15 a.m. to begin. At this time, the start line will close and no runners will be allowed to run the event due to safety and support concerns.
The 13.1 mile course features historical attractions; a quaint downtown with unique shops and chef-owned restaurants; a run alongside the Rappahannock River; and the now-famous Hospital Hill. Ideally situated halfway between Washington, DC, the nation’s capital, and Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth, the Marine Corps Historic Half introduces runners to Fredericksburg, VA, an ideal weekend getaway spot.
The Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend also offers the Semper 5ive (5 miles) and the Devil Dog Double (18.1 miles).
Like the Marine Corps Marathon, the Marine Corps Historic Half in Fredericksburg has its own vertical challenge: Hospital Hill, a 0.53-mile segment of the 13.1-mile course. Runners arrive at Mary Washington Healthcare campus at mile 10.5. Hospital Hill is in the middle of a two-mile uphill climb that peaks at Cowan Boulevard crossing over Interstate 95. The much-talked-about Hospital Hill stretches over 930 yards in which the hill’s elevation doubles from 100 feet to 200 feet, or the equivalent of climbing to the top of a ten story building. Add to this the tease of a slight leveling off partway up Hospital Hill before encountering another eight percent grade. To finish the Historic Half, Devil Dog Double or Semper 5ive, means a runner has conquered Hospital Hill.
FinisherPix will be on site capturing race memories for all participants and all distances. In addition to photos from multiple locations on course, personalized commemorative plaques with finisher medals will also be available for order after the race.
All Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend participants are required to attend Packet Pick-up, located within the Healthy Lifestyle Expo, located at Fredericksburg Expo Center, to obtain the official bib with timing device and technical competitor shirt. Runners are required to bring the e-Card and a photo ID to Packet Pick-up. e-Cards are emailed to all participants in the weeks prior to the event.
Runners are highly encouraged to pick up their own materials and verify personal information.
For runners unable to attend Packet Pick-up, proxy pick-up is an available option. Runners may designate an individual to obtain their bib and event materials. The individual picking up the bib for a registered runner must present a hard or digital copy of the completed e-Card with a copy of the runner’s photo ID, as well as a copy of his/her ID. Please be sure to obtain the runner’s preferred shirt size. e-Cards are emailed to the registered runner before the event. Parents may sign waiver and retrieve packets for their children under 18 years of age.
Packet Pick-up is not available on event morning.
The official MCHH, Devil Dog Double and Semper 5ive participant bibs feature the timing device attached to the reverse side of the bib. These must remain in place for proper timing to occur.
Emergency medical and contact information form is also on the back of the bib. All participants must complete this information.
The UPS Baggage Sticker will be attached to the reverse side of every bib. The sticker features the runner’s bib number and the assigned UPS truck to be utilized for baggage drop off and pick up on event day. Carefully peel the front of the sticker off the backing and attached to the clear plastic bag to facilitate easy identification by UPS volunteers.
The official event program of the Marine Corps Historic Half Events is now available! Read Glory to learn about this year’s Oscar Mike Recipients, the best places to cheer on your runner, view all event maps, receive all weekend information and more.
Relatives, friends, running buddies and even Historic Half participants themselves can follow a runner’s progress along the Historic Half course in real time. The virtual status reports will provide updates for one or multiple runners from various split locations and the finish line.
The timing data may be delivered by text, posted on a Facebook timeline, sent via email and/or sent over Twitter feed. During registration for this service, individuals may select the preferred means to receive updates. Registration for Track a Runner will be available soon.
The Marine Corps Historic Half welcomes thousands of spectators and local residents who proudly cheer and show enthusiastic support for runners along he entire13.1 mile course. From sidewalks to front porches to storefronts, Fredericksburg embraces Historic Half participants and spectators animate an energize this historic city. Scenic neighborhoods, bands, shops and entertainers, there are a variety of on-course spots where spectators and residents can enjoy the day and motivate the runners.
Opportunities to work alongside U.S. Marines range from assembling runner packets and shirts to supporting a water point, food station, medical aid station, runner’s hospitality or the start and finish areas on event day.
All volunteers take pride in supporting thousands of individuals striving to achieve a running goal.
Volunteers receive a commemorative shirt and a letter of appreciation for each event supported. Individuals and groups are encouraged to volunteer throughout the year. Support opportunities are announced at a minimum of six weeks prior to each event.
Step into historic downtown Fredericksburg to find a place steeped in historic, culture and modern amenities. Fredericksburg’s rich history dates back to the early 18th century. George Washington grew up across the river from Fredericksburg, and the City is still dotted with remnants of the Washington family’s footprints. Fredericksburg contributed heavily to the American cause during the Revolutionary War, and Thomas Jefferson and others met here to draft the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. Many buildings of the era still line the streets of Fredericksburg. Located halfway between the two Civil War capitals, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA, Fredericksburg was battered bloody for three years.
Today’s Fredericksburg has preserved its memories well. Its large downtown historic district is dotted with Colonial structures and reminders of those who lived and worked here. Its Civil War past is inescapable. A major National Park interprets the battles, and the city still shows its glories and its scars. While its history is rich, Fredericksburg’s best days lie ahead. Its highly walkable Historic District is filled with topnotch restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, parks and retail stores. The Rappahannock River Heritage Trail takes a beautiful 3-mile loop around the city, including a particularly lovely stretch along the Rappahannock River. Central Park offers another terrific shopping and dining destination. We know you will enjoy your stay!
Learn more about Fredericksburg restaurants, coffee shops, weekend activities and more!
The Marine Corps Historic Half starts at 6 a.m. on Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg, Va. with the blast of the Howitzer.
Pre-MCHH: At the Start line
WP 1: Cowan Boulevard and Hospital Drive
WP 2: Sunken Road
WP 3: Washington Avenue
WP 4: Sophia and Lewis Streets
WP 5: Mary Washington Boulevard
WP 6: Cowan Boulevard and Hospital Drive
WP 7: Cowan Boulevard and Carl D. Silver Parkway
Finish: Bottled water from Wegmans and individually wrapped Nuun Sport tablet will be distributed in the hospitality area.
Nuun Endurance: Lemon Lime flavor will also be available at all water points, with the exception of water station 7.
FS 1: Charlotte and Caroline Streets – Honey Stinger Energy Chews: Fruit Smoothie
FS 2: Fall Hill and Linden Avenues – Jelly Belly Sport Beans: Variety
Jelly Belly Sport Beans will be available on the course. Jelly Belly Sport Beans assorted mix which includes a random mix of these flavors: berry, pear, fruit punch, lemon lime, orange, and green apple. Visit www.sportbeans.com.
Five Aid Stations provide basic medical and Basic Life Support care along both, the Semper 5ive, Devil Dog Double and Historic Half courses with support from proud sponsor, Mary Washington Healthcare, individuals from area Military Medical clinics and hospitals as well as other volunteers.
Fredericksburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS), along with mutual aid partners from the surrounding areas, provide bike teams, medical gators and EMS transport in support of the event. Each Aid Station is equipped with an AED, as well as other medical supplies needed to care for Historic Half participants. Aid Stations are located:
Participants should use the clear plastic bag provided at Packet Pick-up to store personal items on event day. Check the bag at the Baggage Tent near the start/finish location in the Wegman’s parking lot and retrieve baggage from the same location after a successful finish.
Semper 5ive baggage is available at the U-haul truck at the Semper 5ive start line area. Baggage for the Semper 5ive will close at 5:30 a.m. to move over to the Finish Festival. If you plan to utilize baggage, it is recommended to take a shuttle before 5:15 a.m.
The Historic Half searches for local and regional musicians, performers, and cheer squads to entertain participants along the 13.1 mile course in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This year’s entertainment lineup features:
With the Rappahannock River rushing in the background, carefully selected images of fallen service members and boldly waving American flags will line the edges of the canal path along Old Mill Park. Highlighted as the most patriotic mile on a race course, the wear blue Mile will inspire and motivate. To honor a fallen service member with wear blue: run to remember at the Historic Half, please visit http://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/marine-corps-historic. wear blue: run to remember is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering families of the fallen, supporting our military and their families, and remembering the service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Local businesses and spectators are coming together with cowbells and clappers to cheer on runners as they pass through Downtown Fredericksburg. If your organization or business would like to participate, please contact info@fxbg.com. For more information on Thunder Alley, visit here.
Awards are presented to the overall male and female winners as well as the age category top finishers of each event.
Finisher Certificates may be accessed by clicking the arrow next to a runner name on the results page. Each runner may individualize the certificate by selecting up to four badges that reflect the runner’s experience at the MCHH. Options include: First timer, PR, Running in Honor, Marine Spouse and First MCHH among others. Certificates feature overall, gender and age group rankings.
| event | date & time | type | location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Lifestyle Expo Opening Ceremony | May 19 3:30 – 4PM EDT | Ceremony | Fredericksburg Convention & Expo Center |
| Healthy LifeStyle Expo | May 19 4 – 8 PM EDT May 20 9AM – 6 PM EDT | Tradeshow | Fredericksburg Convention & Expo Center |
| Oscar Mike Dinner | May 20 6 PM EDT | Dinner | Hilton Garden Inn Fredericksburg, VA |
| Marine Corps Historic Half | May 21 6 AM EDT Start | Race | Carl D. Silver Pwky |
| Devil Dog Double | May 21 6 AM EDT Start | Race | Carl D. Silver Pwky |
| Semper 5ive | May 21 6 AM EDT Start | Race | James Monroe High School |
| MCHH Finish Festival | May 21 6:30 AM – 12 PM EDT | Festival | Wegman’s Parking Lot |
At the Healthy Lifestyle Expo, Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend participants pick up their packets including the official bib with timing device and competitor shirt. Runners and supporters stop by selfie spots, meet celebrity guests and visit vendor booths covering a range of fitness activities, wellness products and active interests.
Located within the Fredericksburg Expo and Convention Center at the Central Park shopping area and adjacent to Wegmans, the Historic Half Healthy Lifestyle Expo boasts plenty of free parking is available.
Connect with a motivated crowd at the Marine Corps Historic Half Healthy Lifestyle Expo! Sample, sell, promote, and demonstrate to more than 25,000 runners and guests from the national capital region, the majority of all 50 states and all branches of military. Held indoors, the Expo is free to the public and conveniently located near restaurants, shops and Historic Downtown Fredericksburg. Take action to participate in Fredericksburg’s most impactful economic event and register for a booth your choice at the Expo. It is a great spring weekend event with advantageously priced booths in a big time event setting.
For more information about exhibiting at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo, please email drewry.atkins@usmc-mccs.org.
Runners will be able to “go for two” by participating in both the five mile Semper 5ive and the 13.1 mile Marine Corps Historic Half on Sunday, May 21.
On Sunday, May 21, the five mile distance run hosts runners on a journey from the quaint Fall Hill neighborhood, past downtown historical sites, inviting cafes, unique museums and lovely boutiques before arriving at Hospital Hill on the way to the impressive Historic Half finish line. All participants receive a technical shirt. Finishers are awarded an impressive medal featuring an original design inspired by the Historic Half Weekend theme.
A triumphant moment when participants reach the Historic Half finish line. Runners are motivated by the cheering masses lining the street on the final approach. Runners reach the massive stars and stripes archway signaling mission complete. Standing just inside the finish area, awaiting Marines present the symbol of accomplishment-a finisher medal. Runners enjoy this moment of mutual respect as the Marines extend congratulations to the runners and the runners expresses gratitude for the Marines service to our country. Runners proceed to the new Finish Festival location near the Wegman’s parking lot featuring sponsor booths, activities and post-event celebrations!
The Marine Corps Historic Half start is situated adjacent to Fredericksburg’s Central Park shopping district with plenty of free parking within walking distance.
On event morning, participants and spectators can walk to the Historic Half and Devil Dog Double start line from the many parking opportunities available within Central Park, the shopping complex in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with over 200 stores, restaurants and businesses. The complex is located near the intersection of Interstate 95 and State Route 3. The Historic Half and Devil Dog Double start and finish is located at the end of the main Central Park road-Carl D Silver Parkway.
Additionally, parking will be available at Riverside First Church of God, 3461 Fall Hill Avenue, until full.
Pre-event: There will be a pre-event shuttle service to the Semper 5ive start area. Pre-event shuttles will begin at 4:00 a.m. and run through 5:15 a.m. Semper 5ive participants can utilize the many parking opportunities available within Central Park. Pre-race shuttles will launch from near the Hilton Garden Inn located near the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center. Semper 5ive participants should head toward the MCHH start line from Central Park to access this location.
Spectators are welcome to ride the shuttle to the Semper 5ive start line. However, there will be no shuttles back to the finish line area. Spectators will be responsible for their own transportation back.
Free shuttles provided by the City of Fredericksburg and Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg will be available for all runners and their families. The shuttles will run from 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. on Saturday of Historic Half Weekend. The shuttles will run to and from the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center’s main entrance to these locations in historic downtown:
Runners and their families should look for the blue and white Shuttle Stop signs.
The Marine Corps Historic Half Events will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 21 with street closures affecting the Fredericksburg area beginning at 4:00 a.m. until approximately 11 a.m., depending on the location.
In partnership with Jems Hospitality, we’ve secured discounted rates at a selection of Fredericksburg hotels. Through Jems, we’re able to offer you convenient and affordable options for your trip to the 2023 Marine Corps Historic Half. Jems is the only hotel provider endorsed by Marine Corps Historic Half, and we encourage you to book through them early for the best selection and price.
Step into historic downtown Fredericksburg to find a place steeped in historic, culture and modern amenities. Fredericksburg’s rich history dates back to the early 18th century. George Washington grew up across the river from Fredericksburg, and the City is still dotted with remnants of the Washington family’s footprints. Fredericksburg contributed heavily to the American cause during the Revolutionary War, and Thomas Jefferson and others met here to draft the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. Many buildings of the era still line the streets of Fredericksburg. Located halfway between the two Civil War capitals, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA, Fredericksburg was battered bloody for three years.
Today’s Fredericksburg has preserved its memories well. Its large downtown historic district is dotted with Colonial structures and reminders of those who lived and worked here. Its Civil War past is inescapable. A major National Park interprets the battles, and the city still shows its glories and its scars. While its history is rich, Fredericksburg’s best days lie ahead. Its highly walkable Historic District is filled with topnotch restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, parks and retail stores. The Rappahannock River Heritage Trail takes a beautiful 3-mile loop around the city, including a particularly lovely stretch along the Rappahannock River. Central Park offers another terrific shopping and dining destination. We know you will enjoy your stay!
Learn more about Fredericksburg restaurants, coffee shops, weekend activities and more!
Participants will have from May 6 to May 21 to complete their virtual Historic Half Event.
A virtual finish will not count toward the Semper Fidelis Challenge, Distinguished Participant medal or Iron Mile Company.
You asked and we listened! Virtual options are back by popular demand. A limited number of entries will be available for participants who choose to take on the 18.1 miler. Virtual finishers will not be eligible for the Distinguished Participant medal or the Semper Fidelis Challenge.
Registered virtual runners may download a personal participant bib to wear or display. Bibs are now available.
To Download your Virtual Bib:
Participants have the option to link their personal wearables to their account to track their mileage and submit results. This should be done prior to starting your virtual event. Log into your participant account to view wearable options.
To sync your wearable:
Runners are encouraged to submit their results through participant account in Haku.
Results may be submitted via a link to a public page from an app, a screenshot, a photo of a watch or treadmill or directly from a supported wearable device. Ensure to record both distance and time in your submission. Participants have until May 21, 2023 to input their finisher data.
To submit results manually:
To submit results from synced device:
To download your virtual finisher certificate:
