Marine Corps Historic Half

Days Till Event 23
Date of Event 05.19.2024
The Marine Corps Historic Half is perfectly situated halfway between the capital of the Commonwealth in Richmond and the nation’s capital. The hugely popular Marine Corps Historic Half has made historic Fredericksburg a fashionable spring weekend getaway.
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general information

runner’s Guide

Packet Pick-up

All Marine Corps Historic Half 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.

MCHH Packet Pick-up

Race day packet pick-up

New this year, we are offering race day packet pick-up for the Marine Corps Historic Half. Purchase this option when registering for the event or through your participant account. Your packet will be located at the Information Tent near the Start Line on event morning. This option must be purchased by May 4.

PARTICIPANT BIB

The official Historic Half 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.

2023 glory

The official event program of the Marine Corps Historic Half 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.

Spectators

Track a Runner

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.

HH Marine Cheering on Runners

Viewing Locations

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.

  • Location #1: Historic Half Start – Be there for all ceremonial excitement in front of the Expo & Convention Center near Carl D. Silver Pkwy.
  • Location #2: Washington Avenue – near the scenic Kenmore Plantation
  • Location #3: Prince Edward Street – watch the runners from the picturesque Historic District
  • Location #4: Princess Anne Street – view the runners in Historic Downtown
  • Location #5: Caroline Street and Charlotte Street – cheer on the runners outside the Fredericksburg Visitors Center
  • Location #6: Caroline Street and George Street – see the Colonial Heritage Society Dancers perform in front of Goolrick’s Pharmacy
  • Location #7: Riverside Drive – cheer on runners adjacent to the picturesque Rappahannock
  • Location #8: Hospital Drive at Care Way- motivate runners for the top of “Hospital Hill” – the challenging hill on the course
  • Location #9: Cowan Boulevard at Central Park (by the Car Wash)- Cheer on your runners at the aerial display of the US flag by the Fredericksburg Fire Department
  • Location #10: your runner at the finish line and join them at the Finish Festival located in the Wegmans Parking Lot

volunteers

Lend a hand

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.

Plan Your Trip

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!

Register for the Marine Corps Historic Half

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.