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Over 400 runners participate in Mojave Half-Marathon at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

Hilary Sloane March 17, 2026Last Updated: March 17, 2026

More than 400 runners gathered before sunrise Saturday for the first Mojave Half-Marathon at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms. Base patrons ran alongside members of the All-Marine Elite Running Team as family members and fellow Marines lined the course to cheer them on.

The half-marathon was the first race event initiated by base leadership.

The Saturday race featured 10 members of the All-Marine Running Team competing as the elite group. Major General Mark Clingan also participated in the race, running while carrying a large American flag. He said the course itself was a challenge, noting that it had pavement, gravel, and then sand. Most competitive runners are used to asphalt, and he says the sand can really drain the energy out of you.

“This was a great half-marathon. Compared to other marathons like the ‘Marine Corps Half’ that is out on the East Coast, I think this is better. The course was much more varied and well-marked, and the volunteers who came out made it a great event,” the Major General said.

Also running were Yucca Valley Mayor Merl Abel and Deputy Town Manager Frank J. Luckino.

When asked about the run, Mayor Abel said “My goal was 1:52, and I ran 1:49. Great, great course, nice variety. The hill was awesome. Good turnout, beautiful weather. It’s amazing today. Frank and I were glad to be invited to run with the General, though we didn’t catch up to him. He’s faster than us, but we had a great time.”

First Place Overall Male was Captain Bradley Ferner – 1:11:48

First Place Overall Female was Major Lindsay Rheiner – 1:24:05

Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Marine Corps. Community Services (MCCS) Jesse Montes led a team that organized the event.

He said Major General Mark Clingan and Sergeant Major Roberto Lopez are both marathon runners and suggested holding a half-marathon. The team then made it happen.

Montes added, “We’re working to obtain what’s called Category C waivers for our facilities so we can open to neighboring towns like Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, and Joshua Tree, allowing civilians to access the base and use places like Jersey Mike’s and other amenities. When we’re able to do that, we believe we can open the gates to those folks and encourage them to join the race, too.”