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Marine Corps Marathon to Host Irish Sprint One Miler on March 27

Following three decades of California and Hawaii-based competition, the Irish Sprint One Miler will relocate to Historic Butler Stadium aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. The Irish Sprint began as an intense San Francisco-based competition between the Coast Guard and the Marine Corps in 1979. With the support of the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) staff, the Irish Sprint is now open to the public for all runners ages 14 and older and will be held immediately after the MCM Run2Register 10K on Saturday, March 27 at 10 a.m.

"The Irish Sprint is a little piece of Marine Corps sports history that everyone can now enjoy," said Rick Nealis, MCM Director. "It's a great event for runners to check their mile speed in the unique surroundings of Quantico."

The Irish Sprint will utilize the historic Butler Stadium track as well as surrounding roadways. Up to 300 runners may register for the event and will be grouped into starting waves by anticipated mile speed. Registration is now open at www.marinemarathon.com and costs $12. Each participant receives a green technical singlet.

The honorary starter of the Irish Sprint will be former Commandant of the United States Marine Corps General Paul X. Kelley. He served as the twenty-eighth Commandant of the United States Marine Corps from July 1983 to June 1987.

The Irish Sprint will be preceded by the MCM Run2Register (R2R)10K at 8 a.m. All eligible R2R finishers will have the opportunity to register for the 35th MCM, days before online registration commences. Registration for the R2R is $35 and includes a technical short sleeve shirt.

The MCM Event Series invites runners and fitness enthusiasts to participate in a range of race experiences including the MCM Run2Register 10K and The Irish Sprint in March, Crossroads 17.75K in June, Run Amuck in August and Turkey Trot in November. The Event Series sponsored by GEICO, Marine Federal Credit Union, Metro Star Systems, the Hampton Inn Dumfries/Quantico and Brooks. Registration for all events is open at www.marinemarathon.com. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement applied.

For media information, contact Marc Goldman, Marine Corps Marathon Sponsorship and Marketing Manager at (703) 784-2113 or marc.goldman@usmc.mil.