newsletter november 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

29th MCM Recap

The 29th MCM had a record year registering 22,666 runners, the largest registration ever. The field boasted the event's largest number of female finishers (6,724 out of the 16,455 overall finishers). Helping to maintain the MCM status as "The People's Marathon", 8, 574 first time marathon participants lined up at the new start below Arlington Memorial Bridge.

For the first time in 25 years an active duty female marine, Captain Mary Kate Bailey, 29 of Arlington, VA, took home the championship with a time of 2:48:31. For her achievement, Bailey received the honor of being named the USATF Athlete of the Week.

Retta Feyissa, a 29-year-old world-class Ethiopian runner, currently residing in Bronx, NY, returned to the MCM and swept the men's field with a time of 2:25:35. Feyissa competed in the 2002 MCM but was unable to complete the marathon due to a cramp late in the course.

Directly behind Feyissa at 2:25:57 was 30-year-old Terrance Shea from Rochester, MI, part of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. Returning 2002 champion from the US Air Force, Christopher Juarez, 34 of San Antonio, TX, captured the third male spot at 2:26:03.

On the female side, the Navy's Kimberly Fagen, 34 of San Diego, CA, finished in 2:51:17, meaning the top two female finishes were captured by military runners. Third place was claimed by Suzanne Clemmer, 24 of Gastonia, NC, with a time of 02:59:11.

The inaugural MCM 8K boasted 932 finishers. And the Healthy Kids Fun Run presented by the Washington Post grew to 1,363 kids-its largest field ever!

MCM Runners Put Best Foot Forward with Comforting Soles Program

Thanks to everyone who supported the MCM Comforting Soles program and brought comfort those in need in our DC metro community.

A total of 3,877 pairs of running shoes were donated to The Downtown Services Center of Washington, D.C, a one-stop center focused on meeting the various needs of the homeless community in Washington, D.C. Runners provided 1,877 pairs of running shoes. Brooks Sports, MCM presenting sponsor, matched the donation total of all MCM participants adding 2,000 pairs of brand new shoes at the kick off the program.

"At Brooks, our mission is to inspire all people to run and be active," said Brooks VP of Marketing Dave Larson. "We couldn't be happier to donate 2,000 pairs of Brooks shoes to the DC community through the Marine Corps Marathon ‘Comforting Soles' program."

Get a Jump on Holiday Shopping with MCM Commemorative Products.

"The People's Marathon"...30 Years Running

Celebrating 30 years, the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. The Marathon of the Monuments welcomes 30,000 runners to its Arlington, Virginia start line on Sunday, October 30, 2005.

Rolling registration begins at www.marinemarathon.com starting on Wednesday, April 6. That means for the first time in five years, no lottery...no delay in securing a spot...an instant in! More details will be posted on the MCM website as the registration date draws closer.

Also, new in '05...
The biggest MCM Runners' Expo ever in its new location at the DC Armory--convenient to Metro with unlimited parking! Scheduled for two days, the Runners' Expo will be held on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29. Plus, feel the energy of MCM week at the new race headquarters hotel, The Hyatt Regency Washington located in the heart of Capitol Hill.

Guaranteed Registration Events

Visit the MCM expo booth at the following events to obtain a guaranteed entry for the 2005 30th anniversary MCM. Limited numbers of applications will be available at the following events with more to come!

HP Houston Marathon Friday, January 14th and Saturday, January 15th. The Expo will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida de las Americas Houston, Texas.

Freescale Austin Marathon Friday, February 11th and Saturday, February 12th. The Expo will be held at the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas. Visit the Brooks booth to obtain an entry at this event.

MCM Runners' Club...Five is a Magic Number

Runners who have completed five or more MCMs are encouraged to join the MCM Runners' Club. No fee, just send copies of five or more finisher certificates to the MCM office for admission to this special group. Runners receive commemorative patches certifying the five, 10, 15, 20 and 25-year milestones plus a guaranteed entry into any MCM. Fax certificates to 703/784-2265 or mail copies to MCM PO Box 188, Quantico, VA 22134.

The Art of Running-Enter the 30th MCM Original Art Contest

Now is your chance to stretch those creative muscles or inspire an artistic friend to enter the 30th MCM Original Art Contest. The winning artwork will be featured at the 30th MCM in October 2005. The deadline for original art entries is January 30, 2005.

The winner of this contest will receive:

• One complimentary entry into the 2005 MCM
• MCM apparel and merchandise
• Samples of all mediums featuring the artwork that may include race program, banners, etc.

Guidelines for entering artwork:

• Must be an original piece of art, created for this competition only
• The artwork must contain all of the following concepts:

  30th Marine Corps Marathon
  October 30, 2005
  www.marinemarathon.com
  MCM Triangle Logo
  Eagle, Globe and Anchor-Marine Corps Logo

• The artwork must be sent on CD in an Adobe Photoshop file
• If chosen, the artwork becomes property of the Marine Corps Marathon and the MCM reserves the right to publish the artwork
• Marathon Address: MCM, PO Box 188 Quantico, VA 22134

Please note: The MCM will retain the use of entries and the right to publish all artwork and/or use it in any type of promotion or advertising, including, but limited to, newsletters, Web sites and promotional material without compensation or consent of the artist.

Chip Return

To all of the MCM runners who blast past the finish line at the speed of light and did not get a chance to return your chip, or for whatever the reason may have been, please remember to return the chip. The due date is November 30 to avoid a $30 charge. Wrap them securely and send them to Marine Corps Marathon, PO Box 188, Quantico VA, 22134, attention: Chip.

1,300 Healthy Kids Enjoy Fun Run

A big OORAH for the 1,363 children ages 6 to 13 who participated in the 2004 Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids Fun Run showing their dedication to living a healthy and fit lifestyle. This was the biggest Kids Run in the event's five-year history. Kids representing 27 states and Canada were part of day filled with mascots, cheerleaders, hands-on activities, good food and fun with the Marines.

The competition for the Healthy School award was closer this year than with Lynbrook Elementary from Springfield, VA emerging victorious for the fourth year in a row with 66 participating students. Flint Hill Elementary, Vienna, VA came in second with 55 students and third place Cardinal Forest, Springfield, VA had 42 students.