Rain drenched the spectators who lined the edge of Marine Corps Base Quantico’s 50-meter pool on Sunday as they anticipated the starter’s pistol, marking the beginning of the first Marine Corps Marathon triathlon.

After 1 1/2 years of research and planning, Angela Huff, deputy director Marine Corps Marathon, and her team developed a race that attracted more than 300 registered participants and covered a 400-meter swim, 9-kilometer bicycle ride and 5-kilometer run.

“We always listen to our runners,” said. Huff. “We were challenged by them to do a triathlon. [And] we had to learn a lot and take baby steps. But it’s fantastic to do something on base for the Marines and their families.”

The community responded well to the idea, with participant spots selling out within 24 hours. One international athlete from Germany and athletes from more than 16 states were among the nearly 250 who crossed the starting line.

“It was really fun,” said Coast Guard Lt. Kay Fallon, triathlon participant and Baltimore resident. “I thought it was well organized. We would definitely come back in the future.”

Huff commented on the goal of the event.

“All I want to see is happy athletes coming through the finish line,” said Huff. “I just want everyone to walk away with a positive feeling.”

Concerning the future of the event, Huff says that although nothing is set in stone, their business plan includes the event growing in the future.

Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil