The Marine Corps Marathon is commemorating the year the Marine Corps was founded with a race in the area.
Registration is under way for the Crossroads 17.75K. The race, scheduled for June 12, 2010, equates to 11.03 miles.
The most efficient way to register is by visiting www.marinemarathon.com, go to the registration link and click the link for the race.
The race is limited to 3,000 runners and cost is $45. Race participants receive a technical short sleeve shirt.
As of Thursday afternoon, about 150 runners had registered, race director Rick Nealis said.
"This is the first time we're really reaching out to the community," Nealis said. "Part of it was a couple years ago, Marine Corps Marathon's charter allowed me to expand into communities associated with Marine Corps. A couple of years ago, they drove me down to Fredericksburg and ever since then, it's been a real drive to bring the race to Prince William County."
The U.S. Marine Corps's first year was 1775. Nealis hopes this race gives people an understanding of the Marine Corps history.
"Now we'll educate them a little bit on the Marine Corps," Nealis said. "The Marines are really connected to our history. We celebrated [the birthday] on November 10 and those are historical connections that are important.
"It's a different opportunity to use running and fitness to educate people in other areas."
The course starts on Va. 234 and heads north to Prince William National Forest Park for miles 2.5-8. It reemerges on Joplin Road and passes under Interstate 95 before turning on U.S. 1 and finishing at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, just outside the main gate of Marine Corps Base Quantico.
Runners and guests are welcome to tour the museum following the race.
"It will create a lot of interest for a single day," Nealis said.
Staff writer Robert Daski can be reached at 703-878-8049.
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