Course details

Minor changes to this year's MCM course will create even more opportunities for runners to experience the best of the nation's capital.  Marathoners can expect changes that will affect fewer than three miles of the course but promise to offer new views of the NationalMall and its various landmarks.

The USATF certified route starts in Arlington, VA on Route 110, same as in previous years, although this year, the start will be seven hundred feet closer to the Pentagon. The route winds its way through Rosslyn along Lee Highway before turning on Spout Run and the George Washington Parkway. Runners will experience a climb on Lee Highway in the first few miles of the course, but are rewarded with a descent along Spout Run and the Parkway.

After crossing Key Bridge into Georgetown, runners turn toward the Palisades Community when the course follows Canal Road, up to the reservoir and down MacArthur Boulevard.  The course guides runners down popular M Street in Georgetown.

Runners will turn on Wisconsin Avenue and then K Street. The course passes the Kennedy Center and guides runners to the back of the Lincoln Memorial before continuing on Ohio Drive into Hains Point at the halfway point.

Outside Potomac Park, runners will get a glimpse of the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin.  On Independence Avenue, competitors will run by the newly-unveiled Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial and FDR Memorial.  The runners will loop back along Independence Avenue on the side closest to the National Mall and the Korean and WWII Memorials before making a left turn onto 15th Street at the National Monument.

At Madison Drive, runners will pass through the MCM "Gauntlet" and down the north side of the National Mall, running by the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art.  After a loop around the reflecting pool in front of the U.S. Capitol, runners will continue down the south side of the National Mall past the Smithsonian Castle.  Runners move along Jefferson Drive and turn onto the 14th Street to "Beat the Bridge" at Mile 20 before returning to Virginia.  

For the last 10K runners will enjoy the color and energy of Crystal City.  At the Pentagon, runners will pass in close proximity to the Pentagon Memorial honoring the victims of 9/11.  Finally, the course unfurls alongside the Arlington National Cemetery then offers a final, up-hill challenge to the finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. It is truly a beautiful course.

MCM goes green!

WATER POINTS

• WP1: Eastbound Lee Highway between Wayne and Adams Streets
• WP2: On the Virginia side of the Key Bridge at Ft. Myer Drive
• WP3: On Reservoir Road at MacArthur Blvd
• WP4: Intersection of M and 34th Streets 
• WP5/7: Independence Ave and Ohio Dr SW at West Potomac Park
• WP6: Ohio Drive SW parking area near the tip of Hains Point  
• WP8: At Madison Dr NW and 12^th St NW along the National Mall
• WP9: At Jefferson Dr SW and 7^th St SW along the National Mall
• WP10/11: Army/Navy Drive at the Eads Street auxiliary parking lot. Also supports the MCM10K.
• WP12: On Route 110 behind the MCM corrals.  Also supports the MCM10K.
  

   

The Marine Corps Marathon welcomes Gatorade to all 12 water points.  The Gatorade flavor has not been announced for the 2012 MCM.

FS1: Oranges on Rockcreek Parkway after turning from K Street NW







FS2: Clif Shot flavors at Ohio Drive before Water Point 6 at the end of Hains Point in East Potomac Park.  CLIF BAR's great tasting, natural CLIF SHOT Gel is a fast-acting, easy-to-digest source of carbohydrates-your body's preferred source of fuel during activity.  SHOT Gel's semi-liquid form shines when you're working hard and need to fuel up between breaths.  Chocolate, Vanilla, Citrus, Chocolate Cherry, Mocha and Razz will be on course.  Stop by the Clif Bar booth at the Expo to try all the flavors before the race.



FS3: Jelly Belly Sport Beans at the intersection of Jefferson Dr SW and 4^th Street SW along the National Mall beyond mile marker 19. Sport Beans™ jelly beans are formulated with electrolytes, carbohydrates and vitamins B and C to sustain and replenish energy during intense exercise. This revolutionary product maximizes performance and ensures ideal portion control, with four delicious flavors that will keep you going.

FS4: A little pop of pleasure during the final stretch to the finish line at mile marker 24. Dunkin' Donuts Munchkins will be distributed at the intersection of 12th Street and Army Navy Drive before the Water Point. Made fresh daily in a variety of colorful and delicious flavors, there’s a favorite for every runner. Stop by the Dunkin Donuts booth in the Finish Festival for a flavored latte.

a FitFul Race Day pack containing the proper balance of macro (protein, fats and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and trace elements) from natural food sources.  Every portion has been carefully selected to be easily digestible-providing for rapid delivery to tired muscles and jump starting the recovery process.

The FitFul packs will include hummus and crackers, pretzels, Dole fruit, dark chocolate and dry roasted edamame. Bagels, fresh fruit, water and Gatorade also will be available at the finish.