WASHINGTON -- A press conference for the 40th Marine Marathon was held at the National Press Club in Washington, Oct. 20.
The event included statements from Col. Joseph M. Murray, commander, Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico, who spoke about U.S. Marine support and coordination with local law enforcement for the marathon, 10K and kids run.
“The marathon has taken on the fiery red color of the ruby to show the fire of competition and a desire to showcase the Marine Corps is still alive and well,” said Rick Nealis, the Marine Corps Marathon Race Director.
Christos Panagopoulos, Ambassador of Greece USA joined Dimitri Kyriakides, Greek military repressentative to showcase the wreaths made in the City of Marathon, Greece. The wreaths will be awarded to the top 3 male and female winners.
“The spirit of competition is still alive and well some 2,500 years since the Battle of Marathon,” said Murray. “It is great to see competitors, sailors, Marines and volunteers come together to accomplish such a huge task.”
Allen Wyatt, the father of a U.S. Marine killed during the attack on the Naval Operational Support Center, Chattanooga, Tenn. spoke at the press conference recalling his 2011 MCM run with his son, Marine Staff Sgt. David Allen Wyatt.
On July 16, Wyatt and four of his fellow service members were killed during the tragic shooting.
During the press conference, one of the last two “Groundpounders,” an individual who has ran the marathon every year since its beginning, Al Richmond of Arlington, Va., spoke about running 40th consecutive marathons.
“I remember when 1,500 people lined some 40 years ago to run first race,” said Richmond. “None of us want to be the last Groundpounder, we really miss the camaraderie and the friendship we have built over the years.”
The Marine Corps Marathon also announced a change of venue for the 41st Marathon in 2016. The National Harbor will be the new host for all the pre-marathon events. This change will not change the location of running events only bring runners and their families to the shops and entertainment on the Potomac 10 miles away from the starting line.
“The marathon of the monuments will continue to challenge and bring together competitors to celebrate the spirit of the Marine Corps,” said Nealis.