Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Minutes before sunrise, thousands of runners, volunteers and supporters arrived at Route 234 to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) 17.75K run on April 2.
Marines were on scene in support of the staff of MCM to guide traffic, prepare marathon regalia and provide a patriotic presence for the community.
“U.S. Marines not only coordinate [MCM] events, but they are integral to the organization and to executing successful events like the Marine Corps 17.75," says Rick Nealis MCM director. "For the past 40 years, the U.S. Marines have elevated the status of the [MCM] enabling it to become one of the most organized sporting events in the world, while promoting physical fitness and generating community goodwill."
Beginning at 7 a.m., runners accepted the challenge of climbing the rolling hills of Prince William Forest Park in the 50-degree climate. Two thousand runners pre-registered February 17 to sell out the event in less than 10 minutes. Of the 463 registered service members, 215 Marines participated in the event. Access granted codes gave runners a head start in registering for the annual 41st Marine Corps Marathon on October 30.
“A long distance running event requires endurance, personal dedication and emotional strength,” declared the announcer to the crowd anticipating the start.
In only 1:05:33, U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. Andrew Harper, a student at The Basic School, was the first to complete his race to the finish line. Ironically, he won his first ever MCM event. He arrived at MCBQ after he completed ROTC at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan on July 3.
Harper, 24, spoke to Col. Joseph Murray, base commander, about his current training aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, saying that he was preparing for a physical fitness test in less than 72 hours.
“This is definitely not my last run with the Marines … it was a riot,” said Harper, who proclaimed the run and weather may have been challenging to “soft” runners.
A spear-shaped finisher medal was awarded to each finisher. The uniquely designed medal commemorated the National Park Service’s 80th anniversary.
“Let us not forget the great sacrifices made throughout our country’s history since 1775 so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom,” said Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. David Todd, the Marine Corps University chaplain.
17.75K honors Officer Guindon
The Marine Corps Marathon 17.75K run featured 150 slots, in addition to the 2,000 previously registered runners, to honor the memory of Ashley Guindon on April 2. Guindon, a police officer, was fatally shot in the line of duty February 27. She was a Marine reservist who joined in 2007, and served for eight years.
“Pray for the police,” said Aron Shore, Prince William County police officer. “I never met her, but I brought my wife and daughter to participate in remembrance of what she was in our [police force].”
Members of the Guindon family attended the race in Ashley’s honor. Police officers, first responders, military and civilian runners donned navy blue shirts to run to show support of the family.
"It says something about the community," said one of her aunts who participated in the run. "Being with people who care about you and support you helps."
Community members who would like to contribute to the memorial fund for officer Guindon can visit the Prince William County Police Association website at pwca.org.
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