All Historic Half Weekend participants should check their email in-boxes for the official e-Card to be used at Packet Pick-up at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo on May 15-16 at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center (2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway). All runners are required to show the e-Card on a smartphone screen or present a printed version to receive the official bib with timing device, technical competitor shirt and event program. If unable to attend the Expo, runners may have their materials picked up by another individual, but must follow Proxy Pick-up directions on the e-Card.

The Healthy Lifestyle Expo showcases health, fitness, food and exercise with featured exhibits from Mary Washington Healthcare, Pohanka Nissan, Navy Federal Credit Union, Dole, Select Physical Therapy, First Command and Sprelly. The free, open-to-all Expo will be held Friday, May 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The Expo opening ceremony will be held on May 15 at 3:30 p.m.

Veteran actor David McCallum, recognized for his portrayal of Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Donald ("Ducky") Mallard on the top rated CBS drama, "NCIS," will greet Historic Half runners starting at 1 p.m. on May 16 at Speaker Square inside the Healthy Lifestyle Expo at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center. Other feature presentations in Speaker Square include VA Runner at 5 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday; MCM Director Rick Nealis at 11 a.m. on Saturday; and group exercise sessions on Saturday led by GoGo Fitness at 12:30 p.m. and Dance Trance Fitness at 2:30 p.m.

Runners, you can automatically have split times (up-to-the-minute timing status) sent out over a Twitter feed. In addition to tracking runner updates over social media, your team of spectators and those supporters from afar can register to receive timing updates delivered via email or text message. Results will be delivered instantaneously. Share the link and register for this amazing service.

Glory, the 2015 Historic Half event program, distributed to runners at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo, features important transportation information, course maps, the weekend schedule, runner profiles and more. Get a jump on Historic Half Weekend and read the interactive version of the program online now. Articles and ads are linked to relevant webpages for easy click-throughs to important event-related information.

Free shuttle service will be offered from the Healthy Lifestyle Expo to downtown Fredericksburg throughout the day on Saturday, May 16 so families can enjoy a stroll through the historic shopping district. On May 17, event morning parking will be available in Central Park for half marathoners and in designated lots adjacent to the 10K and 5K start lines for participants in the shorter distance events. There will be no pre-event shuttle service to the 10K and 5K starts. 10K and 5K runners must either park at their start location or be dropped off. Post-run shuttles will return 10K and 5K runners to the designated parking locations. Got a participant in multiple events? Drop the 10K or 5K runner off near that start line and then proceed to Central Park to park adjacent to all event finish lines. Spectators can shuttle from Central Park to downtown Fredericksburg on mile seven of the Marine Corps Historic Half course throughout event morning.

Along Mile 12 of the Historic Half and also situated along the Historic 10K and Semper Fred 5K courses, the wear blue Mile is being introduced. Runners will pass through American flags reverently draped along Cowan Boulevard with many faces of fallen service members pictured for all to see. The photographs include men and women from all service branches who have recently died, many while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Historic Half wear blue Mile is organized by the "wear blue: run to remember" non-profit organization, founded by two Army wives who both lost their husbands serving while deployed to Afghanistan.

On display at the halfway point of the Historic Half course is a vibrant mix of quaint boutiques, chef-owned restaurants, historic sites and nostalgic buildings. While strolling downtown Fredericksburg, Historic Half runners should look for special decals in the windows of more than 30 shops and restaurants that are offering discounts for everything from pre-event meals to post-event massage.

Looking for more? The Fredericksburg Greek Festival will be held during Historic Half Weekend from May 15-17 at the Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church at 12326 Spotswood Furnace Road. Enjoy authentic Greek food and live music. Admission is free.  

The Historic Half Store at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo offers runners the opportunity to augment their training wardrobes with technical running apparel featuring Historic Half and Fredericksburg inspired-images and art. Choose from themed long sleeve and short sleeve moisture wicking, heathered shirts, runner jackets, hoodies, caps and more. Take home a unique souvenir keepsake or clothing item featuring colonial era or Hospital Hill designs. The collection includes items celebrating the Historic 10K and Semper Fred 5K. There's even special shirts for the "Support Crew."

Spread the word. Limited entries remain for the Semper Fred 5K. Spectator-lined streets, pageantry, terrific shirts, amazingly cool medals, entertainment and Marines--Makes for a great Sunday morning. For those who desire to support the event, many volunteer positions remain available especially at Packet Pick-up during the Expo. On May 20, the MCM10K and MCM Kids Run registration begins. Both events are conducted during MCM Weekend in October.

Located just across the street from the start and finish of the Historic Half, VA Runner, the Fredericksburg-area running specialty store, encourages all Historic Half Weekend runners earn "Distinguished" status. The Distinguished Participation medal recognizes the on-going commitment of runners who complete one of the three Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend events, as well as Run Amuck (June 13) and Turkey Trot 10K (November 21). In addition to receiving the limited edition medal, award winners who earn this recognition will receive special offers and invitations from VA Runner.

Heat is typically used for chronic condition and Ice is typically used to decrease acute inflammation or swelling. Each generally, for 10 to 20 minutes. If you would like to learn more about moist heat pads or ice packs to care for your needs, please visit Select Physical Therapy at www.selectphysicaltherapy.com or call the complimentary Sports Injury Hotline 1.877.465.6999 for assistance or for any injury related questions or product inquiries.

MarathonFoto will be strategically placed throughout the Historic Half, Historic 10K and Semper Fred 5K courses to capture memorable moments in front of scenic locations and noteworthy landmarks including the start, downtown at mile 7, along the river at mile 9, before and after Hospital Hill, approaching the finish and while crossing the line. Photos will be available online shortly after the conclusion of the event for purchase as digital downloads, prints or as part of souvenir displays. View and order amazing images within 3 to 4 days after the event.

The MCM hosts Olympian and famed marathon trainer Jeff Galloway for two free marathon training workshops. Through his best-selling books, numerous articles, fitness retreats and training programs around the world, Galloway has coached over 300,000 runners to successful marathon and half-marathon finishes. Learn from the man himself, by attending either of the seminars hosted by the MCM. Galloway will speak on Wednesday, May 27 at the U.S. Navy Memorial theatre in the nation's capital at 6 p.m. and on Thursday, May 28 at 10:30 a.m.at Little Hall aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Enjoy the chatter, conversation, networking and motivation of the MCM Community on several social networks. Join 110,000+ friends looking for inspiration and information on the MCM Facebook page. Interact and inquire over Twitter. Share images of your Historic Half experience via Instagram. Most importantly, let everyone know you are going to #RunWithTheMarines.
There's no hiding the fact that there are hills on the Historic Half, Historic 10K and Semper Fred 5K courses. Most notably, Hospital Hill. There's also great scenery, lovely neighborhoods, water points with lemon lime Gatorade, tons of live entertainment and a festival at the finish. Visit the course maps and visualize success and celebration.

Run Amuck on Saturday, June 13 aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico is the MCM's mud and obstacle running challenge. Register now for the messiest, muddiest MCM event featuring four- and two-mile courses, more than 20 wild obstacles, mud pits and authentic down-and-dirty Marine Corps PT experiences. The Quantico Tri is introducing a new open-water swim as part of this year's event on Aug. 22 on Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. In celebration of this open-water event, the Tri will provide seaweed in post-event hospitality and also, for the first time, present finisher medals. In addition to the open-water swim, the sprint event will include a 12.4-mile bike ride and 5K run. Online registration is open now.