Marine Marathon
The race starts and finishes in Arlington, Virginia, but a good part of it runs by the most attractive monuments and historical markers in Washington D.C.
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is an annual marathon held in Arlington County, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Its mission is to promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill, and showcase the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps.
Established in 1976, the MCM is the fourth-largest marathon in the United States and the ninth-largest worldwide. The event attracts a diverse field of 30,000 runners from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 50 countries. It is known as "The People's Marathon" and is open to participants aged 14 and above. Notably, the MCM is the largest marathon that does not offer prize money.
The inaugural running of the MCM took place on November 7, 1976, with 1,175 participants completing a course through northern Virginia, finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial. The following year, the course was modified to include a scenic route through Washington, D.C., showcasing key landmarks and providing a memorable experience for the runners.
The MCM has become a weekend-long event featuring additional races, such as the MCM10K and the MCM Kids Run. It also includes the MCM Forward, where Marines worldwide participate in a simultaneous 26.2-mile run. The MCM has faced challenges in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 and 2021 in-person race editions were canceled, with participants allowed to transfer their entry or receive a refund. However, as of June 2023, over 23,000 runners have registered for the 48th MCM, indicating the continued popularity and resilience of the event.
The MCM course, certified by USA Track and Field, starts in Arlington, Virginia, on Route 110, traverses Northern Arlington, crosses the Key Bridge into Washington, D.C., passes by national monuments and memorials, and returns to Virginia. Notably, runners pass by the Pentagon Memorial, honoring the victims of 9/11, and face a final uphill challenge before reaching the finish line at the Marine Corps War Memorial. The current record holders are Jeffrey Scuffins: 2:14:01 (1987) and Olga Markova: 2:37:00 (1990). The event continues to embody the spirit of the United States Marine Corps, promoting physical fitness, community engagement, and the pursuit of personal achievement.
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