Spectators

Learn more about being a spectacular spectator at the MCM by downloading the Spectator Guide. This presentation includes a suggested spectator route, race day reminders and tips for a successful and enjoyable experience!

SPECTATOR SHOUT OUT CONTEST
Give your favorite runner a shout out at ther MCM start line by entering the Spectator Shout Out Contest.  Tell the MCM why your runner is amazing and how you will be supporting them on race day.  Write a special shout out message to motivate your runner on race morning.  Shout outs from five entries will be read by the announcer at the MCM start line.

MCM LOCATOR - VALUABLE TOOL FOR EVENT DAY
The MCM Locator has been enhanced with new tools to help volunteers, spectators and runners navigate MCM Weekend.  The mobile web application enables users to obtain directions and approximate distances from their location to various sites along the marathon course. By simply opening an iPhone or Android phone browser to www.mcmlocator.com, spectators can view the location of MCM mile markers, water points, transportation services and food stations.

New this year, spectators can input a runner's pace-per-mile and the Locator will approximate the runner's time of arrival at each mile marker.  Additionally, and perhaps even more valuable, the Locator has incorporated wait times for all on-course Metro stations.

The mobile app has been developed by Geocentric, a Bethesda, MD-based interactive software and mapping firm. The company also designed the interactive MCM course map featured on the event website.

RECOMMENDED VIEWING LOCATIONS
Spectators can see their runner in as many as five locations on the course. With many road closures, taking the Metro or riding your bike are the best ways to get around.  Follow the plan below optimize viewing potential and catch a runner in action!  Be sure to pick up a course map at the MCM Health & Fitness Expo by GE as will the information tents on race day.

Location #1: Kick off the day by watching the opening ceremonies at the MCM Start Line on Route 110 in Arlington, Virginia. Access the area by bike or Metro’s blue/orange line at the Rosslyn or Pentagon Station.

Location #2: After the start, ride or take a leisurely stroll across the Arlington Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial in DC. Here you’ll be able to see runners at mile 10 and later, mile 16. While you wait, check out the World War II Memorial on the east side of the Reflecting Pool.  

Location #3: From the Lincoln Memorial, head east on Independence Avenue, past the Washington Monument to access the National Mall. Along with the world-famous Smithsonian museums, you’ll see runners at miles 18 and 19.

Location #4: Next, hop on the Metro via the Smithsonian station and head back into Virginia on the Blue or Yellow line to the Crystal City Station. If you're on a bike, you can take the 14th Street Bridge side path and the Mt Vernon Trail to Crystal City.  You’ll see all the race action at miles 22 and 23, plus engage in a variety of activities at Crystal Run including live music, and plenty of family fun.

Location #5: For the final leg of your journey, head over to the legendary Marine Corps War Memorial and the MCM Finish Line. Ride your bike or take Metro’s blue line to Rosslyn or the MCM shuttle from 23^rd Street in Crystal City. The finish line offers bleacher seating to watch the final ascent and push to the finish. Plan to reunite with runners in the family link up area at the Finish Festival in Rosslyn.

TIPS
Tip #1: Respect the Course
Help runners have a successful race by staying clear of course boundaries. This means don’t cross the course, stay on the curb or sidewalks as to not narrow the streets for runners and most importantly, listen to law enforcement and Marines in regards to the best location to watch.

Tip #2: Timing Is Everything
You’ll want to find out the projected pace per mile for your runner to aid in determining where and when they should reach certain points in the course. It could take a runner as much as 22 minutes to cross the start line, so timing should not be based on the start time. Adjust your projected viewing times following the first sighting of your runner. View the spectator pace calculator, as well as the MCM Locator Map.

Tip #3: Getting Around by Metro
Metro is a great option to help you reach the far corners of the course quickly.  Be aware that a weekend wait for Metro could be up to 15 minutes.  Spectators should purchase a Metro One-Day Pass for an easier experience.  Metro will open at 5:00 a.m. on race day.


Tip #4: Getting Around by Bike
Getting around by bike in D.C. in Arlington is surprisingly easy. There are bike lanes and off street trails everywhere and biking is less affected by event road closures.

Visit BikeArlington's Maps page to find a comprehensive collection of bike maps covering the race course in Arlington County and Washington, DC.

Tip #5: Information
If you need medical information on a runner or just general information about race day, visit the Main MCM Info tent in the Finish Festival on the Route 50 overpass in Rosslyn, or the Runners Village Info tent in the Pentagon North parking lot.  The American Red Cross will have a medical information tent at the finish line.

Tip #6: Get Noticed
Help your runner pick you out of the crowd by painting a sign or banner and wearing brightly colored clothing. Its also crucial to know your marathoner's bib number and how they are dressed. It's an imperfect science trying to time the convergence of a runner and spectator. If you suspect you've missed each other, move to the next viewing location.

Tip #7: Use www.MarineMarathon.com
Use the MCM website to determine your runner's latest split times. If family or friends can't be present to chase after their runner, refer them to the website to keep tabs on the progress of the race.

Tip #8: Be Prepared
Be another resource along the course for your runner. MCM water points and food stations will support runners, however, a good hand-off during the race might be a favorite snack or beverage. Consider the weather, as well. If it's raining, bring extra socks. If it is sunny, bring sunscreen. And as the day warms up, be ready to receive items from your runner as they shed extra clothing.

Tip #9: Link Up Post Race
Plan to meet your runner in the Family Link Up area, part of the Finish Festival in Rosslyn. Choose 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.

Tip #10: Tracking a Runner
Spectators may track a runner's progress on MCM Day through the MCM Website.  Live splits from every 5K and finish data will be available immediately on the results page.  Splits and results data will be available at the HP, Check Your Runner station in the Finish Festival. 

• Map Track- Spectators can track runners throughout the race on a course map.