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.
Announcing the Crystal City Street Spectacular
Where's the best place to watch a runner? Standard answers are the start and finish. Now, add to that Crystal City. The re-routed 29th MCM course will incorporate Crystal Drive, a new urban "main street" in the heart of Crystal City, at mile 22 and 23. The route through Crystal City will offer the premier vantage point for spectators to view runners and for runners to enjoy post-finish excitement.
The Crystal City Street Spectacular will combine 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.
Expo and Marathon Parking
Crystal City will also make available 4,000 parking spaces adjacent to Crystal Drive for those attending the MCM Runners' Expo presented by Caremark on Saturday, October 30. Expo visitors picking up packets on Thursday or Friday are highly encouraged to take Metro. The Crystal City parking spaces will also be available on Sunday, October 31 for the Marathon. 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 festivities.
We've Got the Power-MCM Welcomes Powerade
The MCM will introduce a new energy drink to the course this October. Powerade will be filling more than 180,000 cups across all 13 water points to aid runners in maintaining proper hydration. Powerade combines carbohydrates with fluids for energy and hydration. It quenches thirst and replenishes minerals and carbohydrates lost during the running of a marathon.
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 confirm your personal data and send corrections to marathon@nt.quantico.usmc.mil) 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.
New Course and Elevation Maps Unveiled
Click the headline and view the new MCM course and elevation map. Remember the new start line sends runners north on Route 110 into Rosslyn, as opposed to south towards the Pentagon. The new finish line will be located at the foot of the Iwo Jima Monument.
Recognizing the MCM 8K
Running an 8K is quite an accomplishment and the MCM will acknowledge this achievement by awarding top male and female finisher in each age group with a special plaque. The age groups are: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and up. Overall male and female winners will receive a Marine Corps Marathon 8K shadowbox.
The MCM 8K will be held on October 31, 2004 at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $35 and all participants will receive a competitor's t-shirt, finisher medal and refreshments at the finish line. MCM 8K runners experience race day to the fullest by sharing the start and finish lines of the 29th Marine Corps Marathon and participating in opening ceremonies and all other exciting race week events.
MCM Store Puts Your Best Foot Forward
In the Marine Corps Marathon Brooks Store - technology starts at the bottom!
Check out the all new MCM logo socks! Features 55% Coolmax fabric content
providing the ultimate in wicking and moisture management. With mesh
construction top, the MCM logo sock keeps your feet dry and blister free.
The nylon reinforced heel and toe provides enhanced durability. You'll be
glad to be wearing this sock as you cross the 14th Street bridge at mile 20.
Check out the sock and more great MCM apparel in the MCM Brooks Store.
Tough workouts, including long runs and speed sessions, are the cornerstone
to becoming a better runner and preparing for a big race. However, these
workouts can often leave you sore and fatigued for days afterward making it
difficult to train consistently. Fortunately, there are steps that you can
take to optimize your recovery and quickly get back to training at full
strength.
Following these simple guidelines can help ensure a speedy recovery with
less muscle soreness:
Drink: Replenish the fluid and electrolytes lost through
sweating to get you back to a balanced state of hydration. This is best
achieved by consuming beverages and snacks that contain sodium like sports
drinks, chicken broth, and pretzels. Keep drinking fluids until your urine
is clear.
Eat: Quickly replacing the calories you've expended in your
workout will go a long way to help you recover quickly. Carbohydrate-rich
foods along with a bit of protein are your best bet.
Stretch: Gentle stretching done immediately after finishing
your workout while your muscles are still warm may reduce the stiffness you
might feel the next day.
Pain relief: Treat minor muscle aches associated with tough
workouts with Tylenol® 8 Hour, a great choice for all-day* pain relief.
*Up to 8 hours
Continuing their volunteer efforts of six years, First Command will again have a team of roughly 200 volunteers on the course at the 29th MCM. First Command employees ranging from agents to regional directors, all the way up to senior management, will be manning water stations and handing out oranges and space blankets.
The rewards of volunteering for the MCM parallel the rewards of most volunteer efforts, as each employee gets back much more than they give. Working the race allows First Command employees and their families a chance to spend quality time together while participating in an event of worldwide recognition. The race proves to be an event not to be forgotten as the employees who worked the race the first year have returned each consecutive year adding more friends to the list of volunteers. With 90 percent of their agents having formerly served in the military, First Command is proud to align their organization with the strong image of the Marine Corps Marathon.
Register to be a volunteer with the online volunteer application form. Individuals, 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.
Ask the MCM
Q. How do I get my confirmation information?
A. You will receive an e-card confirmation, which will have all of the necessary information. 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.
Q. I wasn't selected in the lottery, but still want to run the race. Is there any other way I can still run the MCM?
A. Yes, there are two possibilities. Runners can register to run for a charity organization and secure a guaranteed spot for the marathon, as well as help raise funds and awareness for different important causes. The other option is to find a runner on the MCM forum who is seeking to transfer their bib number.
Q. I was selected through the 29th MCM lottery and want to form a team. How do I go about doing this?
A. There is an application on the MCM website to register a team or you may contact the MCM office for an application. The registration fee for a team is $35. Teams consist of 3-5 runners and will be placed in one of six categories: Men, Women, Masters, Organizations, Military and Mixed.
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.
Every Kid Is A Winner
Everyone loves a winner. So what better than an event where everyone wins? At the Healthy Kids Fun Run, every child is a winner. Fun Run participants receive a t-shirt, finisher ribbon, post-race snack and a host of fun activities.
The Healthy Kids Fun Run presented by the Washington Post will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. The Fun Run is a one-mile run for children ages 6 to 13 meant to encourage a healthy lifestyle. The entry fee is $10 for mail in registration, or a new toy worth $10 to be donated to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots at the MCM Expo or race morning registration. The Marines not only lead the children in warm-ups Marine Corps-style but run alongside them for encouragement.
The MCM also presents the school with the greatest number of student participants in the Healthy Kids Fun Run with the Healthy School Award. The award acknowledges a school for encouraging students to lead a healthy lifestyle and for promoting fitness. Information is 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.
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.
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
Let Clif Lead the Way!
Runners will have the opportunity to rely on the guidance and marathoning expertise of the ClifBar Pace Team. For the first time, the ClifBar Pace Team, comprised of a group of skilled and experienced marathon runners, will lead MCM participants to their finishing goal times. Sponsored by ClifBar, Inc., the team debuted in 2002 and has helped thousands of runners at races across the country achieve their marathon goals. Register to run with the ClifBar Pace Team at the Runners' Expo or, in advance, on the Clif website
Narrated by former US Olympic marathoner Don Kardong the Marine Corps Marathon Virtual Video takes you on a tour of the scenic course from a runner's eye view and provides basic information and tips for race preparation. VHS or DVD costs $19.95.
Say it in a Footnote
Show your friends, family, co-workers, and even people you don't know how Proud you are of them. Write a Footnote.
FootNotes are three-line personalized messages to be featured in the MCM Race Program. These messages let a runner know of your support. The cost is $19 and includes a bold headline with up to 25 characters (includes spaces) and a two-line message up to 40 characters per line (including spaces). Everyone who places a FootNote will be eligible to win a pair of tickets to the MCM Pasta Party on Saturday, October 30th. Please type your FootNote, make sure you meet the space restrictions. Mail Footnote to: Marine Corps Marathon - attn. FootNotes, P.O. Box 188 Quantico, VA 22134. The deadline is August 6, 2004. Make check payable to: The Marine Corps Marathon.
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