Finish Line

After crossing the finish line at the Marine Corps War Memorial, beaming with pride, runners often wonder what happens next? At times, the finish line can be crowded with as many as 100 finishers per minute so its best to know what to expect. Marathon finishers will receive their finisher's medal from the men and women of the Marine Corps stationed directly behind the finish line.  Space blankets will be available at the finish upon request.

Immediately following the presentation of the medal, runners may have their finish photo taken in front of the Marine Corps War Memorial by MarathonFoto. There is no greater image to reflect the commitment and dedication required to finish a marathon than a runner proudly wearing the MCM finisher medal in front of the Marines hoisting the flag on Iwo Jima.

POST-RACE HOSPITALITY
After receiving a finisher medal, runners proceed to the Hospitality Area where runners will be presented a FitFul Post Race Recovery Meal containing a proper balance of macronutrients (protein, fats and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and trace elements) from natural food sources. Every portion has been carefully selected to be easily digested - providing rapid delivery to tired muscles with a goal of helping each runner jump start the recovery process.

The FitFul packs will include hummus and crackers, pretzels, Dole fruit bowl, dark chocolate and a bagel. Turbana bananas, water and Gatorade G Series 03 Recover also will be available at the finish.

G Series 03 Recover is the first protein and carbohydrate beverage formulated with the consistency of a thirst quencher to provide hydration and muscle recovery benefits after exercise.   According to research, adequate protein and carbohydrate consumed in combination soon after exercise stimulates muscle recovery. G Series Recover provides 16 grams of high-quality protein and 14 grams of carbohydrate per 8-oz serving.  In addition, the fluids and electrolytes (250mg sodium and 95mg potassium) are essential to the athletes who are slightly dehydrated after activity because they did not consume adequate fluids during exercise to replace their fluid losses.

Additionally, each runner will be presented with a FitFul Recovery Jacket immediately upon crossing the finish line. Unlike the mylar/ foil blankets of the past, the FitFul Recovery Jacket is a reusable, yet disposable, jacket made of fabric with cotton cuffs, a zippered front and hood. Water repellent, yet breathable, it is ideally suited for maintaining the core body temperature and protecting each runner from the elements.

Official banana sponsor of the MCM.  Discover how our bananas energize bodies and communities here.

FINISH FESTIVAL
Runners, spectators and the local community are invited to the MCM Finish Festival, located in Rosslyn, VA. Here runners and families may reunite in the Family Link Up area, receive a post-race massage, pick up bags at the UPS trucks and enjoy other entertainment, food and sponsor-hosted activities.  Visit the Finish Festival page for more information.

Runners and their support crew should plan to meet in Family Link Up, part of the Finish Festival in Rosslyn, along Lynn Street. The MCM recommends choosing the first letter of the runner's last name as the pre-planned location to reunite. The link-up areas are designated by 13-foot tall, yellow towers with letters of the alphabet prominently displayed.

CHARITY VILLAGE
After enjoying the MCM's post-race hospitality, runners participating with a MCM Charity Partner may join their group's post-race celebration in either Charity Hill, located adjacent to the Netherlands Carillon on the Marine Corps War Memorial grounds overlooking the finish line, or Charity Street in downtown Rosslyn on Kent Street behind Artisphere and the UPS Baggage Pick up.

MCM FINISHER MEDALS
The Marine Corps Marathon finisher medal is the second-most popular finisher medal in North America as just announced in the May-June issue of “Marathon & Beyond” magazine, which conducts an annual ranking of the top 25 finisher medals. A panel of marathon runners, two selected from each region of the United States and from Canada and Mexico, began evaluating the 2012 medals in December studying each medal in regard to design quality, color and esthetics.

The MCM medal encompassing the Marine Corps symbol of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor took first place among all top finisher medals in 2009, and was ranked second in 2011. The medal’s center, which for the past two years has contained the globe in brightly painted enamel, introduced a spinning capability in 2011.

This is the fourth year Marathon & Beyond has ranked the top 25 marathon medals. Paul Gentry, who contributed to this year’s article written by Cara McLaurin Esau, says the annual ranking began as a simple story idea that is being endorsed by the running industry and among leading medal manufacturers.

“The idea for the article has grown quite a bit and has even surpassed what we expected,” says Gentry. “Some events have purposely redesigned their medals so they can be considered … and hopefully be ranked among the top 25.”

Gentry added that many of this year’s judges also had artistic backgrounds. Although many of them have run numerous marathons, they were asked to base each of their opinions solely on the medal design.

“We know the MCM medal is among finisher favorites,” says MCM Director Rick Nealis.
“Although the MCM finisher medal design has only changed slightly in the past few years, the Marine Corps symbol is recognizable and truly embodies the patriotic spirit of the event.”