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Registration Closes for Inaugural Marine Corps Historic Half in 13 Days

Registration Opened at Noon Eastern on November 1st

The inaugural Marine Corps Historic Half (MCHH) sold out in less than two weeks when registration reached capacity on November 14 at 3:00 p.m. eastern time for the May 18, 2008 event. Thousands of runners hit the event website, www.marinemarathon.com, as registration opened on November 1 at noon eastern to ensure one of the 5,000 spots in the brand new event. Robert Dolan, 41 of Ashburn, VA, was the first runner to register online. He completed the 2007 Marine Corps Marathon just four days prior and was excited to participate in the Historic Half. Dolan was one of 1,625 runners, or more than 27 runners per minute, registered in the first hour of rolling registration.

"We received a tremendous response from runners about the addition of this half marathon event, demonstrated by the speed in which it sold out," said Rick Nealis, Race Director. "Runners are in for an exciting event and a great course in Fredericksburg."

The 13.1 mile course will be held entirely within Fredericksburg city limits, beginning and ending at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. In conjunction with the half marathon, the MCM will present a two-day Healthy Lifestyle Expo featuring health, fitness, diet and wellness exhibitors and vendors, plus a pasta party and more!

Founded in 1976, Marine Corps Marathon is currently the 4th largest marathon in the US and the 7th largest marathon in the world. Known for a commitment to excellence and impeccable organization, the Marine Corps Marathon brings 32 years of planning experience to the creation of a new running event. The Inaugural Marine Corps Historic Half will be held on May 18, 2008 in Fredericksburg, VA and is the first time in MCM history that the organization will hold a running event outside of traditional race weekend. The Marine Corps Historic Half is sponsored by New Balance, Marine Federal Credit Union, Aetna and University of Mary Washington. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.

judythpiazza@newsblaze.com