2004 MCM Lottery Details
The 29th Annual Marine Corps Marathon began its online registration at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2004. Nearly 2,000 registrants had entered within the first eight hours!
Lottery Drawings begin on Wednesday, May 5 for five consecutive Wednesdays, concluding on June 2.
Interested parties should register for the lottery at the earliest possible date to participate in the maximum number of weekly drawings. Once a participant is registered, their name will remain in the lottery until it is chosen or until the field is full.
Registrants will not be charged an entry fee until they are chosen from the lottery. Those selected will receive a confirmation e-mail or may check the confirmation module after May 5.
For your convenience, the opportunity to purchase your MCM Pasta Party tickets has been incorporated into the application. Didn't see that option? You can go back and edit your registration form at any time until you are selected through the lottery. Featuring music, prizes, quality carbs and world class guest speakers, the MCM Pasta Parties will be held on Saturday, October 30.
Grab Your Chip
 Purchase your own customized Marine Corps Marathon runner's chip. This chip can be used at all ChampionChip events around the world and serve as a reminder of a great run with the Marines. The timing chip costs $35 plus shipping and handling.
About Face! MCM Introduces 2004 Course Changes
For the first time in its 29-year history, the Marine Corps Marathon will fire the Howitzer and send runners north on Route 110 into Rosslyn, as opposed to south towards the Pentagon. MCM participants will assemble in a straight line down Route 110.
Additional course changes in 2004 include taking Lee Highway west at mile 2 to Spout Run Parkway, before meeting up with George Washington Memorial Parkway and heading back to cross the Key Bridge.
There will also be a reintroduction of Hains Point and the East Potomac Park area at mile 16. This change brings runners to the 14th Street Bridge at mile 20 as opposed to mile 21 in 2003, giving them more time to "Beat the Bridge." After crossing the bridge and returning to Virginia, runners will follow a new stretch of the course into Crystal City and down the soon-to-be two-way Crystal Drive.
To finish the race, participants will make the traditional climb up Marshall Drive to the Iwo Jima Monument, but will no longer have to circle the memorial to make it to the finish line. The new finish line will be located in front of the Iwo Jima Monument. Course route is subject to change.
Go the Distance... New MCM 8K
While you run the marathon, your friends, family and support team can participate in the new MCM 8K. The Inaugural MCM 8K will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 31, following the start of the Marathon. Registration for the 8K costs $35.
Why this new distance, you ask?
"Runners enjoy challenges. I know our participants will welcome the opportunity to compete and succeed in this new measure of accomplishment," said Rick Nealis, Race Director. "The new direction of the Marine Corps Marathon start enables us operationally to host an 8K event and welcome more runners over a greater distance."
The new 8K will begin at the marathon's starting line after the marathon runners leave the corrals. 8K participants will head south on Route 110 and loop around the Pentagon. They will meet up with the 2004 Marathon course at Army Navy Drive, then follow Washington Blvd. back to Route 110 north, head under the Arlington Memorial Bridge and back to Marshall Drive towards the Iwo Jima Monument. The 8K will utilize the marathon's finish line to end the race. Course route is subject to change.
2004 Original Artwork Contest Winner
Congratulations to J. Ford Huffman, Deputy Managing Editor of Graphics and Photography for USA Today, and three-time Marine Corps Marathon finisher. Huffman has been selected as the winner of the 2004 Marine Corps Marathon's Original Artwork Contest. The winning artwork will become the staple graphic of the 2004 MCM, appearing on publications, banners, space blankets and print materials.
The contest's Runner-Up is US Naval Underwater Construction Technician, Benjamin Perez. His hand-drawn artwork, featuring Halloween characters racing in front of the Iwo Jima Monument, will be featured on the MCM's 8K T-shirts to commemorate the date of the event, October 31, 2004.
Training Gear at MCM Brooks Store
The 2004 Official MCM store designed by Brooks to meet all of your training needs is now open. We offer technical running equipment to keep you cool, dry and comfortable in any climate.
Training gear available now! New product launches July 1, 2004 - Don't forget to check back for the latest offerings!
Runner Spotlight
Running out here has a much greater meaning than most people think. I ran the Marine Corps Marathon every year during my Naval Academy days and have pretty much hung up those shoes. I am not sure that I have the knees for the job any longer. I am just happy training and sharing the little secrets I learned during my cross country days.
Out here running is almost religious for many of us. It sort of takes us away from this place for 30 min to an hour. We talk about running techniques and tempos. We talk about the shoes we wish we could get our hands on. We typically lament the destruction of our current shoes as the desert sand chews them up. Last year we made the mistake of only bringing one pair (just what you could carry in your bags). This year we all came better prepared with at least two pairs of shoes. A good pair of running shoes out here might last 30 days for the average runner.
This year, most of our small training team is equipped with GPS watches and heart monitors. Yup... we are better known by our comrades in arms as "The Running Geeks." Of course, many of them have yet to join us during our interval training. It's not the prettiest place to run, but we do not complain. Just so that you understand our resolve, we started our runs having to carry our weapons. Running will never be the same!!
-Major Javier Garcia, USMC
If you have a unique or inspiring training story to tell, send an email and photo to marathon@nt.quantico.usmc.mil and you may be featured in our Runner Spotlight.
Be a part of the Marine Corps Marathon experience without running a step... but don't worry, we'll keep you moving! Here is your chance to work side by side with the men and women of the United States Marine Corps in our nation's capital. No other volunteer opportunity offers a more inspirational or patriotic setting.
The 2004 MCM is in need of enthusiastic and excited volunteers to assist race staff and Marines at water and aide stations, the MCM Expo, baggage pick-up, and many other locations. The possibilities are endless!
Register to be a volunteer with the online volunteer application form. Singles, families or large groups welcome! Volunteers are highly valued by the Marine Corps Marathon! The event simply could not happen without the support of so many.
Top quality Arlington and Washington, DC-area hotels are offering special rates and runner-friendly amenities to MCM participants. Among the special services extended to MCM participants and guests are shuttle services, late checkouts and pasta parties. Visit the MCM Travel Page presented by Delta Air Lines to view individual hotel web sites, plus learn more about MCM airline discounts.
Free Virtual Trainer
Need a friendly reminder or a structured program to shape your training for the Marine Corps Marathon? The MCM Virtual Trainer, written by Olympian and best-selling author Jeff Galloway, is set up to allow runners from beginners to those Boston-bound to train for the marathon without devoting every moment to running. The program offers training schedules for all skill levels that can be sent directly to your email. There is no cost for participation. The schedules include two weekday runs and a longer weekend run.
Virtual Video
And what better way to visualize the challenges of the Arlington and DC-based course than to actually see it? The 30-minute Virtual Marine Corps Marathon Course Video tours the course from a runner's-eye view providing basic information, highlighting course characteristics and offering tips for race preparation. Narrated by former US Olympic marathoner Don Kardong, the Virtual Marine Corps Marathon Course VHS or DVD costs $19.95.
Healthy Kids Corner
 As part of its mission to encourage children to initiate a lifelong commitment to fitness by making healthy choices at home, at school and at play, the MCM has created a Healthy Kids Corner of the MCM web site. The MCM will feature articles, training, nutrition and healthy lifestyle information for children and their parents to promote physical activity, healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices.
 I nformation is also available for parents, school officials, youth groups, clubs and organizations to sign up, train for and run the 2004 Marine Corps Marathon's Healthy Kids Fun Run presented by the Washington Post. The one-mile fun run will take place on Saturday, October 30 at the Iwo Jima Monument. Race festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. and are open to all children, ages 6-13. Entry is $10 or one, new unwrapped toy for the Marine Corps Toys For Tots campaign.
 The Marine Corps Marathon proudly welcomes new event photographer MarathonFoto, the established leader in race photography boasting three decades of experience. The MarathonFoto team of professional photographers will be taking multiple photos of all MCM participants at several different locations on the course as well as at the finish line. Runner photo proofs will be available lightning quick after the race. If you wish to receive notification when all of your race photos are posted online and available for viewing, register your email address on the MCM Photo page.
Maggiano's Loves Runners
A corporate sponsor of the 29th Marine Corps Marathon, Maggiano's Little Italy has created a spaghetti and meatballs recipe every runner will enjoy. Italian food has traditionally been the food of choice on the day before a marathon or major endurance event. When preparing for competition, athletes should avoid high fat, not-easily digestible foods and drink lots of water, while avoiding caffeine and alcoholic drinks. Maggiano's menu also offers healthy choices for everyone. All of the basic ingredients from the menu are fresh, wholesome and healthy. Many ingredients such as salmon, tomatoes and olive oil are even heart healthy and Maggiano's is committed to catering to guests' dietary requests. Over all, Maggiano's menu is designed to be served family style, which allows guests control over their portion size . . . by sharing salads, pastas, entrees and even dessert, guests at Maggiano's can make healthy choices while enjoying the robust flavors of Southern Italian cooking.
The Marine Corps Marathon has been recognized by USA Track & Field (USATF) as the Charitable Race of the Year. In 2002, the MCM's charity partners generated $8 million dollars for deserving charities.
Through the MCM Charity Partner Program, local and national charitable organizations are able train and motivate their running groups to participate in the MCM as a platform to raise money and increase awareness of their cause. MCM is proud to present the list of our 2004 Charity Partners. Please visit their websites for further information about joining a program, securing a guaranteed MCM entry and participating in this year's "People's Marathon".
National Aids Marathon Training Program
Helps NAMTP volunteers accomplish their goals and works towards improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training Largest endurance sports training program exchanges training and support for fundraising to help find a cure for leukemia.
St. Jude Heroes
Children's Research Hospital fights against catastrophic childhood diseases while providing training support, tips, team gatherings and motivation to volunteers.
Marathon Charity Partners
Training and race day programs to enhance the experience of the runners who are making sacrifices to serve member charity groups.
The Carefree Foundation and Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children
Dedicated to providing essential medical assistance to thousands of impoverished people around the world. Help save the life of a child one mile at a time
Organization for Autism Research "Run For Autism"
Leader in using science-based research to provide answers, practical alternatives, and solutions to the autism community.
National Association for Children of Alcoholics "Run for the Children'
Provides education, intervention, and support to children of addicted parents.
Children's Hospital "Team Children's"
Provides health care services that enhance the health and well being of children through leadership and innovation regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
Private social service agency embraces all needy members of their community, regardless of race, religion, or national origin
National Multiple Sclerosis Society "Marathon Strides Against MS"
Committed to providing comprehensive support services to help people with MS and their families better cope with the consequences of the disease.
Running Strong "Team Running Strong"
Helping American Indian people meet their immediate survival needs while implementing and supporting programs designed to create opportunities for self-sufficiency and self-esteem, particularly for tribal youth.
International Association of Firefighters Burn Foundation
Dedicated to burn research and improving the quality of life for burn survivors.
Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Provides the most advanced treatment available to Lombardi patients and endeavors to find a cure for this devastating disease.
Breaking Barriers
Fosters the concept of achievement for people with diseases and disabilities through physical and mental activities and to remove the barriers between the disabled and no disabled.
Diabetes Action Research &Education Foundation "Diabetes Action Team"
Focuses on reducing the serious medical consequences of diabetes and alleviating the illness and suffering that accompany this disease.
Doctors for United Medical Missions
Committed to improving medical care in developing countries through performance of collaborative medical projects.
National Student Partnership
Ensuring that all Americans have access to the services, opportunities, and attention that they need in their pursuit of employment, self-sufficiency, and personal success.
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