2005 MCM Course Changes
The 2005 MCM will celebrate its 30th Anniversary with a few changes to the 2004 course. The start line location along 110 will be adjusted slightly with runners located south of the Arlington Memorial Bridge instead of directly north, as was the case last year. The USATF certified course starts, as always, in Arlington winding its way through the Rosslyn district. Runners will once again experience the climb on Lee Highway in the first few miles and will be rewarded with a descent along Spout Run and the GW Parkway. After crossing the Key Bridge into Georgetown and running Rock Creek Parkway, participants will soon pass the Kennedy Center before entering the Mall area and numerous monuments and memorials. The familiar trip toward Capital Hill will be altered in 2005, as the course will now pass directly in front of the Capitol, thereby avoiding the climb up and around Capitol Hill. After passing the National Botanical Gardens, the course turns on Jefferson Drive along the National Mall as opposed to previous MCM's when runners followed Independence Avenue. As the course traverses the mall, entrants head directly toward the Washington Monument before returning to Independence Avenue. Once alongside the Lincoln Memorial on Ohio Drive, the course follows the Tidal Basin and travels toward the Jefferson Memorial. The marathon once again returns to Haines Point and "the Awakening" in East Potomac Park. After crossing the 14th Street Bridge back to Virginia, runners will venture to Crystal City, return past the Pentagon, and finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. The official course map created by The Map Network will be online beginning in July.
Transfer and Defer Policies Announced
The Marine Corps Marathon transfer and deferment allow registered runners unable to participate in the sold-out October 30 marathon to transfer their bib number to another runner seeking entry or defer their entry for a guaranteed spot in the 2006 event. To transfer a bib number, registered runners must complete and mail in the MCM transfer form. The form requires the information of the registered runner and the runner receiving the transferred number. MCM will send a transfer application to the new runner, which must be returned with the $20 transfer fee by September 13. Runners seeking runners to transfer a bib should post opportunities on the MCM Forum.
The deferment procedure allows registered runners to postpone their run and receive a guaranteed spot in the 2006 MCM. The deferment does not transfer the registration fee to 2006. Click here for the deferment request form. Runners who defer their 2005 entry will receive a MCM In-Training Shirt in February 2006. The deadline for deferrals is October 4.
MCM Registration: Save your confirmation number
Registered runners received a confirmation email shortly after completing sign-up process. This email contains a vitally important confirmation number, imperative for each runner to print and keep to access downloadable e-confirmation cards beginning online in September. Runners will be asked to print the e-confirmation card and will need to bring it along with a photo ID to Packed Pick-up at the MCM Runners' Expo presented by Caremark.
In order for someone else to pick up a runner's race packet, the registered runner will need to write a letter permitting the other person to pick up the packet. The other person will need to have his or her photo ID and the registered runners e-confirmation card.
Please review all personal information on your confirmation email and contact the MCM office with any corrections or updates.
 MCM 8K - New Start, New Course, Same Marathon Finish
The 2005 Marine Corps Marathon 8K boasts a new course and start line. Held on Marathon Sunday, October 30, 2005, the 4.97 mile run will kick off in Runners Village, part of the Pentagon North Parking Lot, and contain a larger portion of the actual marathon course leading up to the finish under the MCM arch at the Iwo Jima Monument. MCM 8K participants receive a competitor long sleeve t-shirt, goodie bag, finisher medal and refreshments at the finish line. Registration is $38.
Healthy Kids Fun Run-Moved to Marathon Sunday
For the first time ever, the Healthy Kids Fun Run presented by The Washington Post will be held on Marathon Sunday, October 30, 2005 beginning at 9:05 a.m.,
just minutes after all 30,000 MCM runners cross the start line. Children ages 6-13 are invited to participate in the one-mile race.
Pre-registration is required by October 17, 2005. The entry fee is $12 and includes a t-shirt, finisher's ribbon and snacks at the finish line. Kids Run participants will be required to obtain their t-shirt and bib at the MCM Runners' Expo presented by Caremark at the DC Armory on Friday, October 28 or Saturday, October 29, 2005. Parents and children are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Runners' Expo or the race site to donate to United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign. The Healthy Kids Fun Run is presented by The Washington Post and sponsored by Sodexho, FAMILIES Magazine, ABC7/WJLA, Brooks and Navy Federal Credit Union.
 MCM 30th Anniversary Apparel
As a registered runner, you are not simply participating in a marathon... you adding to the energy of the historic 30th MCM. Proudly wear 30th Anniversary Technical Apparel from Brooks available in June at the MCM Brooks Store. The clothing boasts all new original designs inspired by the commitment to health and fitness made by the Marine Corps and the 300,000 runners who have crossed the MCM finish line since 1976. Let the world know you are in training to run with the Marines.
 Be a tourist and a marathoner aboard the Spirit of Washington's MCM Spirit Cruise on Friday, October 28 or Saturday, October 29. Step aboard the Spirit of Washington for
unparalleled cruising fun on the Potomac River. You'll dine, dance, enjoy a live musical show, hear special marathon guest speakers and view the skyline of the nation's capital. Your Spirit cruise departs from Pier 4 at 6th and Water Streets. The Friday night, three-hour dinner cruise boards at 6:30 p.m. and costs $65 per person. The Saturday afternoon, two and a half hour lunch cruise boards at 12:30 p.m. and costs $38 per person. Limited capacity so reserve your seat today at 1-866-211-3811.
 Plan your trip to the nation's capital on the MCM Travel Pages hosted by Jet Blue Airways.
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 and rental car discounts. The MCM welcomes Jet Blue Airways as a new sponsor. Jet Blue offers nonstop flights from Dulles to Los Angeles, Ft Lauderdale, Oakland, Sacramento and, soon, San Diego.
 NEW! MCM Website to Host Online Chats
Now runners training for the Marine Corps Marathon have an outlet to ask questions, swap stories and gather advice. The online chats occur every other Wednesday at noon on www.marinemarathon.com. The chats are open to the general public by logging on to marinemarathon.com and clicking on the chat link. Participate by choosing a username and asking questions or just reading along as expert hosts assist runners in preparation for the MCM. Future online chat hosts will cover topics including sports injuries, running apparel and diet/nutrition.
Online Chat Schedule (all chats start at noon eastern):
- June 22 Dr. Michael Moses, sports injuries specialist
- July 13 Darris from Clif Pace Team
- July 27 Jeff Galloway, author/US Olympian
- August 10 Lisa Dorfman, sports nutritionist
- September 28 Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director
Annie Cocchiaro of Alexandria, VA was the first volunteer to sign up for the 2005 MCM. She will be assisting with Packet Pick-up at the Runners' Expo at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. Cocchiaro is a native of the DC- area and ran the MCM in 2000 and 2003. For the 30th anniversary, Cocchiaro is unable to run but chose to serve as a volunteer because she wants to be around the MCM expo and stay in touch with what the MCM is doing. Subway will provide food support for MCM volunteers.
Dinner for the Family: Healthy Kids Pasta Bash
Introducing the most kid-tastic carb load. The Marine Corps Marathon will host the first-ever Healthy Kids Pasta Bash on Saturday, October 29 at 4 p.m. in the Hyatt Regency Capitol for marathon runners and their families...great for Kids Fun Run participants, too! Spend marathon eve at this 90-minute, family fun pasta party featuring live kid-friendly entertainment with an emphasis on good health and fitness. The carb-orrific menu guides guests through a boot camp of healthy eating including four star pasta, oorah vegetables, semper fi salad, devil dog dessert and more. Kids of all ages will have an awesome time getting motivated with Miles, the Marine Corps Marathon mascot. Pasta Bash tickets are on sale for $30. Remember, the family that carb loads together...
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. Tickets remain available for the 7:45 p.m. seating. Capture the marathon-eve energy at this special evening program including an elegant pasta dinner buffet, entertainment in the spirit of the Marine Corps birthday balls, engaging guest speakers and coveted prizes. Tickets are $30 per person. Children four years and under are free. Order tickets online now.
MCM News Sprint
Special Edition 30th MCM Chip... Every runner must wear a chip. Not just at the MCM but at most running events. Why not make a statement on your shoestrings by wearing the special edition 30th anniversary Marine Corps Marathon chip? Purchase your very own customized chip for $35 plus shipping and handling. Purchasing the anniversary chip is strictly optional. All runners will receive a generic chip at Packet Pick-up as a standard part of registration. Pre-ordered chips will begin shipping in June.
Summer Blockbuster! MCM Basic Training DVD... 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 for only $24.95, plus $4.95 shipping & handling. Please allow up to two weeks for delivery.
MCM Virtual Trainer... The MCM Virtual Trainer is set up to allow runners from beginners to those Boston-bound to train for the marathon. Emails with training information prepared specifically for your targeted finish time will be delivered daily or weekly to you. Each training email includes a tip from experts like Olympian Jeff Galloway; Clif Bar Pace Team; or Tylenol 8 Hour.
Run Miles Run! New Children's Book Uses MCM to Promote Fitness... Moms, dads and kids can follow Miles, the Marine Corps Marathon mascot, through Washington, D.C. as he runs in the marathon in this hardbound, fully illustrated children's book. Follow Miles through the nation's capital while learning important lessons about being healthy and active.
Photo History... The MCM is seeking photos of the male and female winners from the 1976, 1977 and 1978 to augment the photographic archives from the last 30 years. If you have pictures from these years, please contact MCM Public Relations at 800-RUN-USMC.
MCM Souvenirs for Dad... Vintage competitor shirts, Miles the mascot products, ties and more are available at the MCM Souvenir Stand.
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