FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Soggy Conditions Challenge 44th MCM Runners
Honor, Courage and Commitment Powered Runners Through Torrential
Downpours during the Inaugural MCM50K
QUANTICO, VA (October 27, 2019) - A little rain didn't dampen the spirits
of the 26,502 runners who turned out for the 44th Marine Corps Marathon
(MCM) events on Sunday, Oct. 27. Challenging conditions brought out the
grit in runners and spectators alike in Arlington, VA and the nation's
capital.
The top MCM finisher was Jordan Tropf, 27, from Silver Spring, MD. "I love
this race because of the landmarks and the crowd support," said the
27-year-old from Silver Spring, MD. "The [wear] blue mile really reminded
me why I was running, and gave me the push I needed to finish."
Tropf completed the marathon with a time of 2:27:43, shaving 9 minutes and
32 seconds off his 2011 time.
"Funny Runner" Brittany Charboneau, 31, attempted to break the marathon
record for fastest female set by Russian Army Sgt. Olga Markova 29 years
ago at 2:37:00. While the Golden, Colorado native ultimately came up short
by nearly eight minutes, Charboneau crossed the finish line as the first
place MCM female with a time of 2:44.47.
"I ran for personal growth, and coming off the bridge the cheering was so
loud it was deafening. I had a blast," said Charboneau.
World-renowned ultra marathoner Michael Wardian took the top spot for the
inaugural MCM50K with a 3:11:52 finish. The much-accomplished Wardian ran
his first-ever marathon at the 1996 MCM.
"Been trying to win this race since 1996. Georgetown gave me a real boost,
but it was just me and Dustin Whitlow out there by ourselves for a while,"
said the Virginia local. "I got a lot of support from my family in the
first two to five miles, especially my brother Matthew who traveled along
the course to cheer me on. Thanks to the Marine Corps I'm an ultra guy."
Wardian led the pack of 1,345 MCM50K finishers including fellow locals who
swept the top male and female overall finishers.
Other notable 44th MCM finishers include Gen. David H. Berger, 38th
Commandant of the Marine Corps who served as the official MCM starter with
a time of 5:29:38; Gen. (ret) Joseph F. Dunford, former Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff who finished with a time of 4:45:00; West Virginia
Senator, Shelley Capito, who ran with a time of 6:45:56; New Mexico
Congresswoman Deborah Haaland, who served as the official MCM 50K starter,
with a time of 6:06:01; Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer, who finished
with a time of 5:20:40.
Season 14 American Idol runner up Clark Beckham was the 44th MCM National
Anthem singer and finished with a time of 3:45:58. The 44th MCM was Clark's
first ever marathon. Clark took up running six months ago and has dropped
30 pounds in the process. Clark credited the wear blue mile with giving him
motivation and said he cried three times while running through that area of
the course.
Dean Karnazes, best selling author, philanthropist and ultra marathoner,
headlined at multiple events during the weekend and finished the MCM50K in
a time of 5:38:14.
Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, served as
the official MCM10K starter and finished the race in a time of 01:01:01.
As the sun broke through the clouds around midday, the 44th MCM celebrated
two proposals at the finish line and helped unite a brother and sister who
were separated 42 years ago.
Top event unofficial results:
Marathon Male Top Three Results
1. Jordan Tropf, 27, Silver Spring, MD 2:27:43
2. Adam Stokes, 34, Bristol, England 2:28:59
3. Matt O'Neil, 24, Woodbridge, VA 2:31:30
Marathon Female Top Three Results
1. Brittany Charboneau, 31, Golden, CO 2:44:47
2. Margarita Quintero, 29, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico 2:48:22
3. Selvi Rajagopal, 32, Columbia, MD 2:50:42
MCM Wheelchair/Handcycle Top Three Results
1. Tom Davis, 42, Fremont, IN 1:07:10
2. Krys Zybowski, 43, Avon, CT 1:22:27
3. Omar Duran, 40, Clearwater, FL 1:22:34
MCM50K Male Top Three Results
1. Michael Wardian, 45, Arlington, VA 3:11:52
2. Dustin Whitlow, 33, Alexandria, VA 3:21:36
3. Patrick Early, 40, Montclair, VA 3:40:50
MCM50K Female Top Three Results
1. Liz Ozeki, 31, Rockville, MD 3:42:04
2. Judy Doldorf, 46, Manassas, VA 3:52:00
3. Lisa Reichmann, 45, Gaithersburg, MD 4:15:11
MCM10K Male Top Three Results
1. William Gardner, 23, Edinburgh, Scotland 0:34:08
2. Kieran White, 41, Aylesbury, England 0:35:06
3. Shlomo Fishman, 27, Silver Spring, MD 0:35:16
MCM10K Female Top Three Results:
1. Hannah Krumreich, 27, Vienna, VA 0:37:44
2. 1st Lt. Sarah Bridges, 27, USMC, Quantico, VA 0:38:42
3. Maj. Christine Taranto, 34, USMC, Alexandria, VA 0:38:50
About the Marine Corps Marathon:
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), known as "The People's Marathon," promotes
physical fitness and generates community goodwill while showcasing the high
standards and discipline of the United States Marine Corps. Annually ranked
as one of the largest marathons in the US and the world, the MCM welcomes
runners from all 50 states and more than 60 countries. The MCM is presented
by Arlington County, Brooks, Cigna and Leidos. No federal or Marine Corps
endorsement is implied. Connect with the Marine Corps Marathon on Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Flickr. #RunWithTheMarines
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