Looking ahead

Runners from across the United States and more than 55 nations annually participate in MCM Weekend hosted each October in Arlington, VA and throughout the United States capital of Washington, D.C. Organised by the United States Marine Corps, the MCM supports more than 30,000 participants over three-day weekend.

Apart from the Marathon the MCM weekend includes the MCM10K and the MCM Kids Run (a one-mile fun run for ages 5 to 12) held the day prior to the Marathon. The MCM10K is held in conjunction with the Marathon. Registration for the MCM10K is available at www.marinemarathon.com.

The MCM is welcoming to all types of runners; from the strong competitor to the first-time marathoner. MCM is also the grand equaliser: it is does not offer prize money but is available to any registered participant, earning its title as “The People’s Marathon.”

The scenic course begins in Arlington, VA, between Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon and moves through the nation’s capital and takes participants on a route which features most prominent sites and significant landmarks in the United States. Monuments, parks and the scenic Potomac River characterise the route: through historic Georgetown, past the Washington Monument and the Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR, World War I, World War II, Korean War and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials.

Runners will appreciate picturesque views of the U.S. Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution and Museums, the Pentagon, Potomac River and a most remarkable finish: the Marine Corps War Memorial is the iconic symbol of the United States Marine Corps, depicting five Marines and a Navy Corpsman raising the American Flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.

There are 12 water points, four food stations and 15 medical aid stations at the start and finish and along the course. Entertainment is provided nearly every mile, with musical and visual performers including rock and pop bands, jazz ensembles, marching bands and American blue grass musicians while cheerleaders, sign spinners and mascots motivate participants all along the marathon and MCM10K courses.

Runners and spectators enjoy easy access to the MCM start and finish with the Metro operating from very early hours on Marathon day and throughout the event. Spectators can choose their spots from Georgetown, the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to the final leg of the marathon in Crystal City and Arlington, VA.

The new MCM headquarters hotel at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center will house most of the MCM Weekend’s events and activities, including the two-day Health & Fitness Expo.

This year’s Marine Corps Marathon is sold out but runners still can register through any of more than 50 charities. See: www.marinemarathon.com