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 Just ask Dr. Alan Golden, a 15-year Marine Corps Marathon volunteer. Dr. Golden, 54, feels the Marine Corps has given him so much, coming out once a year to show his appreciation is the least he can do. He also confesses volunteering is just "plain fun."
The Potomac, Maryland dentist has spent many years volunteering in the t-shirt pick up area. He gets a personal charge out of the excitement and anticipation MCM participants display as race time draws near. A highlight for Golden was being part of the 2001 Marine Corps Marathon just weeks after the September 11 attacks. "I was proud to see all of the people who took part in the event," said Golden.
Advice from the doctor to all MCM volunteers: Come with a smile on your face and in your heart because that is what the runners need! For more information about volunteer opportunities like water stations, hospitality areas, baggage tent and information, check out the MCM online volunteer registration.
Determined is the best way to describe Dr. Ingrid Kiss of Morganville, NJ--three times a Marine Corps Marathon entrant, but yet to make it to the start line. Dr. Kiss, 60, is determined not to allow an unfortunate or strange mishap to keep her from the 2003 MCM. In 2001, on the Friday prior to the MCM, she stubbed her toe on a piece of furniture resulting in a broken foot. In 2002, the doctor sustained a broke ankle while training. This year, she has vowed to do everything in her power to remain healthy and not only make it to the start line, but complete the entire 26.2 miles. So if you happen to run into Dr. Kiss on the course, let her know you are glad she finally made it and keep an eye out for anything she might bang into or trip over.
As always, if you have an interesting, inspiring or unusual reason for running the marathon, please share your story by emailing marathon@nt.quantico.usmc.mil. Send along your best MCM photos…they may be featured in this year's race program.
Grab a 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 in Washington, DC. The timing chip costs $35 plus shipping and handling.
For friendly reminders to guide your Marine Corps Marathon training, register for the MCM Virtual Trainer. The program offers nine different training schedules from "Beginner" to "Time Goal 2:39" that will be delivered directly to you by email. No cost for participation. Written by Olympian and best-selling author Jeff Galloway, the training schedule includes two weekday runs and a longer weekend run for all runners from beginner to Boston-bound.
MCM 5K
Rather than stand around and wait for your triumphant MCM finish, friends and family of MCM participants are encouraged to register for the 2nd annual Marine Corps Marathon 5K. The event begins at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2003 immediately following the Marathon start. All participants receive a t-shirt, finisher's medal and the thrill of crossing the Marathon finish line. The field is limited to 1,000 runners. The cost is $30.
The Marine Corps Marathon encourages youth to take part in physical activity and to make good nutrition part of their everyday routine. Start now and continue by participating in the MCM Healthy Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 25, 2003 at 10 a.m. All kids ages 6 through 13 can enjoy the one-mile run around the Marine Corps War Memorial. Add the excitement of being led in warm-up drills by Marine Corps officers and then running alongside Marines-Everyone is a winner! Presented by The Washington Post and sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union, the Healthy Kids Fun Run awards all participants a ribbon, t-shirt, goodie bag and snacks (provided by Sodexho), plus kids can pose for photos with celebrity mascots and Marines in period uniform. Healthy Kids Fun Run entry fee is either $10 or a new toy to be donated to Toys for Tots.
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Transfer & Deferment Info
Transfer:
Not going to make it to the start, but you have a friend to take your place? Complete and mail in the MCM transfer form. The form includes the registered runner's information and the information for the person receiving the bib number/entry. The MCM will send a transfer application to the transferee. Fee for transferring an MCM entry is $20. Deadline for transfers is September 4.
Deferment:
The MCM will accept requests to defer your 2003 MCM entry to the 2004 event. Please download the form and mail your request by October 15, 2003 to receive guaranteed entry into the 29th MCM in October 2004. Deferring does not transfer your 2003 entry fee to 2004. Runners who elect to defer must pay the entry fee again but will receive a guaranteed entry and a training shirt for the 29th Marine Corps Marathon held on October 31, 2004.
New MCM/Brooks Store
 Visit the 2003 MCM Store and check out the new line of MCM In Training technical tees from Brooks. All new merchandise, commemorative items and Brooks apparel will confidently announce your commitment to run the Marine Corps Marathon. MCM customized performance running apparel will be available to match your training schedule. Beginning in June, look for warm weather performance running apparel to help you keep cool during the long summer training runs.
Ask MCM
The MCM receives considerable runner feedback and inquiries at marathon@nt.quantico.usmc.mil. The Extra Mile will tackle some of the most frequently asked questions.
Q-When will I receive conformation information?
A-The Marine Corps Marathon Runner's Conformation brochure will be mailed in late August. The booklet features packet pick-up information, a course map, event schedule and MCM commemorative and souvenir items. Remember to bring the Confirmation brochure to packet pick-up at the MCM Runner's Expo presented by AdvancePCS from October 23-25 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City.
Q-How Much Time Do I Have to Get to the 14th Street Bridge?
A-The 28th MCM course has not been finalized, however, each runner should plan on maintaining a 14-minute mile to ensure reaching the 14th Street Bridge at approximately mile 22 ¼ prior to it being reopened to traffic at 2 p.m.
Visit the travel section of the Marine Corps Marathon website when planning your visit to the Washington, DC area to obtain special airfare and rental car discount codes available to Marathon participants. Participating airlines include American, Delta, Midwest and US Airways. Avis Rent A Car is offering rental car savings. MCM partner hotels in Arlington, VA and DC are providing additional services for runners and attendees at special rates. These hotels are featured on the MCM website travel page. Reserve your room directly with a MCM partner hotel or soon book online from other DC and Arlington hotels through the new MCM online reservation service.
Maggiano's Loves Runners
 Proud sponsor of the 28th Marine Corps Marathon, Maggiano's Little Italy has created a lasagna recipe every runner will enjoy-click on the above link to get the recipe or locate a Maggiano's near you. 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. Guests at Maggiano's can make healthy choices while enjoying the robust flavors of Southern Italian cooking.
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