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Crossroads 17.75K Race Introduced as Salute to Marine Corps

Organizers of the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) today announced that registration for the new Crossroads 17.75K race to be held on June 12, 2010 will open online beginning November 18 at noon eastern. The unique race distance commemorates the year the Marine Corps was founded and equates to 11.03 miles.

Consistent with the iconic finish of the MCM at the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Crossroads 17.75K will culminate at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, just outside the main gate of Marine Corps Base Quantico, known as the "Crossroads of the Corps." The museum's 210-foot tall mast was inspired by the Iwo Jima flag raisings of World War II.

"Running up to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where we celebrate the men and women who have willingly run into harms way for our freedoms, is the perfect, inspirational way to end this race," said Museum Director Lin Ezell. "We hope everyone will take time to enjoy the Museum after the race." All runners and guests can enjoy early admittance to the National Museum of the Marine Corps following the race. Registration for the Crossroads 17.75K costs $45 and is limited to 3,000 runners. Participants receive a technical short sleeve shirt.

"This race isn't about clocking in a 5k or 10k time," explained Rick Nealis, Marine Corps Marathon race director. "The Crossroads 17.75K is about running a one-of-a-kind distance race in celebration of the year the Marine Corps was founded and finishing at the venue that hosts the history and heritage of the Marine Corps."

The course begins on Virginia Highway 234 before heading north into Prince William National Forest Park for miles 2.5 to 8. The course re-emerges from the forest on Joplin Road, passing under I-95 before turning on Route 1 and finishing at the museum.

Runners and their families are encouraged to visit Prince William County, known as the "Outdoors Capital of the Capital Region," before and after the event to experience the area's special blend of historic attractions, fine restaurants, distinctive shopping and pristine natural settings.

"Prince William County is honored to be hosting the Crossroads 17.75K in June," said Sharon Cavileer, Interim Director of the Prince William County Convention and Visitor's Bureau. "Not only are we the Crossroads of the Corps, we're at the crossroads of history with our Prince William Civil War Heritage Trail, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Old Town Manassas, Leesylvania, and Occoquan. Our military heritage is at the heart of our history! The runners and their families and friends will have a wonderful weekend. "

Prince William County/Manassas Convention and Visitors Bureau, Navy Federal Credit Union and the News & Messenger were also announced as the founding sponsors of the event. The Hampton Inn Dumfries/Quantico serves as the event's host hotel.

The Crossroads 17.75K, to be held on June 12, 2010 in Prince William County, Virginia, is coordinated by organizers of the Marine Corps Marathon. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied. For media information, contact Marc Goldman, Marine Corps Marathon Sponsorship and Marketing Manager at (703) 784-2113 or marc.goldman@usmc.mil.

For visitor information contact The Prince William County/Manassas CVB at 800-432-1792 or www.visitpwc.com.