MAY 27, 2026 — Nearly 4,000 people from across the U.S. ran the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon May 17 moving through the town’s historic areas.
Marines, volunteers, families, and spectators gathered along the course, supporting the runners at aid stations, and provided water, snacks, and assistance, but even more so cheering them on. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tian Thomas, a cyberspace warfare operator with 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, finished the race in 1 hour, 36 minutes.
He said the support from the community cheering on the runners helped him push through demanding portions of the course.
“Hearing the people cheer as I ran gave me a boost of motivation that forced me to want to keep going,” Thomas explained.
This year’s theme highlights the race’s purpose of building community goodwill, strengthening public relations, promoting individual health, and showcasing the Marine Corps’ warrior ethos, carrying forward the spirit celebrated during last year’s 50th Marine Corps Marathon and the 250th Marine Corps birthday into the 13.1‑mile race.
Since 2008, the Historic Half has been the Marine Corps Marathon Organization’s midseason event that brings people through Fredericksburg’s historic downtown with support from U.S. Marines, family members, friends, and volunteers.
The event was created to give runners a race experience that highlights the Marine Corps’ esprit de corps, community involvement, and the historic character of downtown Fredericksburg.
As runners approached the finish line, they were challenged with the infamous Hospital Hill— a steep incline which has made itself a defining aspect of the Half Marathon.
“The sun started feeling warmer as I was making my way up Hospital Hill but just seeing everyone pushing through made me want to get up that hill even faster,” said U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Courtney Montecalvo, a ceremonial platoon staff non-commissioned officer with MCB Quantico and a runner in this year’s Historic Half.
Volunteers played a major role throughout the weekend. They supported packet pickup, manned aid stations, and assisted at the finish line as participants completed the course.
“I think this year’s Historic Half was very well orchestrated; it was very well organized, and it wasn’t chaotic,” said Montecalvo who ran the race for the first time. “I have ran a race every weekend for the past four weekends and this one was very enjoyable,” Montecalvo stated. “The community’s presence made an impact on the run.”
The MCMO’s Historic Half continues to bring together runners, Marines, and the Fredericksburg community each year, connecting physical endurance with Marine Corps traditions and local support.
The next Marine Corps Marathon will take place Oct. 25, 2026.
Story by Pfc. Leydis Torres Quintero
Marine Corps Base Quantico