The first event in the new MCM Event Series, the Butler Relay, is now open to the general public at www.marinemarathon.com. The Butler Relay, a 10K two- person team race, will be held on March 29, beginning at 8:00 a.m. aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, VA.

"The MCM Event Series is an exciting opportunity for runners to participate in a variety of athletic competitions that are conducive to varying skill levels," says Rick Nealis, Race Director. "Runners and the Quantico community will surely enjoy our new racing events and all of the family entertainment we have to offer."

The Butler Relay is a two-person team event that starts and finishes at Quantico's newly renovated Butler Stadium, featuring a state-of-the-art track. The race takes runners on a scenic tour of Marine Corps Base Quantico, including an off- road section of the USATF-certified course. Open to runners age 10 and up, the race field for the Butler Relay is limited to 1,000 runners. Runners may sign up individually or as teams. A $36 registration fee includes a shirt, chip rental, event coin sponsored by Marine Federal Credit Union, hospitality and entertainment. Pre-registration is required.

Runners must pick up their bib and other race materials prior to the event. Packet Pick-up will be held on March 27 - 28, at the Marine Corps Marathon Building, located at 3399 Russell Road in Quantico, VA. All participants entering Marine Corps Base Quantico are required to show proper ID at the security checkpoints. For more on this, and additional details regarding the Butler Relay.

Runners who participate in any race in the 2008 MCM Event Series are eligible for Event Series awards. Runners will receive points for their placement within the open male and female categories, and within the master's male and female categories. Age group awards will be presented for each event and will fall into the following increments: ages 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and older.

The new MCM Event Series invites runners and fitness enthusiasts to participate in a range of race experiences. The Event Series sponsored by Geico and Marine Federal Credit Union includes the Butler Relay, a 10K relay race; Run Amuck, a 5K course featuring a variety of obstacles; RunStock, a 5K race followed by a live concert; and the Turkey Trot, a traditional 10K race complete with a turkey for the winner.