MCMO hosts live event

More than 300 runners from 16 US states gathered aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico to participate in the Belleau Wood 8km, Quantico 12km and Recon Ruck. An additional 1,600 registered for the virtual version of the events.

“We worked really hard to create a safe environment for our runners, staff and volunteers by making significant changes, taking necessary precautions and implementing new protocols including masks, hand sanitizers and social distancing measures,” said Rick Nealis, MCMO Race Director.

Runners assembled in socially-distanced corrals at 6ft (1.8m) apart and left in small waves, with five runners starting every minute from 6–7:30 a.m. Pre-event communication and signs near the Start/Finish lines encouraged runners to “do their part” and practice social distancing throughout the event, avoid group photos and physical contact, wear a mask when not running and wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

Hand washing stations and hand sanitizers were placed throughout the event site and near port-a-johns, the information booth and hospitality queue. All finishers received a branded MCMO face mask before collecting their medals and pre-packaged post-race goodies.