hall of fame
Each year, special individuals are inducted into the MCM Hall of Fame. The honored inductees are recognized for the positive impact they have had in the on-going success of “The People’s Marathon” either as runners, organizers or distinguished contributors.
To recommend an individual for MCM Hall of Fame consideration, please send a nomination email to mcmcustomerservice@usmc-mccs.org. The email should include name and contact information of the individual, biography with emphasis on relevance to the MCM, pertinent web links and images. Any nomination must include the name and contact information (email address and phone number) of the individual submitting the suggestion. Recommendations received by December 1 will be considered for the nominating class for that calendar year. Those suggestions received after December 1 will be included in the following year’s ballot.
Captain Bruce Adams, USN (Ret.) – Inducted in 2023
Bruce Adams served as the MCM Medical Director from 2004 to 2015, making him the second person inducted into the MCM Hall of Fame with a medical background. His experience, knowledge and dedication evolved the event’s medical program to offer participants a safe environment to strive for their goals.
Ken Archer – Inducted in 2006
Ken Archer owns the most top finishes in MCM history–capturing the first place title in the wheelchair category a record ten times. Archer began his track career at age 17 when he ran cross country and track for his high school. On July 10, 1970, while serving in the US Army, Archer attempted to perform a good deed on a local highway while stationed at Andrews Air Force Base when his legs were smashed between two cars. He spent the next 18 months in military hospitals recovering and working out whenever he could. In 1979, after securing a Boston Marathon win, Archer won his first MCM, a feat he repeated until 1983. His winning streak began again in 1985 and continued until 1989. Archer won his final MCM title in 1994. In 2000, Archer began exploring new challenges by racing in a hand cycle. He quickly rose to the top, finishing first in the MCM unofficial hand cycle category in 2003.
Mary Kate Bailey – Inducted in 2022
Mary Kate Bailey, a 1998 Naval Academy graduate, is a former member of the All-Marine Running Team and her Marine Corps Marathon time of 2:48:31 in 2004 still stands as the fastest time for a U.S. Marine female winner. Bailey has completed four MCMs and 12 marathons in total.
Tech Sgt. George R. Banker, USAFR (Ret.) – Inducted in 2011
George R. Banker is an avid runner, journalist, historian, author and veteran of 83 marathons, 26 of which are Marine Corps Marathons. His book, “The Marine Corps Marathon: A Running Tradition” showcases the history of “The People’s Marathon.” Banker has devoted countless hours organizing road races throughout the National Capital Region, amassing a collection of archives, race results and published articles that has established him as the area’s preeminent running historian.
Col. H.C. “Barney” Barnum Jr., USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2006
Col H.C. “Barney” Barnum Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs since 2001, has been involved with the MCM since 1985 serving on the MCM Ad Hoc committee. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U. S. Marine Corps in 1962 and later became the fourth Marine recipient of the nation’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor for valor in Vietnam. He retired from the Marine Corps in August 1989. As a Marine Officer for over 27 years, Col Barnum served multiple tours as an artilleryman with both the 3rd and 2nd Marine Divisions to include two tours in Vietnam; four years at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island as Commanding Officer, Headquarters Company; Chief of Current Operations, US Central Command where he planned and executed the first U.S./Jordanian joint exercise staff as the Commander of U.S. Forces and twice planned and executed operation BRIGHT STAR spread over four southwest Asian countries involving 26,000 personnel.
Steve Bozeman – Inducted in 2000
Montgomery, AL native Steve Bozeman started his running career in 1966 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served two years in Vietnam and was awarded two Purple Hearts for combat wounds. He also received 18 Air Medals and a Navy Commendation Metal for heroism. Bozeman was honorably discharged in 1970 but the physical fitness values the USMC instilled remain with him today. Since 1987, Bozeman has carried the US flag while running the MCM alongside a Marine carrying the USMC flag to show patriotism and pride of being a Marine and while honoring those servicemen who served and died in Vietnam.
Alex Breckinridge – Inducted in 2016
Alex Breckinridge was born in the United States, then raised and educated in Scotland before returning to the United States to attend college at Villanova University. From a young age, Breckinridge earned many titles as a Cross Country runner. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and in 1958 and became a runner on the Marine Corps Base Quantico Track Team. Breckinridge was selected for the Pan America Games in 1959, and then for the U.S. Olympic Team in 1960, with the events occurring in Rome. Like Mills, Breckinridge served as a Marine Corps 1st lieutenant and after the Olympics he continued to serve in Vietnam from 1965-66 in Marine Corps Communications. In was in the mid-1970s that Breckinridge met Col. Jim Fowler and Maj. Gen. Michael Patrick Ryan who had formalized a plan to establish the Marine Corps Marathon in 1976.
Dave Brody – Inducted in 2002
When the Marine Corps Marathon shot its first starting gun in 1976, Dr. Brody was already on the course handing out water to thirsty runners. He ran the second and third MCMs. At the fourth MCM, Dr. Brody became the Medical Director. In addition to his medical director responsibilities, Dr. Brody conducted several lectures on injuries and preventative care. When the Navy took over the main medical responsibilities in the mid-1980’s from Quantico, Dr. Brody became the marathon’s Civilian Medical Consultant. Dr. Brody founded the Runners’ Clinic at George Washington University in 1978 to treated injured runners and was the director of the clinic until 1986.
Col. Will Brown, USMCR, (Ret.) – Inducted in 2010
Will Brown decided to run the very first MCM because it was being sponsored by the Marine Corps Reserves. Brown enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1967 and served active duty for four years, including a year in Vietnam. He spent 26 years in the Marine Corps Reserve and retired as a Colonel in 1998. Running MCM has special meaning for Brown who honors his father, a WWII Marine who fought and was wounded in Iwo Jima. Another family member, a distant cousin, PFC Rene Gagnon, is one of the Marines raising the flag that inspired the Iwo Jima Monument at the MCM finish line. He is one of the four Groundpounders who have participated in every MCM.
Lt. Gen. Richard E. Carey, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2011
Lt. General Richard E. Carey was tremendously instrumental in solidifying “The People’s Marathon” as one most recognized and largest marathons in the United States. Through his determination, the Marine Corps Marathon was reorganized from its origins at Marine Barracks 8th and I to Marine Corps Base Quantico where it has grown and developed into one of the most professionally organized marathons in the world. Carey participated in two MCMs, achieving his best finish time at 3:19 during the 6th MCM in 1982.
Ken Carnes – Inducted in 2000
Ken Carnes has captured five Marine Corps Marathon wheelchair division titles, including an unbeaten course record set in 1990 of 1:40:22. His other wins include 1989 (1:54:23), 1992 (1:48:56), 1995 (1:48:41) and 1999 (1:59:57). MCM Hall of Famer Kenny Carnes passed away suddenly on June 9, 2013. He already begun training for the 38th MCM. In a tv interview prior to his death, Kenny shared his love for the MCM and participating in marathons.
Colonel Raymond Celeste, Jr. – Inducted in 2019
Col Celeste has completed a total of 59 marathons and even more than his personal participation he is proud of having led others to achieve a marathon goal. The Alexandria, VA resident,, who assisted in organizing the Capitol Hill Running Club, has helped Hill staffers find fitness and accomplishment for almost two decades. Col Celeste served in the Marine Corps for 26 years as an artillery officer. It wasn’t until he was stationed in Pendleton that his running career changed forever.
Sergeant Mark Croasdale, Royal Marines – Inducted in 2023
Mark Croasdale is a decorated endurance sport athlete and won the 1999 Marine Corps Marathon. He also placed on the podium in 1996 and 1998, all in efforts as part of the annual Challenge Cup between the USMC and Royal Marines/Royal Navy.
General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2021
General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. retired from the USMC as the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s top military officer. Dunford ran his first MCM as a newly commissioned officer in 1977, ultimately totaling five marathon finishes and three MCM10Ks at the time of his induction. His participation in these events came during a highly respected USMC career. Before serving as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dunford was the 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps, capping 42 years of service.
Col. Jim Fowler, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2000
Jim Fowler enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1947. In 1975, while serving at HQMC in the Division of Reserve, he wrote a staff paper recommending the establishment of a Marine Marathon. Major General M. P. Ryan, then head of the reserves, approved the concept and forwarded it to CMC, General Louis Wilson who concurred. Colonel Fowler served as the race director for the first two Marine Marathons. In 2007, Colonel Fowler made headlines when a $0.41 US postage was issued featuring a photograph of one of Fowler’s two Purple Hearts.
Lt. Jeff Galloway, USN. – Inducted in 2015
Much like “The People’s Marathon,” Olympian Jeff Galloway’s innovative Run-Walk-Run program had enabled participants of all skill levels to complete distance events. Galloway, a 1972 Olympian in the 10,000 meters, has been a presence at the MCM for more than 20 years, completing the event a dozen times. TOday, Galloway travels across the nation presenting running clinics while encouraging runners to be safer and kinder to their bodies. Lt. Jeff Galloway served 21 years in the Navy and U.S. Navy Reserve.
Ernie Garcia, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2017
Marine mustang LtCol Ernest E. Garcia developed a passion for the MCM after running the event on a whim. His finish left a deep impact on Garcia, who later served the MCM as a public affairs officer and, later, on the Ad Hoc committee. Garcia earned graduate degrees in both public administration and sociology and graduated the Harvard Business School Excellence in Education Program. The former Dep. Asst. Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs retired as Superintendent, Kansas Highway Patrol.
Dr. Glenn Geelhoed – Inducted in 2023
Dr. Glenn Geelhoed has crossed the MCM finish line 46 times, marking him as one of the individuals with the most finishes. This dedication is also applied to his profession through his charitable work bringing medical assistance to underserved countries around the world.
Darrell General – Inducted in 2004
Darrell General is a two-time MCM winner having topped all finishers in 1995, with a time of 2:16:34, and in 1997, with a time of 2:18:21. A local running hero from Hyattsville, MD, his marathon personal record is 2:14:42 (1989).
Stuart M. “Stu” Gerson – Inducted in 2012
Stu Gerson is a longtime member of the Marine Corps Marathon Ad Hoc Publicity Committee. During the 1988 Presidential election, Gerson served as a senior advisor to the George H.W. Bush campaign and then at the start of the Clinton administration, he had the distinct honor of becoming Acting Attorney General of the United States. Gerson also served during the presidential transition of President George W. Bush. Prior to his law career, he was a U.S. Air Force counter-intelligence officer. As an avid MCM Ad Hoc Publicity Committee member, Gerson supports the Challenge Cup competition, providing history and ground rules for this competition, while underscoring the importance of the meaningful and unifying contest between military members from United States and Great Britain.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Rubén Garcia Gómez – Inducted in 2014
Rubén Garcia Gómez has been an active duty member of the Mexican Navy for 24 years, serving as a Sport Teacher, training Mexican Navy and support personnel. Currently stationed at the Unit of Naval History and Culture in Mexico City, Garcia Gómez is one of only two male athletes to have achieved back-to-back wins at the MCM. The top finisher in 2005 and 2006, Garcia Gomez finished in 2:22:18 and 2:21:20 respectively. In 2005, Garcia Gomez won the MCM by just eight seconds, the closest margin in the event history. Garcia Gomez participates with merit annually in the MCM as part of the Mexican Navy team. After a brief hiatus from participating in the MCM, Garcia Gomez returned to win the Masters Male title two consecutive years.
Jim Hage – Inducted in 2003
Jim Hage has the honor of being the Marine Corps Marathon’s first back-to-back men’s winner. In 1988, Hage battled two-time marathon winner Brad Ingram to take the title, finishing with a final burst of speed at mile 26. He crossed the finish line in 2:21:59. The next year at the 12th annual MCM, Hage repeated his winning effort, crossing the finish line at 2:20:23. Hage’s marathon personal best is 2:15:51 and he ran on two U.S. World Cup marathon teams, in 1989 in Milan, and again in 1993 in Spain.
Col. Herb Harmon, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2001
Herbert N. Harmon is a partner of Harmon, Wilmot and Brown, LLP and currently the Chairman of the Marine Corps Marathon Ad Hoc Publicity Committee. Harmon served as a platoon commander in Vietnam in 1968 and retired from the Marine Corps reserve in 1998 as a Colonel. He is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, former National Judge Advocate General of the Marine Corps Aviation Association and a member of the Marine Corps League. He also served as the Reserve Officers Association National President from 1997-1998.
Capt. Chas Henry, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2015
Washington, D. C. broadcast journalist Chas Henry first became involved with the Marine Corps Marathon in 1989. He has served since that time as a member of the event’s Ad Hoc Publicity Committee. On D. C.-area radio and TV stations, Chas has broadcast compelling stories about hundreds of MCM participants. Many other runners have been guided toward the best pre-race preparation by attending symposia he has moderated. A combat-decorated Marine Corps veteran of the 1991 Gulf War, Chas was educated at USC, Oxford and Georgetown. His journalistic work focuses on defense, intelligence and homeland security — and has taken him to more than 30 countries on five continents.
Lt. Col. Alexander Hetherington, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2009
LtCol Alex Hetherington has served as an AH-1W pilot since his commissioning in 1991 and his distinguished career included multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. LtCol Hetherington has had an extensive running career with the USMC, as an eleven-time member and eight-time captain of the All-Marine Marathon Team, bi-annually competing against the British Royal Navy/Marine Corps. Finishing 10th in 1995 with his MCM PR of 2:29:30, Hetherington was also the 1998 Inter-Service Marathon Champion and has been a three-time top Marine finisher at the MCM.
Maureen “Moe” Higgins – Inducted in 2014
Maureen Higgins, affectionately known as the ‘Leading Lady of the MCM,’ has crossed the finish line 27 times – the most of any woman – as of her Hall of Fame induction. Higgins was diagnosed and treated for stage 4 breast cancer in 2013, and heroically completed the MCM while undergoing chemotherapy. Now in remission, Higgins plans to continue participating in the MCM. She boasts a personal record at the MCM of 3:53:00.
Dick & Rick Hoyt – Inducted in 2013
Dick and Rick Hoyt successfully turned the son’s physical disabilities into the remarkable ability to complete 1,100 running events including 71 marathons, 22 Duathlons, six Ironmans and many other distance events with their “can-do” spirit. While not allowed to officially compete in their hometown race, the Hoyts turned to the Marine Corps Marathon in 1982 to establish an official qualifying time. The Hoyts completed that MCM in 2:45:23 and returned to run three additional MCMs in 1987, 1990 and 1992. It was during the 1992 MCM that the Hoyts accomplished their marathon PR together of 2:40:47. At age 51, Rick Hoyt remains on the ride of his life with his father Dick, now 73, guiding him through every stride.
Brad Ingram – Inducted in 2012
Former U.S. Marine artillery officer Brad Ingram is one of the most successful runners in Marine Corps Marathon history finishing first, second and fourth two times each over a seven year period. Ingram completed his first MCM in 1979 with a time of 2:35:01. Three short years later, his tenure as a leading runner in the MCM began when he placed fourth with a time of 2:22:49. In 1983, he repeated his fourth place finish, this time running in 2:20:36. In 1984, Ingram secured his first MCM win, improving his time from the previous year by nearly a minute to finish in 2:19:40. In 1985, he added only seven seconds to his winning time from the previous year, but took second place. In 1986, Ingram again assumed the role of MCM top finisher with a time of 2:23:13, becoming the first male repeat winner. In his final top performance at the MCM in 1988, Ingram earned a second second place finish with a time of 2:22:18.
Sgt. Maj. Domenick Irrera, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2008
Sergeant Major Domenick Irrera is responsible for the creation of the team of Sergeants Major and retired Sergeants Major that have entered into the military team category for more than 20 years.
Matthew Jaffe – Inducted in 2010
Matt Jaffe started running on the wrestling team at Bucknell University in 1962. In 1976, he decided to take on the challenge of a marathon as a means of staying in shape. Jaffe chose the first MCM as his event. He enjoyed the event so much that he has elected to return each year in hopes of reaching his goal to run and complete the first 50 MCMs. Jaffe enjoys being among the regular people running the MCM. He is one of the four Groundpounders who have participated in every MCM.
Holly Koester – Inducted in 2021
Holly Koester has the most overall MCM finishes in the Wheelchair and Hand Crank Division. A retired U.S. Army Captain, Koester experienced a life-altering accident in 1990, leaving her in a wheelchair. She finished her first marathon in 1995, eventually becoming the first person in a wheelchair to finish a marathon in 50 states. Koester first completed the MCM in 1998 and, at the time of her induction, has 16 total finishes, winning 13 times.
Thomas Kramer – Inducted in 2017
Through his 2017 induction, Thomas Kramer had completed each MCM but the very first one in 1976. His continuous participation is the second longest in MCM history. Notably, he maintained his four-decade streak by finishing MCMs after having Lyme Disease and with a battered hip. Kramer is a software engineer who also produces information models for Catholic University, and a guest researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Cynthia Lorenzoni – Inducted in 2004
Cynthia Lorenzoni has been running since 1972. She grew up in Farmington, CT where she went undefeated in cross-country and track during her four years of high school. She was the National High School Record holder for two miles in 1976 (11:03) and went on to compete for Michigan State University as a scholarship athlete and team captain in cross country, indoor and outdoor track. She added to her impressive credentials back-to-back victories at the 1981 and 1982 MCM with winning times of 2:50:33 and 2:44:51 respectively.
Susan Mallery – Inducted in 2012
Dr. Susan R. Mallery, DDS, Phd., was the first female winner of the Marine Corps Reserve Marathon in 1976, completing that event with a finishing time of 2:56:33. Mallery successfully defended her title the following year, finishing in first place with a time of 2:54:04. Prior to her MCM wins, she was a Hall of Fame student athlete for the Ohio State University track and field and cross country teams. During her collegiate career, Mallery took three top ten finishes at the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women national meets. In the same year of her first MCM win, she earned a second-place finish at the inaugural Women’s Big Ten Track and Field Championships in the three-mile. Dr. Mallery is a professor in the College of Dentistry at Ohio State University and Oral Pathology Consultant at the Ohio State University and James Cancer hospitals where she has developed new strategies for preventing oral cancer.
Sgt. Olga Markova, Soviet Army – Inducted in 2007
Markova set the record for fastest female finish at the 15th MCM with a time of 2:37:00, beating the previous record by more than five minutes. After winning the MCM in 1990, she won the Boston Marathon in 1992 and 1993.
1st Lt. Joanna Martin, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2000
Joanna Martin became the first female Marine to win the Marine Corps Marathon in 1979. Martin’s winning time was 2:58:14. Martin was the first female to be inducted into the Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Fame.
Bill Mayhugh – Inducted in 2003
Bill Mayhugh, along with Herb Harmon, Jim Fowler and Buff Mundale are the co-founders of the Marine Corps Marathon. With an active career supporting social organizations and a radio career on WMAL spanning four decades, Mayhugh was obvious choice to serve as the “Voice of the Marathon” from 1975-2001.
Maj. Megan McClung (Posthumously) – Inducted in 2013
Maj. Megan McClung served 11 years in the U.S. Marine Corps before tragically becoming the first woman Marine officer to be killed in the War in Iraq on December 2006. McClung’s connection to the MCM began simply, as a participant. She ran the MCM in 2001, 2004 and 2005. In 2006, while deployed on active duty in Iraq, McClung approached the MCM requesting to coordinate the MCM “in country” for service members deployed overseas, eventually organizing MCM Forward. Since then, MCM Forward annually has included hundreds of service members from all military branches, running from Forward Operating Bases and on U.S. Navy ships. At MCM Forward, McClung encouraged everyone to put forth his or her best effort and established the Penguin Award providing acknowledgement to the final runner that completed the 26.2 miles. In continuing the tradition at the MCM and in McClung’s memory, the Paul the Penguin Award is presented to the final official MCM finisher each year.
Ambassador J. William Middendorf, II – Inducted in 2000
Former Ambassador to the Organization of American States, the Netherlands and European Union J. William Middendorf II played an integral part in the early days of the Marine Corps Marathon. During his term as Secretary of the Navy, Middendorf encouraged and approved the first Marine Reserve Marathon. Ambassador Middendorf provided all remaining limited edition Franklin Mint replicas of the Felix DeWeldon Iwo Jima statue to the MCM to be used as trophies for the male and female MCM winners.
Sergio Micheli – Inducted in 2008
Sergio Micheli has donated his time and provided his restaurant to the MCM to serve as the location for marathon special events during race weekend and throughout the year. Most notably, The Portofino Restaurant in Arlington hosts the annual Challenge Cup Dinner, welcoming United States Marines and British Navy and Royal Marines to share a meal and enjoy the good spirit of this on-going friendly competition.
Billy Mills – Inducted in 2016
A U.S. Marine and former NCAA All-American Cross Country runner for the University of Kansas, Billy Mills set the 1964 Olympics on fire capturing the Gold Medal in the 10,000 meters, becoming the first American runner to accomplish that feat. A native of the Oglala Lokota (Sioux Indian) Tribe, Mills was orphaned at a very young age and grew up impoverished on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. In high school, Mills discovered he could not only run, but run fast. He earned a collegiate scholarship and many athletic titles prior to joining the U.S. Marines. Mills was a 1st lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve when he competed with the U.S. Olympic Team in Tokyo, as a virtual unknown on the world stage. He is co-founder of the organization Running Strong for American Indian Youth, speaking out on behalf of Native American communities.
Kenny Moore – Inducted in 2009
Kenny Moore entered the national running scene when he attended the University of Oregon as one of Bill Bowerman’s finest distance runners. After college, Moore competed in the Olympic marathon at both Mexico City and Munich games, finishing fourth in 1972. In 1976, he was the first ever finisher of the MCM, winning the new race with a time of 2:21:14. Moore would later enjoy a 25-year career at Sports Illustrated as a senior writer. Moore also co-wrote and co-produced the movie ‘Without Limits’, based on the life and tragic early death of runner Steve Prefontaine.
Rick Nealis, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2017
At the time of his induction, Major Rick Nealis had served as director of the Marine Corps Marathon for 25 years. A three-time MCM finisher, Nealis boasts a PR of 3:09:50. Rick was instrumental in attracting Oprah Winfrey to participate in the 1994 MCM, ushering in a new generation of runners. Nealis developed the Marine Corps Marathon from a single-day public relations experience into a year-long series of events, promoting physical fitness to runners of all ages and ability levels.
Gen. John M. Paxton Jr. – Inducted in 2016
After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Cornell University, General Paxton enjoyed a stellar career in the United States Marine Corps. He completed Officer Candidate School in 1974, becoming a 2nd lieutenant and rose through the Corps serving twice with the 1st Marine Division (3rd Battalion, 5th Marines and 1st Marines), once with the 2nd Marine Division (1st Battalion, 8th Marines), and twice with the 3rd Marine Division (1st Battalion, 3rd Marines and 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines). Paxton commanded at the platoon, company, battalion and regimental levels throughout this period. In 1980, Paxton was stationed for a year-long tour at Marine Barracks 8th & I in Washington, D.C. It was then that the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) was executed by the Barracks, making Paxton coordinator of the 5th MCM. It was under his leadership, that the MCM field of runners grew to over 6,000 finishers, which was the largest MCM participant field to date. Paxton became the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, the second-highest office within the Corps. He retired on Aug. 4, 2016 with 42 years of service.
Col. Paul R. Puckett, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2007
Executive Director of the 1994 MCM, Colonel Paul Puckett was responsible for growing the marathon to a weekend long event, leading to its reputation as one of the largest and most popular marathons in the world. Puckett was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1974. His distinguished military career included duty stations at Camp Pendleton, CA; Iwakuni, Japan; The Basic School, Marine Corps Development and Education Command, Quantico, VA; Okinawa, Japan; and Headquarters, Marine Corps, Washington DC. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit with gold star, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star and the Navy Commendation Medal.
Col. Al Richmond, USMCR (Ret.) – Inducted in 2010
Al Richmond was working in the Marine Corps office that was organizing the first ever MCM in 1976. At the time, Richmond disliked long-distance running and did not intend to run until a co-worker influenced him. Richmond says running the MCM is “a personal thing and I don’t want to be the one who breaks this streak early.” Richmond returns each year for the tradition and believes MCM is a way to continue being a Marine. “Fall wouldn’t be complete unless I run the MCM.” He is one of the four Groundpounders who have participated in every MCM.
Cmdr. Al Rich, Royal Navy (Ret.) – Inducted in 2002
British marathoner Al Rich is a two-time Marine Corps Masters Champion. Rich, who hails from Dorchester, England was a back-to-back champion in 1991 and 1992, finishing the races in 2:34:02 and 2:34:55 respectively. Commander Rich also competed as a member of the Challenge Cup team for the United Kingdom. He took his experience with the Challenge Cup and expanded it into a second competition. The Warriors of the Sea Competition, started in 1997, pits teams of the United States Marine runners and British Navy/Royal Marine runners in a half marathon, annually held in the United Kingdom. His personal involvement in the Challenge Cup and Warriors of the Sea competition has built a lasting legacy of direct competition and camaraderie among the members of the Royal Navy/Marines and the USMC.
Colonel Ronald Rook – Inducted in 2019
Col Rook was the Chief of Staff at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico from 1999 to 2001. During his reign, he addressed first time runners to get them through their first marathon by hosting the Semper Fit Marathon Training Clinic. During his first year of leadership, the MCM hosted 18,000 runners and caught the attention of big names, including gold medal Olympian and former Marine Billy Mills. Rock has ran 57 marathons.
MajGen. Michael Patrick Ryan, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2005
Major General Ryan grew up in Osage City, Kansas and enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1933. He was called into action in 1940 where he went on to serve in World War II. For his efforts, Major General Ryan was awarded the Navy Cross. He went on to serve in Korea in 1954, Vietnam in 1966-1967 and several tours at the Pentagon and Marine Corps Base Quantico. Major General Ryan’s final active duty assignment was as the Director of the Marine Corps Reserve. At the suggestion of Colonel Jim Fowler, the two founded the Marine Corps Reserve Marathon in 1976. Deemed “Ryan’s Run” in its inaugural year, Major General Ryan and Colonel Fowler sought to promote the Marine Corps and draw publicity for recruiting purposes. Major General Ryan’s other military awards included the Legion of Merit and the Presidential Citation with two bronze stars.
Jeff Scuffins – Inducted in 2008
Maryland native Jeff Scuffins set the record for the fastest finish in MCM in 1987 with a finish time of 2:14:01. Scuffins time topped the previous record by more than two minutes and earned a victory in the first marathon he ever completed.
Gysgt. Farley Simon, USMC (Ret.) – Inducted in 2000
Farley Simon was born in Grenada, West Indies and came to the US at the age of 16. In 1978, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. While in boot camp, he notched a perfect score on his physical fitness test and set a goal for himself to have a perfect score on every PFT for the rest of his career. In 1981, he ran his first MCM and set a goal to return to the event and be the first male Marine to win. On October 3, 1983, he accomplished his goal. Simon earned a second place finish in 1989, a fourth place finish in 1995 and, for the second time, won the MCM in 2001, but this time as a retired Marine.
Teresa Timmerman – Inducted in 2021
Teresa Timmerman has the most MCM finishes of all females. With her finish of the 47th MCM, Timmerman has compiled 34 successful completions. She first ran in 1988 and has continued to run with the Marines every year since. Timmerman is a member of the MCM Runners Club and her 33rd MCM put her on top with the most finishes amongst females.
Mel Williams – Inducted in 2001
Mel Williams took up running in high school to lose weight for the wrestling team. When he joined the Army in 1955, he continued to run as part of his required workout regime. In 1972, he became one of the founding members of the Tidewater Striders in Norfolk, VA. In 1976, Williams began 35 years of consecutive participation in the Marine Corps Marathon earning him recognition as one of the four Groundpounders.
Mary Robertson Wittenberg – Inducted in 2005
Mary Robertson Wittenberg grew up in Buffalo, NY. As teenager she took an interest in crew that would lead her into her running career. At Canisius College in NY, she served as a coxswain for the men’s crew team. Part of her role as motivator and coach included daily runs. This was an unusual position for a woman to hold at that time, but her continuous efforts to keep up with the men’s runs, started her running career. While working for a Richmond, VA law firm, Wittenberg trained for the 1987 MCM (2:44) and qualified for the 1988 Women’s Marathon Olympic Trails. In October 1998, while living in New York, Wittenberg accepted the job of Executive Vice President of Administration with the New York Road Runners Club, the highest position held by a women in the history of the club until 2005, when she was promoted to President and CEO.