WASHINGTON — Prince William County held its first half-marathon Sunday morning in Bristow, Virginia, attracting thousands of runners.
About 2,300 runners participated in the race that started at Jiffy Lube Live. Runners traveled along the Manassas National Battlefield and then made their way back to the entertainment venue.
The Novant Health-UVA Health System Prince William Half-Marathon is the first of its kind in Prince William County.
Ian Connor, one of the race organizers with Fun Run Racing, said Jiffy Lube Live is a great venue since there is plenty of parking for the thousands of runners.
“It makes it easy for them to come in; they don’t have to get on the Metro. They don’t have to drive downtown and fight D.C. traffic or parking garages. So this is like, the best place,” Connor said.
Before the race began, runner Fabienne Gustave said this was her first race. She said one of the perks of the race was that she would get to “enjoy a little history along the way,” while passing through the Manassas National Battlefield.
Veronica Harms along with her young child was happy that the race was in her own backyard. Her husband and 20-year-old son participated in the race.
“Oh my God, I love it. It makes it easy for us to get up and come and be spectators and watch and support them,” Harms said.
Connor said if all goes well, the race will be back next year.
“We hope that the county, V-DOT and Prince William Police all thought we did a good job and they approve us. We’d love to do it each and every year after this,” he said.
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