Rick recalls the time he was employed as a member of the security team tasked with guarding the Olympic torch on its journey from Greece to Atlanta, where it was received by Muhammad Ali and used to light the flame of the 1996 Olympics. Rick points out that, as well as making a positive impact on the local economy, the MCM event gives the public a chance to meet Marines face to face and witness the organizational skills of the Marine Corps for themselves. We learn that the Marine Corps Marathon was created in 1976 to help re-establish trust and build back community connection after the damaging media portrayal of the Marines in the Vietnam War. (00:21:48) The history of the Marine Corps Marathon. Rick remembers Megan’s can-do, compassionate approach to life and reveals that, since Megan was killed in action, a toy penguin has been presented in her honor to the final finisher in the MCM each year. He tells the moving story of Megan McClung, who pulled off the remarkable feat of organizing a marathon for military personnel in Iraq. (00:12:37) The legacy of Major Megan McClung. In this episode, you’ll hear from Rick Nealis on:
Rick is also an accomplished runner whose lifelong mission is to encourage more people to take up running to improve their physical and mental health. He’s a former Marine and a people person who loves the camaraderie that comes with organizing and being part of such a large event.
Rick Nealis has been the Race Director of the Marine Corps Marathon for nearly thirty years.
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