Glory | 2023

2023 Official Historic Half Program

Official Letters pg.1

Oscar Mike: On the Move

pg.20

Course Maps pg.4

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CONTENTS 01 OFFICIAL LETTERS Read the official letters from the Director of the Marine Corps Marathon Organization and the Mayor of Fredericksburg.

08 WEEKEND INFORMATION Event Schedule, Security Info, Transportation and Heat Index Guide all in one place to help you be ready to have a safe and successful weekend!

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MCHH WEEKEND COURSE MAPS

15 SPECTATOR GUIDE Whether your wanting to motivate a single runner or cheer on everyone, we have some tips for our weekend spectators to make sure you can have the best experience for both you and the runners.

17 IRON MILE COMPANY An exclusive group of runners that have continued to run the Marine Corps Historic Half since its inception.

Which of our dedicated runners will continue to be Iron Made in 2023?

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MEET OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGERS

COMMEMORATE YOUR MARATHON EXPERIENCE

Learn about the singers who are proud to sing the National Anthem at the Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend.

Whether this is your first or your eigth marathon, find out how you can keep those motivating memories of when you ran with the Marines.

20 OSCAR MIKE: ON THE MOVE Learn more about two individuals being honored with this year’s Oscar Mike Award.

Major General David W. Maxwell

Ken Delahoussaye

Colonel Michael L. Brooks

Jim Jackson

Commander, Marine Corps Installations Command

Commander, MCINCR - Marine Corps Base Quantico

Manager, Contract and Purchasing Manager, Business

Ashleigh Gawat

Senior Graphics Specialist Glory Design

Glory Program Contributors:

Alex Hetherington

Bret Schmidt

Angela Anderson Andrea Fernandez Kristen Loflin Ashleigh Gawat

Angela Anderson

Andrea Fernandez

Photography:

Director, Marine Corps Marathon Organization Deputy Director, Business & Marketing

Cory Cole

Deputy Director, Plans & Operations

Manager, Operations

Manager, Sponsorship & Marketing

Kristen Loflin

Marine Corps Marathon Organization Communications, Strategy & Operations, MCINCR - Marine Corps Base Quantico

Public Relations Coordinator NO FEDERAL OR MARINE CORPS ENDORSEMENT IMPLIED.

May 2023 |

MARINE CORPS MARATHON ORGANIZATION M C B Q 3399 RUSSELL ROAD QUANTICO, VA 22134

FROM EVERY CLIME AND PLACE TO EVERY COMMUNITY: A MARINE CORPS SALUTE TO VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS In his 1796 farewell address as the outgoing first president of the United States, George Washington urged citizens to observe the Constitution as a bond which united the nation and inspired individuals to strive for something greater than themselves.

"Citizens by birth or oice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. e name of AMERICAN, whi belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.” - George Washington.

rough its diverse military and government service community, the City of Fredericksburg and Commonwealth of Virginia exemplify this call to action by our Founding Father, a fiing legacy for his boyhood home and lifelong state of residence.

Among those who most resolutely continue to heed this call are the Veteran and First Responder communities by demonstrating the instinctive dedication and resilience to serve their fellow citizens. In doing so, these brave men and women exchange collective risk to our shared way of life for individual peril and sacrifice, which also extends to the family members who selflessly support, enable and oen continue their service.

Consequently, it is my privilege to welcome all competitors, volunteers, guests and sponsors to this 16th Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend as an active, united and emphatic celebration of the honor, courage and commitment of Veterans and First Responders that is the stable foundation for our shared national pride, prosperity and happiness. e Marine Corps Marathon Organization Staff joins me is wishing you the very best as you run with purpose and finish with pride!

Semper Fidelis,

Alex Hetherington Director Marine Corps Marathon Organization

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Greatest Half in History

| May 2023

Mary Katherine Greenlaw

CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG

Mayor

P.o. Box 7447 Fredericksburg, VA 22404 Telephone: 540-372-1022

PROCLAMATION

MARINE CORPS HISTORIC HALF WHEREAS, on Sunday, May 21, 2023, the City of Fredericksburg will welcome thousands of motivated runners to experience the premier annual event and the greatest half marathon in history, the Marine Corps Historic Half; WHEREAS, the City of Fredericksburg celebrates Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend from May 19 through May 21, as the city welcomes the United States Marine Corps to host running events though the historic streets and downtown. e U.S. Marine Corps embodies honor, courage and commitment and showcases distance running events with pride and purpose through the historic sites and nearby shopping districts; WHEREAS, the Marines challenge runners with the three distance options of the Marine Corps Historic Half, Semper 5ive and Devil Dog Double. Together, these events invite thousands of runners, spectators and volunteers from across the United States, around the globe, throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and their hometown of Fredericksburg to experience the City’s historic views and welcoming neighborhoods. e City of Fredericksburg encourages residents to be inspired by this showcase of fitness and cheer from front porches, greet runners in town and volunteer alongside the men and women of the United States Marine Corps; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Mayor of Fredericksburg, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Sunday, May 21, 2023, Marine Corps Historic Half Day and I encourage the citizens of this community to open their arms with support, cheer on the runners and display warm hospitality to all; FURTHER, I urge Fredericksburg citizens to embrace the mission of the Marine Corps Marathon Organization by leading an active and healthy lifestyle, to generate community spirit and honor the men and women of the United States Marine Corps.

Mary Katherine Greenlaw Mayor

#RUNWITHTHEMARINES

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May 2023 | City of Fredericksburg Office of the Mayor

Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Mayor P.O. Box 7447 Fredericksburg, VA 22404-7447 Telephone: 540-372-1022 www.fredericksburgva.gov

May 1, 2023 Greetings: As the Mayor of the City of Fredericksburg, it is my pleasure to welcome each of you to our City. We are delighted to have the Marine Corps Historic Half returning for the 16th year.

We’ve been honored to host this event through historic downtown Fredericksburg and as you run through our historic streets we hope you will take in the views of our beautiful City. While you are in Fredericksburg we hope you will have an opportunity to visit our many historic sites, art galleries, Riverfront Park, 40-block historic district and the abundant choices for dining. Please visit FXBG.com for visitor information about the City of Fredericksburg.

I urge Fredericksburg citizens to embrace the mission of the Marine Corps Marathon Organization by leading an active and healthy lifestyle, to generate community spirit and honor the men and women of the United States Marine Corps. ank you for being a part of the greats half marathon in history, the Marine Corps Historic Half. Stay healthy and have a great run!

Sincerely,

Mary Katherine Greenlaw Mayor

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CITY BANNER

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VENDOR CHECK-IN

YOGA

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DDD SHIRTS S5 SHIRTS LATE REGISTRATION SOLUTION CENTER S5 PPU DDD PPU VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN

Event Shirt Booths Packet Pick-up

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MCHH SHIRTS

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PANELS

310 Cropper Home Sales LLC 208 Crossfit Forward 207 FinisherPix 312 Fleet Feet 410 Fletcher Home 303 Fredericksburg Area Running Club (FARC) 404 Fredericksburg Area Tourism 409 Heartland Foods 202 J & A Racing 501 LeafFilter Gutter Protection 201 Marathon Maniacs 212 Mary Washington Healthcare 100 National Running Center 102 Navy Federal Credit Union 105 NORD 407 NUUN Hydration 203 Prince William Police Department 305 Rebellion / Gwyneth’s Gift 205 Richmond Marathon 302 Semper Fi & America's Fund 211 Sparkly Soul Inc. 309 Sports Specifics LLC 311 Sprelly – The New Way to PB&J 500 Therapy Dogs 308 True Honey Teas 204 wear blue: run to remember 104 YOGASIX

Coleman Truck

209 Building Homes for Heroes 210 Coastal Race Productions 300 Cogent Steps

EVENT SCHEDULE

May 2023 |

FRIDAY, MAY 19 3:30 P.M.

4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Healthy Lifestyle Expo Opening Ceremony

Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Healthy Lifestyle Expo and Packet Pick-Up

Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SATURDAY, MAY 20 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Healthy Lifestyle Expo and Packet Pick-Up

Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SUNDAY, MAY 21 5:30 A.M. Historic Half Opening Ceremonies

Historic Half Start Line, Carl D. Silver Parkway & Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard

5:58 A.M.

Historic Half Wheels & Duos Start

6:00 A.M.

Historic Half & Devil Dog Double Start

Historic Half Start Line

Historic Half Start Line

6:00 A.M.

Semper 5ive Start

Washington Avenue & James Monroe High School

8:00 A.M. Semper 5ive Awards: Overall, Masters, Grand Masters, Lower Body Impairment & Age Awards Historic Half Awards: Overall, Masters, Grand Masters, Hand Cycle & Lower Body Impairment Awards Finish Festival - Awards Podium

9:30 A.M. Historic Half Awards: Teams & Age Awards Devil Dog Double Awards: Overall, Masters, Grand Masters & Age Awards Finish Festival - Awards Podium

6:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. Finish Festival

Wegman’s Parking Lot

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Greatest Half in History

SECURITY INFO

| May 2023

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES TO HELP ENSURE YOU HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE HISTORIC HALF WEEKEND.

All bags, backpacks and persons subject to screening Emergency Evacuation

Follow the instructions of security/police officers or public address system

no WEAPONS of any kind

no smoking

fireworks, no explosives, or flammables

mace, no aerosols, or pepper spray

or illegal no alcoholic substances

darts, or other no missiles, projectile-like objects

no drones

no blades or sharp objects

including any and all firearms, knives/blades, tasers, ammunition, chains, projectiles, spikes, items resembling weapons, etc.

except in designated exterior areas

*Exception: Alcoholic beverages available at event.

including any unmanned aircraft systems *Exception: Authorized/credentialed personnel with prior approval.

Credentials must be visible at all times.

no laser pointers

no pets

except registered service animals

determined as no items potential safety hazards

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.

PLEASE REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES TO THE POLICE OR DIAL 911. #RUNWITHTHEMARINES

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TRANSPORTATION

May 2023 |

FRIDAY, MAY 19 Free Parking for the Healthy Lifestyle Expo Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SATURDAY, MAY 20 Free Parking for the Healthy Lifestyle Expo Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Free Shuttle - Historic Downtown 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center to Hurkamp Park, Fredericksburg Visitor Center and Goolricks Antiques Runners and their families should look for the blue and white Shuttle Stop signs.

SUNDAY, MAY 21 Free Parking for all three events

Central Park Within walking distance of the Marine Corps Historic Half Start/Finish.

Free Shuttle - Semper 5ive Start Line 4:00 a.m. - 5:15 a.m.

Pre-Event Pick-Up will be near the Homewood Suites.

There will be no post-event shuttle service.

Semper 5ive start line spectators will be responsible for their own transportation 11 from the finish area.

Greatest Half in History

HEAT INDEX CHART | May 2023

#RUNWITHTHEMARINES

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Hits

Family Friendly

Bee AJ 5OC

Tunes

Creative

Music Traffic

Care-A-Thon Hilarious Events

Live

Today

B101.5 Community

Trapper Young

Jeremy Grey

Radio Local 50/50 Deals

Listeners Regional

Adam West

Support

May 2023 |

Businesses

Buzzy

Dependable

Podcasts

Advertising

The B

B1015.com Kristie McIntyre

Bill Carroll

Brittany

News

Kristin Nash

Fun Listen

Town Talk Chuck Archer Text Marketing

Interviews

Games

Partners Ted Schubel NewsTalk1230.net Today's Best Music Prizes

DOWNLOAD OUR APP TODAY! MARINE CORPS HISTORIC HALF APP

• Track-A-Runner •Course Maps • Live Results • Leaderboard • Spectator / Viewing Locations

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#RUNWITHTHEMARINES

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May 2023 |

SPECTATOR

GUIDE

Thousands of spectators and community members come out to support runners for all of the Marine Corps Historic Half Events. With live entertainment, historic landmarks, beautiful neighborhoods and local businesses lining the course, Fredericksburg offers an ideal backdrop for motivating the masses. We wanted to share some tips to help you cheer everyone on: ∙ Be vibrant. Wear bright colors or a costume to get your runner’s attention. The same goes for signs! ∙ Know your runner’s pace-per-mile. This will help you plan where to see your runner along the course. ∙ Be informed. Register for Track-A-Runner services for real-time updates sent via email, text message, Facebook or Twitter. Be sure to note your runner’s bib number for tracking. ∙ Be aware of your position on the course. If you’re more than a mile from the finish line, avoid shouting, “You’re almost there!” to runners. ∙ Remember that only registered runners should be on the course.

This is designated by their bibs. Give them the right-of-way by staying on the curb and off the streets. ∙ Plan a post-event link up. Designate a place at the Finish Festival to meet up with your runner, and enjoy the free entertainment.

BEST BETS Click each section for location.

Historic Half and Devil Dog Double Start

The pre-event ceremony begins at 5:30 a.m., with all the pageantry and excitement expected of a Marine Corps organized event. Start line is located at Carl D. Silver Parkway and Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard. The race will begin at 5:58 a.m. for wheeled athletes and Duos and 6:00 a.m. for runners with the blast of a Howitzer.

Semper 5ive Start

The Semper 5ive start line is located at James Monroe High School. Send your runner off with cheers at 6 a.m. Semper 5ive start line spectators will be responsible for their own transportation back to the finish area. Shuttles will only run from the parking areas prior to the event start.

Caroline Street

Cheer on Historic Half and Devil Dog Double runners while enjoying the historic sites in downtown Fredericksburg. Check out some of the local shops while you are there!

Mary Washington Boulevard and Care Way

Non-stop screaming, yelling and shouting is required to propel runners as they are conquering “Hospital Hill,” the most challenging portion of the course.

Finish (near Wegmans)

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Welcome runners home at the finish line for all three events. You can even cheer on your Devil Dog Double runner as they turn back out for their final five miles.

Greatest Half in History

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Participants have the option to link their personal wearables to their account to track their run and submit results. Log into your participant account to view wearable options.

Sync your device under the “Your Devices” tab in your participant account prior to starting your virtual event. Once connected, the activity from your device will sync directly to your account.

After completing the virtual Marine Corps Historic Half event(s), runners must submit their results through their haku account between May 6 and May 21, 2023.

Results may be submitted via a link to a public page from an app, a screenshot, a photo of a watch or treadmill or directly from a supported wearable device. Ensure to record both distance and time in your submission.

TO DOWNLOAD YOUR VIRTUAL BIB: 1. Log into your participant account.

2. Click on “Your Registrations”.

3. Click on MCM Weekend registration.

4. Click “Get Your Virtual Bib”. Each bib will feature your assigned bib number.

TO CONNECT/SYNC YOUR WEARABLE: 1. Log into your participant account.

2. Click on “Your Devices” at the top of the screen.

3. In the “Manage” tab, click connect under your device.

4. You will be prompted to log into your wearable device.

Don’t have a wearable device? Download the free Fitbit app on your smartphone and use the MobileRun® feature to track pace, time and distance.

MCHH Finisher Certificates will be available as soon as runners upload results. Accessible through a participant’s haku account, the certificate includes the runner’s name and finish time, and may be shared digitally or printed for framing.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FINISHER CERTIFICATE STEP-BY-STEP

1. Log into Participant Account 2. Click “Your Registrations” 3. On the right side, click on “See Your Finisher Details” 4. Click on “View Your Results” 5. Click on “Download Finisher Certificate”

#RUNWITHTHEMARINES

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May 2023 | amed after the Iron Mines Company, a mining and smelting operation founded in nearby Spotsylvania in 1725, the 82 runners comprising the Iron Mile Company have completed every Marine Corps Historic Half since its inception in 2008.

N

Membership in this exclusive group must be maintained by continuing to run and finish the Historic Half every year. Since 2017, a finish in the Devil Dog Double also qualifies. The current company is comprised of 29 women and 52 men. The youngest runner is 30; the oldest is 76. Iron Mile members hail from 8 states and the District of Columbia with 23 runners from right here in Fredericksburg!

IRON MILE COMPANY

Each runner in the Iron Mile Company has displayed their dedication and resiliency by conquering the distance virtually in 2020 and 2021 before returning to once again run live in 2022. Who will continue to be Iron Made in 2023?

DELAWARE Suni Edson GEORGIA Shannon Riffe-Orca Amanda Stift ILLINOIS Trent Runyon MARYLAND Charles Cook David Huryk Andrew Kimmell Carlos Mendes Daniel Pannullo, Sr. Simon Reynolds Samuel Santos NORTH CAROLINA Mary Castro David DeHart NEW YORK Daniel Payne OHIO Paula Banks Anne Denton PENNSYLVANIA Robert Abbott Robert Muhlhauser Beth Muhlhauser

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VIRGINIA Richard Agnew Denver Alexander, III* James Armond* Francisco Barboza* Jennifer Bonney* Kevin Bouffard* Dennis Bradecamp* Bob Brammer* David Bridi* Christopher Brock Michael Buck* Anthony Capizzi Christopher Cella Brett Chappell* Kim Crisp Vic Culp* Timothy Daniels Matthew Denson* Laurie Dishman Kathy Early Rex Edwards Sharon Firewicz* Mark Glass* Jim Gogan Stephanie Hayden* Julie Heflin* Jeffrey Higgins* Beth Howser Jack Hyland* Robyn Johnson Joseph Kairys Michael Kimes Joseph Kingman*

Sandra Latta Evan Lewis Laura Linville Steve Lisco* Christian Lisco* Gilbert Macias Nick Marino Sylvia Nelson Lance Nelson Kerry O’Neill* Odysseas Pentakalos Debbie Pereira Joe Pereira Robert Platt Thomas Presecan Tammy Rall Anna Sargent Susan Snead Joseph Soley Lawrence Taber Greg Ubben Donna Ubben Vickie Veley Jerry Warden Dan Weidensaul Cindy Whitehead* Amy Wilmerton Gary Winch WASHINGTON D.C. Annie Cocchiaro

*Local to Fredericksburg Greatest Half in History

Ceremonial Starter Marine Corps Historic Half & Devil Dog Double

MEET OUR

NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGERS

Craig Crenshaw

Julie Perry & Barbara Powell

are twin sisters and long-standing members of the Fredericksburg Music Community, proud to be back for the second time to sing the National Anthem at the Marine Corps Historic Half Events. Barbara has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with a concentration in piano and voice from James Madison University and is currently the Choir Director at Walker Grant Middle School in the City of Fredericksburg.

Julie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Industry with a concentration in voice, also from James Madison University. She is the Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism for Orange County. Both Julie and Barbara have been active performers, church musicians and adjudicators in the Fredericksburg area for many years. Local audiences will recognize one or both of them from performances at the Riverside Dinner Theater, Salem Baptist Church, Wilderness Community Church, the Spotsylvanians, the Fredericksburg Chamber Chorale, Maranatha Music Ministries, and Shiloh Baptist Church in King George. Barbara has conducted All-County and All-District Choral events in the region and both sisters are regular adjudicators for All-District and All-State Choir events annually. More than anything, Julie and Barbara love the opportunity to make music together and with their families – including their very talented children Christian Powell, Andrew Powell and Rosey Perry.

SECRETARY OF VETERANS AND DEFENSE AFFAIRS

Craig has over 30 years of leading robust logistics products and services across a global network.

He served as the president of Claxton Logistics Services. He spent many years in leadership roles in the United States Marine Corps and retired as a Major General. Craig served as the Senior Executive of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and prior to that he was the Director of Manpower Management for the United States Marine Corps.

Craig also served as the Commanding General of Marine Corps Logistics Command and the Director of Logistics Plans and Policy for the United States Marine Corps. Additionally, he served as the Vice Director for Logistics at the Joint Chiefs of Staffs.

Craig received his B.A. in Political Science from Southern University and A&M College. In addition, he has an M.A. from Webster University and an M.S. from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.

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Greatest Half in History

Congrats on a job well done, runners!

Together, we can improve lives and make our neighborhoods stronger #RunWithTheMarines Sponsored by

HIGH STANDARDS • MAKE A DIFFERENCE • RESPECT • EMPOWER • CARE • HIGH STANDARDS

HIGH STANDARDS • MAKE A DIFFERENCE • RESPECT • EMPOWER • CARE • HIGH STANDARDS

May 2023 | • CARE • HIGH STANDARDS • MAKE A DIFFERENCE • RESPECT • EMPOWER •

Half in History • CARE • HIGH STANDARDS • MAKE A19DIFFERENCE • RESPECT Greatest • EMPOWER •

| May 2023

OSCAR MIKE

ON THE MOVE Since 2010, the Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) has honored an individual whose outstanding contributions to the Marine Corps Historic Half, the running community and the City of Fredericksburg are unmatched. This year, it was deemed that two individuals are to be honored with the 2023 Oscar Mike Award.

Fitting as these two made a pretty good team…

Kim Herbert

truly came together as all parties worked out logistics, operations and more.

Kim Herbert and her husband moved to Fredericksburg almost 35 years ago where they raised their two sons. Herbert quickly became involved with the City of Fredericksburg as a contractor to put on the First Night in Fredericksburg, a New Year’s Eve celebration.

Herbert’s part of the operation was to oversee all the event permits and communicate to the residents, businesses and churches about all aspects of the Historic Half. In the first year, this was especially challenging, “as many organizations were highly doubtful and didn’t want it (the event) to be on a Sunday. Did not want it running through downtown,” explained Kim. “They just did not see what we saw. Did not see the impact of what it could be.”

With the impending Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, the city began focusing on tourism and needed a part-time staff to head up the initiative. Herbert’s experience in event planning made her an ideal fit.

Looking to bring a new event to a new area, members of the Marine Corps Marathon Organization approached the City of Fredericksburg about what would become the Marine Corps Historic Half Events. As this new endeavor would require all departments of the City to work intimately together, it became the responsibility of the Special Events Committee with Herbert serving as the Co-Chair along with Fredericksburg Police Department Captain Mike Presutto. It was in these meetings that the Historic Half #RUNWITHTHEMARINES

Photo Courtesy of Kim Herbert

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May 2023 |

easier. “Organizations were calling to find out how they could be a part of it. How can we do this? How can we do that? To this day, there are groups out there that rearrange staff, rearrange church times because they now know and are excited for everyone to come,” stated Herbert.

Herbert even enjoyed the festivities one year herself by participating in the weekend when it included the Semper Fred 5K, an event no longer offered. “I did it because I wanted to know the feeling of crossing that line,” said Herbert. “Sure enough, I crossed the line and cried because I was so excited in that feeling of accomplishment and all those people cheering for you.”

Photo Courtesy of Kim Herbert

However, in May of 2008, all the hard work came together as the inaugural Marine Corps Historic Half welcomed runners from various states and countries. “I have always loved large-scale events, and seeing the Marine Corps do it was just phenomenal and watching a well-oiled machine,” said Herbert.

Her 5K finish was a one and done as Herbert now prefers to spend her Marine Corps Historic Half Sunday cheering on runners from her residence in Downtown Fredericksburg along with her grandchildren.

“They are out there early in the morning, cheering them (runners) on. We put a sprinkler out there when it’s hot. It’s been so much “It just showed you the pride fun to share that now with and the determination that them,” expressed Herbert.

It was that first year that Herbert contributes as her most memorable. “It was amazing on the day of - the energy and the the Marine Corps has to put This year, Herbert plans to excitement and what it on an event and to do it right greet her husband at the brought to the city was and leave things even better.” finish line as he completes the Semper 5ive. Still, just so cool,” expressed old habits die hard, and Herbert. “The event ran, Herbert knows she will still be watching and the streets were open just like they said they would be open. They said downtown was going to be open at 9:30. Guess what? It was open at 9:20. One thing we (the city) always loved is that the streets were always cleaner, even before they had the event. It just showed you the pride and the determination that the Marine Corps has to put on an event and to do it right and leave things even better.”

Following the success of the first year, getting the community on board become Photo Courtesy of Kim Herbert

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Greatest Half in History

| May 2023

for that thing that could go wrong. “The Marine Corps did teach me you’re looking for anything and always on high alert,” stated Herbert. “It will be interesting to pull that back and say that it isn’t my job. It will be fun to relax and really enjoy the other runners knowing that the city is in such good hands.”

Captain Mike Presutto

Herbert officially retired from the City of Fredericksburg in December 2022 after 21 years. Her role as the city liaison was paramount in the development of an idea to an annual event. Her dedication and expertise have been crucial to the last 15 years of the Historic Half Weekend. Without her, the Historic Half wouldn’t be “on the move” for all these years.

“I just always see us as a team. The city is a team, and we work as a team with the Marine Corps who is an excellent team,” expressed Herbert. “To pull me out of that team is just incredibly nice, incredibly special. This will solidify my final farewell.”

Photo Courtesy of Fredericksburg Police Department

After serving as a Police Officer in Florida and with Prince William County, Mike Presutto decided to move closer to home taking a position with the Fredericksburg Police Department in 2000.

Like Herbert, his involvement with the Marine Corps Historic Half was from the very beginning as the Co-Chair for the Special Event Committee. Presutto first worked a traffic point in the early years of the event, but later he become even more involved in the planning aspects. “In 2014, they put me in contingency command because they were preparing for, the person at the time who was doing all the planning, his retirement,” explained Presutto. “In 2015, I shared his position in the command post and got involved with the planning portion of it. Been involved in the planning portion ever since.”

All the years of planning haven’t come without its challenges of course. Internally, Presutto was responsible for the law enforcement’s staffing and logistics, but he

Photo Courtesy of Kim Herbert

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May 2023 |

presenting Presutto as also attributes natural city growth as a hurdle. “It’s a true honor to be receiving one of this year’s Oscar “I think working with this and it’s definitely going to be a Mike Award recipients. the Marine Corps, the lifetime memory for me.”

“I feel like I am being city and the constant honored for everyone movement of the start else’s work that they have and finish line, especially with the baseball done for me. I know I have been involved in stadium and the development in that area,” it quite a bit, but I feel like everyone has as explained Presutto. “Just development it’s been a team effort. Everyone has done throughout the course with the circle being it with me, but we have done it as a team,” added down on Fall Hill Avenue.” expressed Presutto. “It’s a true honor to be receiving this and it’s definitely going to be Still, those challenges presented an even a lifetime memory for me.” greater satisfaction year after year. “Just being part of the planning team and putting Congrats on crossing the finish line Kim and it all together while working with Bret (Bret Mike - this time one of retirement and as an Schmidt, operations manager at MCMO) and Oscar Mike recipient. his team, and Angela (Angela Anderson, deputy director of business and marketing at MCMO), having it all come together OSCAR MIKE and seeing it be successful and working Past Recipients out,” expressed Presutto. “It wasn’t just the 2010 Jessica Cash Mike Presutto show. It was a team effort Broadcaster Star Radio Group by everyone, all the other city department, 2011 Jack Morrison the police department, Kim Herbert, fire Former President of Fredericksburg Area Running Club department and then, obviously, your team 2012 Mark Bledsoe up there at the half marathon.”

Deputy Fire Chief (Retired) Now, it’s Presutto’s turn to train and sit back as this year will mark his last year as a member of the team. Like his former CoChair, Kim Hebert, Presutto will be enjoying retirement soon.

2013

James Swisher Mary Washington Healthcare

2014

Rick Pennock Fredericksburg Police

2015

Matt Kelly City Councilman At Large

2016

Before he enjoys a little rest and relaxation, the Marine Corps Marathon Organization is grateful to display our gratitude in

Karen Hedelt Former Director of Economic Development & Tourism

2017

Dr. Tom Tomzak Former Mayor of Fredericksburg 2004-2012

2018

Doug Fawcett Assistant City Manager of Fredericksburg

2019

Congressman Robert Wittman U.S. Representative

2020

Howard Thomas Former Treasurer of Fredericksburg Area Running Club

2022

Eddie Allen Former Fredericksburg fire chief

*No Oscar Mike awardee in 2021 due to virtual-only event.

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Greatest Half in History

| May 2023

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Ortho.mwhc.com No Federal endorsement implied.

Located in Fredericksburg and Leesburg, Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen offers an experience that draws inspiration from our rich, shared history. Our menu is bourbon inspired and locally sourced and can be paired with a selection from our 170+ varieties of awarddecorated bourbon, whiskey and spirits.

Pull up a seat at one of our locations and let us show you what we’ve been working on; we believe every table is meant to be shared.

find us by visiting eatatrebellion.com 24

#RUNWITHTHEMARINES

#stayhydrated

May 2023 |

Nuun + Water = Hydration Bliss 25

Greatest Half in History

commemorate | May 2023

How will you remember the moment you ran with the Marines?

Click the logos to commemorate your memories.

Allied Medal Hangers

Photo Courtesy of MCMO.

DISPLAY MEDALS LOUD AND PROUD

NEVER FORGET YOUR RACE

PERSONALIZE YOUR FINISHER MEDALS

Allied Medal Hanger designs are distinctive and created by our fulltime in house graphic design team.

Once designed, Allied Medal Hangers are cut from the highest quality 304 brushed stainless steel using a highpowered precision laser which allows us to achieve stunning detail in our designs. Following the cutting, each hanger is inspected and boxed by our devoted production team, who ensures the medal hanger goes through a strict quality test process before sending out.

Relive race day with your very own FinisherPix photo package, complete with video, prints, downloads (hello, new screensaver). Plus, get a free Outside+ subscription with purchases over $39.99.

Are you taking part in your first ever running event? Aiming for PR? Raising awareness for a cause? Or perhaps it’s just a special occasion with friends and family? Whatever the reason, why not mark that memory with an iTAB.

Our company is a second-generation woman owned and operated business.

We are the original creators of the stainless steel medal hanger crafted in Redmond, Washington USA. We’ve been selling our medal hangers for 10+ years and have received thousands of reviews from customers just like you who are thrilled their Allied Medal Hanger has withstood the test of time and the weight of a lifetime of medals.

*New for 2023, add-on a finisher medal with customizable plaque featuring your name, finish time, and a race photo of your choosing.

by Allied Steel

#RUNWITHTHEMARINES

by FinisherPix

As the Marine Corps Historic Half photographer, FinisherPix will be on course to capture multiple images of you at several locations on the course, including the finish line, so make sure to smile (or show your best pain face) when you see us!

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by iTAB

The iTAB is an engraved plate which allows you to personalize your running achievement with your name and time. If you’d like this special memento from event day, you can purchase your very own iTAB to attach to your medal ribbon.

NO FEDERAL OR MARINE CORPS ENDORSEMENT IMPLIED.

A MARINE CORPS

SA LUTE

to VETERANS &

FIRST RESPONDERS Semper Fidelis!