FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Warmer Conditions Challenge 48th MCM Participants
MCM50K Male Overall Winner Shatters the Ultramarathon Course Record
QUANTICO, VA (October 30, 2023) - Despite the unusual warm and humid
weather, over 20,000 finishers accomplished their mission during the 48th
Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) events on Sunday, October 29.
Of the 20,539 finishers, 13,824 earned their Eagle, Globe and Anchor medal
by completing the marathon, another 1,280 went the extra distance to
successfully finish the MCM50K and 5,435 completed the MCM10K.
Due to the conditions, the hard decision was made to implement two course
gauntlets earlier than planned to keep participants healthy and safe.
Gauntlets are time cutoffs at strategic locations along the course put in
place to allow the route to reopen when determined by permits as well as to
assist in emergency needs, such as today.
Earlier in the morning, spectators witnessed the MCM50K course record get
shattered as Calum Neff, age 39 from Fulshear, Texas, crossed the finish
line as the overall ultramarathon champion with a time of 2:55:56. When
asked if he knew he broke the record, Neff stated, "That was the goal. It
was a hot day, humid."
Neff was followed by Michael Wardian, age 49 from Arlington, Va., and Steve
Mance, age 39 from Washington, D.C., who came in second and third at
3:10:18 and 3:13:34 respectively.
The top three MCM50K women were Anna Staats, age 24 from Arlington, Va. in
first at 3:35:57; second place was Christina Couper, age 31 from
Charleston, S.C. at 3:49:00; third was Hannah Jeter, age 27 from Brooklyn,
N.Y at 3:55:32.
The 48th MCM overall champion was Julius Kogo, age 38 from Durham, N.C.,
completing the marathon in 2:25:55. "This was my second Marine Corps
Marathon," expressed Kogo. "I loved the views."
Patrick Hearn, age 33 from Kailua, Hawaii, came in second with a time of
2:26:19 and Isiah Kosgei, age 48 from Eldoret, Kenya crossed third with a
time of 2:27:14.
Bonnie Keating, age 38 from San Deigo, Calif, was the female MCM champion
with a time of 2:50:49, while Anna Cruser, age 26 from Washington, D.C.,
finished second with a time of 2:58:13 and Shauneen Werlinger, age 38 from
Fairfax Station, Va., crossed third with a time of 2:58:21.
Other notable 48th MCM finishers include SgtMaj Carlos Ruiz, the 20th
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps who served as the official MCM Duo
starter with a time of 5:25:37.
General Eric Smith, 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, served as the MCM
ceremonial starter. Other event starters included Brad Washabaugh, Beirut
Veteran in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Marine Barracks bombing in
Beirut, Lebanon, who completed his 20th MCM today after firing the starter
pistol for the MCM50K and Matt Cavanaugh, retired Army Lt Col who is
currently on a mission to complete 12 marathons with 1 kidney and dispel
the misperception that kidney donation imposes physical limits on donors.
Unofficial events are available on marinemarathon.com and on the MCM app.
The running events kicked off on Saturday with the MCM Kids Run, which
celebrated over 2,000 aspiring runners as they completed the one mile fun
run.
About the Marine Corps Marathon:
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is one of the largest marathons in the
world. Recognized as "Best Marathon in the Mid Atlantic," and the "Best
Marathon for Charities," the MCM honors honor, courage and commitment of
its participants. Also known as "The People’s Marathon," runners from all
50 states and more than 50 countries participate in the MCM, the largest
marathon not to offer prize money. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement
is implied. Connect with the Marine Corps Marathon on Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, and YouTube. #RunWithTheMarines
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