FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MCM Hall of Fame Member Announced As New MCMO Director
QUANTICO, VA (December 14, 2022) - The Marine Corps Marathon Organization
(MCMO) announced today that Alex Hetherington will be the new MCMO Director
effective immediately.
Hetherington's predecessor, Rick Nealis, retired on November 30 after
serving the last 30 years at the helm of the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM).
Under Nealis' leadership, the MCM has become one of the largest marathons
in the country and world, and the organization has evolved into offering
numerous events of all distances throughout the year.
"While on this journey, I have been blessed to watch millions of runners
discover long-distance running and accomplish their dreams. I am now
thrilled to hand the Marine Corps Marathon reigns over to Alex and watch
him lead "The People's Marathon" to new levels of running greatness,"
expressed Nealis. "As I move on, I urge all to remain Semper Fidelis
(always faithful) to our running and values. Oorah!"
Hetherington comes to MCMO after 5 years as the Show Director of the Modern
Day Marine (MDM) Expo. He is a retired Marine aviator, having primarily
served with the squadrons of Marine Aircraft Group-39 at Camp Pendleton,
CA, flying the AH-1W Helicopter. Hetherington was an All-Marine runner
from 1995-2009 and is the 1998 Armed Forces Marathon Champion in the
inaugural year of the event. He was inducted into the Marine Corps Marathon
Hall of Fame in 2009 and has run the MCM 27 times.
"I begin my tenure with great respect for what has been accomplished
through Rick's sustained visionary leadership. In many ways, I feel like
I'm standing on the yellow footprints," said Hetherington. "The yellow
footprints at the Marine Corps Recruit Depots have been the
transformational starting line for generations of those seeking to earn the
title of United States Marine. For over 641,670 finishers to date, going
back to the first Marine Corps Marathon in 1976, the starting line of The
People's Marathon has been an immersive opportunity to experience the Corps
values of honor, courage and commitment through an inspiring race on an
iconic course organized by the world's finest fighting force."
Further information about MCMO and the organization's event lineup can be
found at www.marinemarathon.com.
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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