newsletter april 2005

• November 2005
• October 2005
• September 2005
• August 2005
• June 2005
• May 2005
• December 2004
• November 2004
• October 2004
• September 2004
• August 2004
• July 2004
• May 2004
• April 2004

New MCM Registration Process---Register for the 30th MCM on April 6

Mark your calendar. On Wednesday, April 6, 2005, the Marine Corps Marathon celebrates its 30th anniversary by opening registration to 30,000 runners. This will be the largest race field ever for the annual event to be held on Sunday, October 30, 2005. The previously-utilized online lottery system will be replaced by online rolling registration enticing runners from across the country and around the world on a first come, first served basis to be a part of "The People's Marathon."

Applicants may begin to register to run in the 30th MCM on www.marinemarathon.com starting at midnight EST on Wednesday, April 6 and click the link to registration. The process includes accepting a waiver, completing the registration form, clicking through a payment and receiving a confirmation email. Included in the confirmation email will be a registration number, imperative for each runner to print and keep to access e-confirmation cards beginning in August. E-Confirmation cards are necessary to obtain bib and chip at the Runners' Expo.

Other MCM Registration News

MCM 8K will be held on Sunday, October 30, 2005. More info coming soon about the new startline. Registration opens on May 1, 2005.

Healthy Kids Fun Run will move from Saturday to a post- marathon start on Sunday, October 30, 2005. The Kids Run presented by The Washington Post is open to young runners ages 6-13. Registration opens on May 1, 2005.

Volunteer for the marathon. Only through the spirit of cooperation among thousands of Marine and civilian volunteers can "The People's Marathon" effectively serve the people. Register to support the runners when the volunteer module opens on May 1, 2005.

MCM Registration Rally at Pentagon Row in Arlington

Go offline to register for this year's MCM at the MCM Registration Rally on Wednesday, April 6 from 11 am to 1 p.m. Hosted by Arlington's main street style retail and restaurant center Pentagon Row, the MCM Registration Rally will offer 1,000 guaranteed spots on a first come, first served basis. Would-be marathoners can obtain a guaranteed entry to the MCM amidst a festive atmosphere of live music by the Marine Corps Base Quantico Band, health and fitness demonstrations, running clinics, food tastings, a live remote with DC101 and more! Pentagon Row is located on Joyce Street in Arlington, convenient to Metro's Pentagon City (Yellow Line) station.

MCM Registration Rally Poster

MCM Training Apparel

Marathon training takes dedication, hard work and lots of attention to your body...and the MCM Brooks Store wants to help you get to the startline and beyond. After you register for the 30th Anniversary MCM, hit the road and start training in all new 2005 MCM training apparel including shirts, hats, socks, shorts and more. Let the world know you are in training to run with the Marines.

Hotel and Travel Planning

The MCM is proud to announce a new race headquarters hotel - the Hyatt Regency Capitol. Located within steps of the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Smithsonian Museums, National Mall and Union Station, the new headquarters hotel will be home of the special 30th Anniversary MCM Celebration Pasta Parties and the MCM Post Race Party. The Hyatt is the closest hotel to the new MCM Runners' Expo location-The DC Armory. Other top quality Arlington and Washington, DC-area hotels offer special rates and runner-friendly amenities. Among the special services extended to MCM participants and guests are shuttle services, late checkouts and pasta parties. Visit the MCM Travel Page to view individual hotel web sites, plus learn more about MCM airline discounts.

All New Expert Infused MCM Virtual Trainer

Need a friendly reminder or a structured program to shape your training for the Marine Corps Marathon? The MCM Virtual Trainer is set up to allow runners from beginners to those Boston-bound to train for the marathon. The program, written by Olympian and best-selling author Jeff Galloway, offers training schedules for all skill levels that can be sent directly to your email. The schedule is accompanied by daily tips, written by the MCM panel of training experts including Galloway; 2003 MCM men's champion Peter Sherry; sports nutritionists Lisa Dorfman; Dr. Michael Moses of NOVA Pain and Rehab Center; Tylenol 8 Hour; Clif Bar Pace Team and more. There is no cost for participation. The schedules begin in late April and include two weekday runs and a longer weekend run. Visit the training page of the MCM website or click on the headline above.

Basic Training DVD - MCM Course Tour and Introduction to Running in DC

Everything runners need to know about the Marine Corps Marathon. The brand new DVD-video covers basic training, health and fitness, registration, packet pickup, the MCM Runners' Expo, and detailed instructions to help you arrive at the starting line fit and ready for the challenge. A mile-by-mile course tour includes runner's-eye views of almost every major monument and memorial in the nation's capital. Bonus features include an animated course map. The DVD is on sale beginning on April 6 for only $24.95, plus $4.95 shipping & handling. Please allow up to two weeks for delivery.

Special Edition 30th MCM Chip

Some people slip a new ring on their finger for an anniversary. MCM runners tie a new chip to their shoes. Purchase your very own customized special edition 30th anniversary 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. Purchasing the anniversary chip is strictly optional. All runners will receive a chip at Packet Pick-up as a standard part of registration.

MCM On the Road

Visit the Marine Corps Marathon at these locations during April. A limited number of guaranteed entries to the 30th MCM will be available.

Cooper River Bridge 10K Run: Charleston, SC. The Run, Walk and Fitness Exposition will be held at the Gillard Auditorium on Thursday, March 31 from 8 am –8 p.m. and Friday, April 1 from 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Marathon de Paris - Paris, France. Parc des Expositions of Paris will welcome the Marathon Expo on Thursday, April 7 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Boston Marathon: Boston, MA. Hynes Convention Center will host the 2005 Sports & Fitness Expo. Show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. on both Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 17.

Country Music Marathon and ½ Marathon: Nashville, TN. The Nashville Convention Center welcomes the Health and Fitness Expo, Thursday and Friday, April 28-29. Doors open at 11a.m. both Thursday and Friday.

Vancouver International Marathon: Vancouver, B.C. The Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Center is the 2005 home to the Healthy Nutrition and Wellness Expo. This three-day event begins Thursday, April 28 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m., continues Friday, April 29 from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and concludes Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

30th Marine Corps Marathon Celebration Pasta Dinner

Runners, family and friends are cordially encouraged to commemorate three decades of "The People's Marathon" at the 30th Anniversary Marine Corps Marathon Celebration Dinner on Saturday evening, October 29 at Hyatt Regency Capitol, the 2005 MCM race headquarters. Two seatings begin at 6 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Capture the marathon-eve energy at this special evening program including an elegant pasta dinner buffet, lively entertainment, engaging guest speakers and coveted prizes. Tickets are $30 per person. Children four years and under are free. Add hoopla to your pasta and class to your carb load at this spirited celebration of your participation in the 30th Marine Corps Marathon! Order tickets during online registration starting April 6.

Marine Corps Marathon Band Search

The 2005 Marine Corps Marathon Band Search has begun. Are you or someone you know part of a rock, blues, alternative, pop, jazz or country band with enough spirit to power 30,000 runners along the 26.2-mile course? Here's an opportunity to play in front of thousands of motivated runners and even more energized spectators throughout the nation's capital. All bands selected to participate will be featured in the MCM race program and online. Send your CD and materials for review today.

To apply, just send a CD, bio, photo, website and contact information to MCM Band Search, PO Box 188, Quantico, VA 22134.

Tune In! Fairfax County's Red Apple Channel 21 Salutes the MCM Healthy School

Lynbrook Elementary School in Springfield, Virginia received the Marine Corps Marathon Healthy School Award for the fourth straight year during a special all-school presentation in February. The Healthy School Award was presented to the school with the most participants in the Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids Fun Run, held annually during MCM weekend for children ages 6-13. The presentation including speeches from the school staff, MCM Director Rick Nealis, Families magazine publisher Brenda Hyde and 2003 MCM winner Peter Sherry. Highlights from the event will be featured in SchoolScene, a program on Fairfax County Public School's Red Apple Channel 21, beginning on March 28. The show will air daily through April 17 at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m.

Support a Great Cause and Run with a Charity

More than 1,400 charity runners raised over $4.9 million for both local and national causes through participation in the 2004 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.

Through the MCM Charity Partner Program, approved charitable organizations 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 2005 Charity Partners. Please visit their websites for further information about joining a program to secure a guaranteed MCM entry while supporting various fundraising efforts.

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 including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area; Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS); Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation; AIMS India Foundation; Rails-to-Trails Conservancy; National Association for Children of Alcoholics; and Asha for Education.

Organization for Autism Research "Run For Autism". Leader in using science-based research to provide answers, practical alternatives, and solutions to the autism community.

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.

International Association of Firefighters Burn Foundation. Dedicated to burn research and improving the quality of life for burn survivors.

Lombardi Cancer Center. Provides the most advanced treatment available to Lombardi patients and endeavors to find a cure for this devastating disease.

Doctors for United Medical Missions. Committed to improving medical care in developing countries through performance of collaborative medical projects.

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.

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.

Destination Cure. Dedicated to empowering everyday people to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research.

Friends4Michael Foundation. Strives to increase awareness of the effects of brain tumors on children and support research for a cure.

National Student Partnership. Ensuring that all Americans have access to the services, opportunities, and attention needed in pursuit of employment, self-sufficiency, and personal success.

Rebuilding Together. To repair, renovate and modify homes so elderly and disabled low-income persons can live in warmth, safety and independence.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Mission of the foundation is to develop means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and improve the lives of those living with 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.

WomenHeart. the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease Seeks to provide support, and information to women living with heart disease as well as to improve their cardiac health and quality of life.

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association. A group of trained volunteers who respond to the needs of people living with ALS, to support those who care for them, and to assist in finding a cure.