Marine Corps Marathon
The People's Marathon -- no prize money, just honor and the spirit of the Marines.
Arlington, Virginia / Washington, D.C.
Last Sunday of October
42.195 km
168 m
~30,000 athletes
Course Highlights
- Pentagon start
- National Mall and U.S. Capitol
- Lincoln Memorial and Tidal Basin
- Georgetown neighborhood
- Finish at the Iwo Jima Memorial
The Course
The Marine Corps Marathon starts near the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and immediately crosses into Washington, D.C. The early miles take runners past the National Mall's most recognizable landmarks: the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. The course then loops through the neighborhoods of Georgetown and around the Tidal Basin, where cherry blossom trees line the path (though they have already bloomed by late October).
The middle miles head into the Hains Point peninsula, a flat, exposed loop around East Potomac Park that can be windy and mentally taxing. Runners then head north through Crystal City and into the rolling hills near the Pentagon. The course is moderately hilly overall, with a noticeable climb near the 14th Street Bridge and again approaching the Iwo Jima Memorial.
The finish line is at the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial), where Marines hand out medals and congratulate every finisher. The military atmosphere, patriotic spirit, and volunteer Marines at every aid station create an experience unlike any other marathon.
History
The first Marine Corps Marathon was held in 1976 with 1,175 runners. It was created to promote physical fitness and goodwill between the military and civilian communities. Today it is the largest marathon in the world that does not offer prize money, earning it the nickname "The People's Marathon."
The U.S. Marine Corps organizes every aspect of the event, from course marshaling to aid stations. Over 30,000 runners participate each year, and the race regularly sells out within hours of registration opening.
How to Train for MCM
Train on rolling terrain
The course is not flat. Incorporate moderate hills into your long runs to prepare for the undulations in Georgetown, along the Mall, and near the Pentagon. The cumulative elevation gain can surprise runners who expect a flat D.C. course.
Mental prep for Hains Point
The exposed loop around Hains Point between miles 17 and 20 is a known energy drain with fewer spectators and potential wind. Break this section into small goals and maintain your fueling to push through the isolation.
Register quickly
The MCM sells out extremely fast, often within hours. Have your registration details ready and log in the moment registration opens. There is no lottery, so speed is the only factor.
Related Articles
Why Your Swim Is Holding You Back (And How to Fix It Without More Pool Time)
The swim is the shortest leg of a triathlon. For most age-groupers, it's also the most expensive. Here's how to fix it without just swimming more.
Race Week Nutrition: What to Eat in the 7 Days Before Your Triathlon
Most race-day nutrition disasters originate not from race-day decisions but from the seven days that preceded them. Here's what that week actually looks like.
How to Read a Race's Course Profile and Adjust Your Training Accordingly
Two Olympic-distance races can demand completely different athletes. Here's how to read a course properly — and what to do with what you find.
Ready to train for MCM?
Create a personalized training plan and start preparing today.