Sean Astin Starts and Finishes the Historic Half

Actor Sean Astin, star of "Rudy" and "Lord of the Rings," served as the honorary starter firing the starting pistol for the Marine Corps Historic Half. Astin, who had last visited Fredericksburg as an 8 year old on a school field trip, drove the course the night prior to scout out Hospital Hill and met his time goal finishing in 2:11:58. Astin was joined by runners from across the country (47 states this year and eight countries, not represented ND, SD, WY) including 2,668 military participants and 1,135 running Fredericksburg residents. Add to those totals the 369 deployed military participating in Historic Half Forward in Afghanistan, Islamabad and Turkmenistan.

Both Winners Post Fourth Fastest Finish in Event History

The Marine Corps Historic Half marathon enjoyed its largest participation with 6,292 finishers including top finisher from the United States Coast Guard, Lt. j.g. Patrick Fernandez, who posted the fourth fastest finish time in event history finishing at 1:11:05. Finishing first among women was Laura Garrow, 24, of Blacksburg, VA, who broke the tape at 1:24:27, interestingly also the fourth fastest finish time among female participants in the six-year history of the Historic Half.  Marine Corps Reservist Capt. Amanda Burke, 28, of Alexandria, VA finished in second place at 1:29:12. Burke and Fernandez also took top active duty military honors with awards presented BAE Systems.

757 Runners Usher in New Historic 10K

The inaugural Historic 10K began just past the sixth mile of the Historic Half course and before long took runners up Hospital Hill. Sgt. Jack Sutter, 28, a U.S. Marine serving in Dover, DE, was first to complete the 6.2 mile event in 37:05. Taking first place for Historic 10K women was Erin Masterson, 29, of Alexandria, VA who finished in 44:34.

Second Largest Semper Fred 5K Scales Hospital Hill

The Semper Fred 5K presented by Hyundai Hope On Wheels hosted 732 finishers, the event's second-largest participation since it began in 2008. A completely new Semper Fred course also took 5K runners for a daunting challenge up Hospital Hill. Leading the charge was Marine 1st Lt. Christopher White, 28, of Sneads Ferry, NC, who finished in 17:44. Twelve-year-old Brenna Kiel of Fredericksburg topped all female finishers at 26:08.

Inviting Runner Feedback

Thanks in advance for taking some time to answer the Historic Half Runner Feedback Survey. The information shared by Historic Half participants supports the planning process for next year's event.

Video from the Historic Half Finish Line

Visit the Comcast SportsNet website for video footage of the Historic Half finish line. Easily find yourself or your favorite runner crossing the finish line as the videos are broken into short time blocks reflecting finish time.

A Picture Perfect Day for Your 13.1

The scenery was memorable, the Marines were motivating, you ran strong, maybe even near Sean Astin or NBC4's Chuck Bell and, best of all, MarathonFoto captured all the action by taking over 100,000 images on event morning. Check out the many images taken of you and every other runner along the Historic Half, Historic 10K and Semper Fred courses. Photos are available for purchase as digital files or on commemorative products.

Results and Downloadable Finisher Certificates

Finisher results and split-time information can be accessed through the Historic Half website. A downloadable finisher certificate is also available to Historic Half participants to print and proudly display. A special thank you to all the volunteers who supported the runners at Packet Pick-up, on the course and at the finish.

 

Historic Half Introduces New Age Awards

While the top finishers received their hardware at the finish line in a special award ceremony on event morning, age group winners will be notified about their status soon and be treated to brand new recognition pieces. Developed in partnership with Warrior Chip, the top male and female runners in 10-year age groups for the Semper Fred and Historic 10K and the top three runners in five year increments for the Half will receive the new awards. Specially crafted cherry wood boxes house a limited edition coin minted specifically for each event to be given exclusively to age award winners. The 10K and 5K will present awards from ages 9 and under to 70 and up. The Historic Half provides awards for runners ages 10-14 and 75 and up.


Historic Half Apparel and Commemoratives

Visit the Historic Half online store to purchase event-inspired technical apparel and souvenirs. Limited supplies remain. Lasting Commemoratives offers plaques and other keepsakes featuring original Fredericksburg-inspired artwork. Use promo code MCHALF for free shipping and a free art card, while supplies last.


Celebrate Your Appreciation for the Marines and Run Crossroads 4-Miler

The Crossroads 4-Miler, held on September 7, offers runners of all ages a chance to chase down Marine Corps History. The first three miles run parallel to Marine Corps Base Quantico, known as the "Crossroads of the Marine Corps." The final mile follows the hallowed ground of the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park above the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Along the path, monuments have been erected to honor various Marine Corps organizations and those who served in them. The Crossroads 4-Miler finishes against the backdrop of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, in front of legendary "Iron Mike," the statue depicting the individual Marine spirit. Register now for the 4-Miler that will put runners in zone counting down to the MCM in October.