ARLINGTON, Va. -- All runners who are up for the challenge of the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon Event Series and the Marine Corps Historic Half can begin registration at noon Dec. 15.
There are five events in the MCM Event Series: The Irish Sprint 10K and Luck o’ the Leatherneck One-Miler, Run Amuck and Kids Run Amuck, RunStock 5K, Crossroads 17.75K and the Turkey Trot 10K and One-Miler.
“Runners from all over the country are drawn to the variety of distances and unique challenges offered by the Event Series. That includes everything from tackling mud pits to running through scenic parks and trails,” said Rick Nealis, the MCM Director, in a MCM Event Series press release.
The Irish Sprint 10K, is a 6.2-mile run that takes place March 26, on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. Special edition gold finisher coins will be handed out at the finish line. These coins can earn runners various prizes like guaranteed registration for the 36th MCM, or souvenirs.
The Luck o’ the Leatherneck One-Miler will be held for children that are younger than 10 years old. At the children’s finish line they will be able to spin the lucky wheel to win a prize.
Run Amuck and Kids Run Amuck will be held June 11. Run Amuck is a 3.5-mile race where runners face obstacles on the mud-laden course aboard MCB Quantico. The Kids Run Amuck is similar but is only one mile long, and the obstacles are designed for children.
“Run Amuck isn’t a race you run for a time, but go out there and see how muddy you can get,” said Staff Sgt. Jeremiah C. Johnson, the Marine basic skills training chief at MCB Quantico, Va.
Runstock 5K is a 3.1-mile race that is being held Aug. 20, on MCB Quantico. Runstock 5K is a combination between a race and a music festival, said Tami Faram, Marine Corps Marathon Community Relations Coordinator.
Musicians will be set up along course so runners can run to the beat of live bands during the race. There will also be a post-race concert and picnic areas available at the end of the race.
The Crossroads 17.75K is an 11.03 mile race along the scenic trails and roads of Prince William Forest Park Sept. 17, and the race ends at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The Crossroads 17.75K is a race in honor of the Marine Corps past, present and future, Faram said.
“The Crossroads 17.75K is the most challenging race I did last year,” Johnson said. “I wasn’t expecting the hills.”
As a preemptive strike against the Thanksgiving holiday feast, the Turkey Trot 10K allows runners to burn off some calories before the big meal. The runners will go through the streets and trails of MCB Quantico on Nov. 19.
This year’s line-up for the Event Series has the largest expected turnout since the Event Series began four years ago. More than 10,000 people are expected to run the five events in the series, Faram said.
Separate from the MCM Event Series is the Marine Corps Historic Half taking place on May 15. The Historic Half is a half marathon, or 13.1 miles, through the historic town of Fredericksburg, Va.
“The Historic Half course is rich in American history, scenery and entertainment offering something for everyone from the veteran half marathoner to the first-time runner,” Nealis said.
Runners will also have a choice to do a relay race for the Historic Half and tackle the 13.1 miles in teams as a group effort.
“A huge benefit to registering early for the Historic Half is that there are discounts for registering before March 25, and of course there are military discounts,” Faram said.
Registration for these events will be online at www.marinemarathon.com. The price to register varies depending on the race.
“If I had to give my advice to someone, I would say sign up and do it - whether you win the race or finish in eight hours,” Johnson said.