Chet-Tyler Cary of Fredericksburg, Va. surprised his girlfriend, Amanda Willging, at the finish line of the 2018 Marine Corps Historic Half by getting down on one knee and proposing. Willing, who turned 27 last week, was completely surprised and responded with an emotional “yes.” Actually, the most she could muster was head nod indicating ‘yes.’ Willging was overwhelmed with the moment, having just finished her fifth Historic Half in 2:38:02.

Cary reached out to the Marine Corps Marathon staff to make Willging’s finish more memorable. As Willging crossed the finish line and donned her finisher medal, MCM staff told her they had randomly selected her for a media interview. Little did she know the staff was in on the surprise by orchestrating the first known marriage proposal at the annual event.

Read more about the proposal on the Fredericksburg.com website where you can also watch video of the magic moment. The video is also posted on the MCM Facebook page where runners and supporters can post good wishes for the happy couple.

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