newsletter august 2004

• 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 Baggage System Introduced at 29th MCM

Following last year's MCM, runners requested an expanded baggage area with greater storage space, an easier retrieval system and increased security. All of these expectations have been met with the new baggage system that will be introduced at the 29th MCM. Runners now have two options for dropping off their baggage during the pre-marathon hours.

The new expanded baggage tent for drop off and pick up is located west of the Iwo Jima Monument, just to the left of the hospitality tent.

A second and new baggage drop-off alternative will be introduced at the new start area on the west side of Route 110 adjacent to Arlington Cemetery. Six color-coded trucks will be parked along the start line. The truck colors correspond to the color of the baggage tag on each runner bib. Color groupings are determined by bib number. Following the start of the marathon, the trucks will transport all baggage to the baggage tent for post-marathon pick up. Remember, to utilize the clear plastic Brooks goodie bag provided at packet pick-up for baggage storage on marathon day with baggage claim number attached. Marines and volunteers will check and store the bags and facilitate the return of bags with proper verification of bib number. Baggage locations open at 6 a.m. on marathon morning. Please be aware that the Marine Corps Marathon is not liable for lost items. Do not deposit valuable items.

Corrals Incorporated into New MCM Start

The new MCM start now sends runners north on Route 110, rather than south toward the Pentagon as in past years. Look for a brand new corral set-up that takes advantage of this linear start line. Large signs and physical borders will delineate the 14 corrals starting at the Memorial Bridge. Runners can find their appropriate corral either by pace per mile or expected finish time. Finish times within the four-hour mark are subdivided into four groups because the largest concentration of MCM runners are training for a finish time around four hours. Remember runners will need to maintain a pace of 15:00 per mile to "Beat the Bridge" by mile 20.

How to Defer or Transfer MCM Entries

The transfer and deferment policies allow registered runners unable to participate in the sold-out October 31 MCM to transfer their bib number to another runner seeking entry or defer their entry for a guaranteed spot in the 2005 event.

TRANSFER a bib number by completing the MCM transfer form. The form requires the registered runner's information, as well as the information of the person receiving the transferred bib number. The MCM will send a transfer application to the transferee, which must be returned by September 6, 2004 with the $20 transfer fee. Would-be MCM participants and those registered runners seeking to transfer their number should utilize the MCM's online forum to make a match

DEFER a 2004 entry for a guaranteed spot in the 2005 MCM. The deferment does not transfer the 2004 entry fee. Runners who defer will receive an in-training shirt for the 30th Marine Corps Marathon to be held on October 30, 2005. This policy is not available to those runners who deferred a 2003 entry into the 2004 race. Deadline for deferrals is October 1, 2004.

Crystal City Street Spectacular

Late in the course at mile 22 and 23, spectators and runners will enjoy the family fun and enthusiastic energy of the Crystal City Street Spectacular. Halloween fun, live music, restaurant tastings, kid's crafts, radio stations-WASH FM and BIG 100, and activities such as Cisco Systems Check Your Runner computer stations, Powerade Rock Climbing Wall, the MCM/Brooks Finishers store and vibrant street "sculpture." Easy to access from Metro (Yellow/Blue), the Street Spectacular will energize Crystal Drive from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Marathon day for runners, spectators, family and finishers.

Who Let The Dog Out?--Meet Miles

The Marine Corps Marathon will again unleash Miles, the MCM mascot. And this year the MCM falls on his favorite holiday, Howl-oween. The six foot tall, brown furred bulldog wears bib #1775 (symbolic of the year the Marine Corps was born). One of the many first timers at last year's MCM, Miles pops up more often than a kangaroo on a pogo stick.

Look for the special Spot Miles sign at the Runners' Expo presented by Caremark. Some lucky dogs will receive from Miles a guaranteed entry for the 30th Anniversary MCM in October 2005 just by spotting Miles at the times and locations highlighted on the Spot Miles sign. Give ol' Miles a pat on the head when you see him, but don't go barking orders or you might have a few Marines on your tail!

Ask the MCM

Q. How should I get to the start on race day?
A. Best option is to take Metro to Arlington Cemetery (blue) or Rosslyn (blue/orange). Each station is located just a short distance from the start/finish area. Parking will also be available at the intersection of Crystal Drive at 23rd Street. Runners should plan on parking in these underground spaces and utilizing the MCM-coordinated shuttle service to and from the start/finish area on race day. A Crystal City Welcome Team will guide runners to Metro (Crystal City station on Yellow/Blue lines), parking, shuttles and the Street Spectacular. Shuttles begin at 5:30 a.m.

Q. What's the best way for my family and friends to watch me throughout the marathon?
A. The following itinerary maps a route for spectators to view runners in six on-course locations including the Crystal City Street Spectacular. The start area is easily accessible by Metro (Arlington Cemetery or Rosslyn stations). After watching runners pass under the arch and head out to Rosslyn, spectators will have more than enough time to cross Memorial Bridge to watch runners pass by Lincoln's left hand at mile 10. A short walk to the right side of Lincoln will give spectators another chance to cheer for runners at mile 16. Spectators should then return to Virginia across the Memorial Bridge and catch Metro to Crystal City. Here friends and family can enjoy the Street Spectacular while catching views of runners at mile 22 and 23. A quick Metro ride to Rosslyn or Arlington Cemetery returns spectators to the finish line in time to welcome their finisher.

NEW e-Confirmation Cards

New to the registration process this year is the e-Confirmation Card. This e-card replaces the confirmation brochure mailing that had been utilized in previous years. The printable e-card features mandatory runner information (please verify your personal data) and MCM Runners' Expo/packet pick-up information. Please follow directions to print your e-Confirmation Card. This card is essential and must be presented at packet pick-up. Available now, the new e-Confirmation Card will be accessible for runners to print as many copies as needed. The runner confirmation number, received via email, is essential for retrieving the e-Confirmation Card.

MCM 8K

The MCM has added an 8K run to its lineup of events on marathon day. Check out the sharp logo for the new 4.97-mile run. The 8K logo keeps the highly recognizable MCM triangle, but replaces the Iwo Jima Monument with a handwritten 8K symbol. The logo, as well as the participant shirt, is a festive harvest orange. The 8K begins shortly after the marathon runners clear the start line on Sunday, October 31. Registration for the MCM8K is available online and costs $35.

Healthy Kids Fun Run Registration and Art Contest

Need a way to turn a quiet summer day into a memorable experience? Inspire your children to let loose their creative side. Grab your paintbrushes, markers and crayons and give your kids the opportunity to share their idea of health, fitness, running and the Marine Corps in the Healthy Kids Fun Run Poster Contest. The top 20 poster entries will be displayed at the finish line of the Healthy Kids Fun Run or at the Kids Run booth of the Runners' Expo. Click on the Kids Newsletter link for contest information.

In addition to exercising the mind, your child can also exercise his/her body by participating in the Healthy Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 30 at 10 a.m. The Fun Run is a one-mile run for children ages 6 to 13 meant to encourage a healthy lifestyle. The advance entry fee is $10.The Marines not only lead the children in warm-ups Marine Corps-style but run alongside them for encouragement.

MCM Store Featuring the Race Singlet

Brooks Sports Race Singlet is built for the fanfare of "MCM Race Day!" Featuring 100% denier gradient polyester, with a sublimated design, and anatomical styling makes for a must have. The side panel construction, along with self binding neck and armholes reduce chafing and enhances comfort. The race singlet gives you all of the performance one has come to expect from Brooks to help you go all the way to the Iwo Jima Monument. Visit the MCM Store online and at the MCM Runners' Expo presented by Caremark from October 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City.

MCM Products

Purchase previous years participant shirts and other MCM limited edition souvenirs by clicking here.

Navy Federal Announces New Award for Top US Navy Finishers

Navy Federal Credit Union, proud sponsor of the MCM, will honor the top male and female finishers from the US Navy in the 29th MCM. Navy Federal's new trophy will be presented at the 12:30 p.m. awards ceremony on marathon day at the base of the Iwo Jima Monument. In 2003, 832 runners from the US Navy participated in the MCM.

"It's an honor for Navy Federal Credit Union to sponsor this new annual award recognizing the top Navy male and female runner to complete the Marine Corps Marathon," said Brian McDonnell, President, Navy Federal Credit Union. "The marathon offers Navy Federal Credit Union a wonderful opportunity to support our members, our country and those who protect our freedom."

MCM: News Sprint

-Grab Your Chip. Purchase your own customized Marine Corps Marathon runner's timing chip.

-On Your Mark, Get Set, Smile! 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.

-Sign up with the New Pace Team. To learn more about the team, visit www.clifbar.com/paceteams or stop by the ClifBar Pace Team sign up booth at the MCM Runners' Expo from October 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City.

-On Course Replenishment and Nourishment. The MCM course features 13 water points with each offering Mountain Blast flavored Powerade. A special Dasani Water Station will be positioned at the start. Sunkist oranges will be provided at mile 5 at the base of Rock Creek Parkway. Get Clif Shots at mile 14 along Independence Avenue. The following flavors will be available: Raz Sorbet, Viva Vanilla, Mocha Mocha, Mmm…Chocolate, Sonic Strawberry, Cola Buzz and Orange Creamsicle. Mile 18 in East Potomac Park is the final food station where volunteers will be distributing Nestlé's chocolate chip cookies.

-300,000th Finisher to Cross MCM Finish This Year. Approximately four and a half hours into the MCM, the 6,633rd finisher will run under the famed red arch at the MCM finish line. This individual will forever be recognized as the 300,000th runner to finish the MCM. Certifying and verifying the timing results will not allow for this individual to be determined for several weeks. Once the results are finalized, the finisher will receive a commemorative shadow box.

-Mueller's MCM Pasta Parties. Tickets remain available for the first Pasta Party seating at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 30. John "the Penguin" Bingham will be the featured speaker.

-Verify Personal Data. Please fact check your personal data to confirm your registration information is correct. Any discrepancies in name, age, gender, etc. should be brought to the attention of the MCM staff immediately. Please call 1800 RUN USMC.

Baltimore is a Great Training Run

The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon, part of the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival, is a great training run for participants in the MCM. The CareFirst Half-Marathon takes place Saturday, October 16, fifteen days prior to the MCM. The half-marathon field is limited to 3,000 participants and last year's race sold out, so sign up early! Also, CareFirst members competing in any Baltimore Running Festival race will be eligible for a special prize drawing that includes a trip for two to the Reggae Marathon in Jamaica and much more. (CareFirst members must present membership card and enter the drawing at the expo to be eligible.)

Thanks to the support of title sponsor Legg Mason Funds, the 4-Person team relay will be awarding prizes to winning relay and Corporate Challenge teams to include; a dinner party at Phillips Seafood Restaurant, shoes from Falls Road Running, memberships to Merritt Athletic Club, gift certificates to McCormick & Schmick's, Maryland football tickets and more. All four legs of the relay will vary from six to seven miles, another training run option for the 2004 MCM.

For more information or to register for any of the Baltimore Running Festival events, please visit www.thebaltimoremarathon.com.