newsletter october 2005

• 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

Runners are Encouraged to Arrive Early

As you begin to make your race morning preparations, please be aware of the 2005 access procedures. Similar to those in 2004, designated checkpoints will be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable day of events. Plan to arrive at the Route 110 starting area or Runners' Village at least two hours prior to your specific start time to allow adequate time for baggage and security checks as well as avoid possible congestion and long lines.

MCM 2005 Course Preview

The USATF certified course starts in Arlington south of the Arlington Memorial Bridge on Route 110 and winds its way north through the Rosslyn. Runners will experience a climb on Lee Highway in the first few miles of the course, but are rewarded with a descent along Spout Run and the GW Parkway. After crossing the Key Bridge into Georgetown, runners run an up and back on Rock Creek Parkway and then pass the Kennedy Center before entering the National Mall area where the course tours numerous memorials and landmarks such as the Lincoln, FDR, Korean War, World War I and II and Vietnam Veteran's memorials, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. The marathon takes a new turn around the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial before heading to Haines Point and "the Awakening" in East Potomac Park. Here runners must reach the HOV on ramp of the 14th Street Bridge before 1:45 p.m. After crossing the 14th Street Bridge back to Virginia, runners venture into Crystal City, through the Street Spectacular and return past the Pentagon and finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. It is truly a beautiful course and aptly nicknamed "The Marathon of the Monuments."

Race Morning Timeline

MCM Packet Pick-Up

Runners can pick up their packet, including their bib, chip, goodie bag, mock neck shirt, and race program at the MCM Runners’ Expo, Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29 at the DC Armory. Packet Pick-up hours for both days are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Be sure to print your e-confirmation card to avoid delays.

Last Minute Checklist

After you carb-load at the MCM Celebration Dinner and before you crawl into bed for a great night of sleep, remember the following:

• Set the clock back one hour and enjoy the extra sleep
• Pin your MCM bib prominently on the front of your shirt
• Lace or tie your ChampionChip onto your shoe laces to ensure an accurate finish time
• Layout your clear Brooks goodie bag and attach your UPS baggage tag to store necessary items at the UPS Baggage locations
• Create a post-race family link-up plan so family and friends are able to find and congratulate you on a great race.

Marathon Day Transportation

For the first time in Marine Corps Marathon history, Metro will open at 5 a.m., an hour earlier than previous years. Runners in the first or ‘scarlet' wave should take Metro's Orange or Blue lines to Rossyln to reach the Rt. 110 start line. Runners in the second or ‘gold' wave and MCM8K participants should take the yellow or blue line to the Pentagon station for pre-race queuing and activities in Runners' Village in the North Pentagon parking lot. The MCM suggests families attending the Healthy Kids Fun Run take the orange or blue line to Rosslyn to access the Kids Compound at the Iwo Jima Monument. Remember to purchase your Metro One Day Pass at the Runners Expo to ease your Marathon day travel. Click here for Metro Park and Ride Information.

Free parking is also available in the RFK Stadium/DC Armory lots. Shuttle buses beginning at 5:15 a.m., including those for runners only, will transport runners and spectators from RFK Stadium to the North Pentagon parking lot and Runners' Village. Kids Run participants utilizing the shuttle must exit the Runners Village area by 8 a.m. Return shuttles will be available from North Meade Street by UPS Baggage Pick-Up. Additional free parking is available in the underground lots in Crystal City at the corner of 23rd & Crystal Drive with easy access to the Crystal City Metro Station.

UPS Baggage Tent and Trucks

Starting to make your list of race day essentials? Plan to use your clear Brooks goodie bag that you will receive at Packet Pick-up to store personal items during the race. Drop your bag in the pre-race hours either at the UPS Baggage Drop off in Runners Village or at the Baggage Tent adjacent to the Iwo Jima Monument. Be sure to place the UPS baggage sticker (placed in your packet along with your bib and chip) on your bag before dropping it at the UPS Baggage Drop off in Runners Village. The sticker includes a runner’s bib number and the assigned UPS truck number for drop off in Runners Village. All UPS trucks will relocate to Meade Street at the finish line for baggage retrieval.

Marines and UPS volunteers will check and store the bags and facilitate the return of bags with proper verification of bib number. As a backup, enclose a business card or some other form of identification in your bag. Please don’t store any items of value. The U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Marathon and UPS are not responsible for valuables placed in storage. Remember it’s a baggage tent, not a safety deposit box.

Remote Runner Tracking

Families, friends and spectators will be able to track runners from any location on the course. Register online or at the MCM Runners’ Expo to receive split times and finish information instantly on a pager, text messaging number or e-mail. Active’s Remote Runner Tracking is in addition to the live results that can be viewed on the MCM website or at any of the three on-course Cisco Check Your Runner stations during the race.

MCM Healthy Kids Fun Run

The Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids Fun Run presented by the Washington Post is a one-mile fun run for children ages 6 to 13. The run begins on Route 110 and Marshall Drive in Arlington and utilizes the same finish line as the MCM. There is no time limit and all participants will receive a t-shirt, ribbon, post-race snack and fun activities.

Also, new in 2005, is Camp Miles, a post-run activity area featuring interactive challenges and games hosted by the National Children’s Museum and ABC 7/ WJLA, and post race snacks including Chicken Dunks Lunchables from Sodexho/Kraft and Apple Dippers from McDonald’s. The tent is located at the base of the Netherlands Carillon close to the finish line.

Water Great Way to Visit DC

Visiting DC for the MCM? Maximize your tourist time by setting sail for an afternoon or evening of sight seeing, festive dining, pre-marathon motivation and live entertainment. Spirit of Washington will host the first ever Marathon Spirit Cruise on Friday, October 28 for dinner and Saturday, October 29 for lunch. Scheduled guest speakers include Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (Friday night dinner cruise) and dynamic sports nutritionist and author Lisa Dorfman (Saturday afternoon cruise). The Friday evening, 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. Both cruises offer guests a bountiful buffet with meal choices including several entrees, vegetables and salad selections. Cruises will depart Pier 4 at 6th and Water Streets. Space is limited. For tickets, call 1-866-211-3811 or visit the Spirit website.

Healthy Kids Pasta Bash

For families looking for a more child-friendly atmosphere, the MCM introduces the Healthy Kids Pasta Bash on Saturday, October 29 at 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill. Hosted by Cartoon Johnny, a Washington, D.C.-based a cappella group performing a variety of sure-fire audience favorites and their own original music. The 90-minute pasta party will also feature the Ronald McDonald Get Moving Show. Miles, the MCM mascot, will motivate kids of all ages with music and family fun. Tickets are $14 for children 13 years & under. Children 4 & under are free.

MCM Celebration Dinner

Take carb-loading to the next level by attending the MCM Celebration Dinner on Saturday, October 29. Dine on an elegant pasta dinner buffet at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill while listening to guest speaker Dick Beardsley, professional runner and motivational speaker, famous for his "Duel in the Sun", a head-to-head competition with Alberto Salazar at the 1982 Boston Marathon. Beardsley lost by just two seconds with a time of 2:08:54. The pasta event includes lively entertainment, traditional Marine Corps ceremony and great prizes including a round-trip flight anywhere Jet Blue flies. Limited tickets remain available for the 7:45 p.m. seating. Tickets are $30.

Brooks

Runners and guests will find 30th Anniversary MCM technical apparel and keepsakes just outside packet pick-up at the MCM Runners Expo. For your post-race pride, the MCM Brooks store will offer very special finisher items on Route 110 along the Final Mile at the corner of Marshall Drive throughout Marathon Day, at the Post Race Party on Sunday evening and on Monday morning in the Hyatt Regency Crystal City.

Speakers Symposium

Check out the expert tips and motivational talks offered at the Speakers Symposium, part of the MCM Runners’ Expo.

My Marathon DVD

Runners participating in the 30th anniversary Marine Corps Marathon can commemorate the experience with a personalized MyMarathonDVD. Multiple cameras on the course will capture each participant’s greatest moments. The digital cameras are linked to the timing chips worn by all marathon participants allowing for precise isolation of a runner’s on-course highlights. Each runner’s individual scenes are edited into a storyline including the best race highlights, scenic video, monuments, narration, music and even cheers from the crowd. Personalized titles display the runners name, race number, and split times on the screen whenever he or she appears in the video.

Runners, family members and friends can record a free personal video message to be added to the DVD at the MCM Runners’ Expo at the DC Armory.

Commemorative Products

MarathonFoto
There you are at the Washington Monument. Here you are in front of the Capitol. This one has you approaching the finish. Look how proud you are with your medal. MarathonFoto captures your course tour with a team of professional photographers at multiple locations on the course as well as at the Iwo Jima finish location. Proofs will be posted online promptly and color proofs will be mailed to participants within the week after the MCM.

Fond Memories
Preserve and display the memorable experience of finishing the MCM with a plaque or shadow box featuring the MCM medal, logo and your personal finish information. Visit the Fond Memories Booth at the Runners Expo or on race day along the Final Mile.

Run Miles Run
Take the journey through the MCM course with Miles, the MCM mascot in this fully illustrated children’s book. Watch Miles prepare to run the race, greet Marines, pass DC landmarks and cross the famed MCM finish line. Along the way, readers will learn about noted monuments, good nutrition and the importance of staying physically fit.

Jefferson Vineyards
Nationally recognized, award-winning wines featuring commemorative Marine Corps Marathon labels. Historic Jefferson Vineyard is located one mile from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello on sites chosen and planted by Mr. Jefferson in 1774.

AVID
Commemorate your MCM experience with a sterling silver bracelet, necklace or pendent. The upscale line of jewelry products will also feature 30th anniversary, limited edition collectable gifts, perfect for the home or office.

Marine Corps Association
For the 30th anniversary, the MCA has designed a commemorative coin featuring the MCM logo. Coins are of special value to Marines, as they are used to honor accomplishments and bring them closer to the true Esprit de Corps.

Crossing the Line

Check out the original Marine Corps Marathon acrylic painting created by talented Ohio artist Shaun Kinley. In the spirit of a Leroy Neiman, Kinley’s artwork is featured on fine art prints and commemorative products with a runner's personalized finishing information. Items are printed in brilliant color on bright anodized aluminum and are designed for runners to display an actual MCM finisher's medal, race bib and official race photograph. Visit Crossing the Line at the MCM Runners’ Expo, on the Final Mile on race day or at the Post Race Party.

Flowers For Your Finisher

Congratulate your runner with flowers from STEMS. Flowers may be purchased online in advance by clicking here. Bouquets are available in four sizes ranging in cost from $15 to $40. Choose from the ‘Way to Go’, ‘You are My Winner’, ‘Runners High’ and ‘Victory Run’ arrangements in scarlet and gold colors, inspired by the Marine Corps. Flowers can also be ordered at the MCM Runners’ Expo. Flowers can be picked up on race day at the Stems booth on the Final Mile.

Largest Entertainment Line-up Ever

The MCM is pleased to announce the largest entertainment line up in event history. The MCM course will host 11 high school bands, six radio station spots, five live concerts, the Marine Corps Base Quantico band, a DJ and non-stop entertainment during the 45-minute opening ceremonies. Catch acts at the MCM Runners' Expo including Cartoon Johnny, the Get Movin' with Ronald McDonald Show, singer Dan Clark, and the Quantico Band.

Race day kicks off with a performance from the energetic Quaker City String Band. Dan Clark performs his rendition of the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies beginning at 7:30 a.m. while the Navy Leap Frogs drop from 12,000 feet above the start line.

On the course, catch WonderJack at the Beat the Bridge stage performing until the bridge closes at 1:45 p.m. Rock through the Crystal City Street Spectacular to the sounds of The Fabulettes at 11:30 a.m. and Gonzo's Nose at 1:30 p.m. Stay motivated through those last steps with the music on the Final Mile Stage presented by Michelob Ultra. Dr. Fu performs at 9:30 a.m. and Members Only at 12:30 p.m.

Post Race Party on Sunday, October 30 at 7 p.m.

Celebrate your great achievement at the Marine Corps Marathon Post Race Party at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, the MCM host hotel. View live results and visit with fellow MCM finishers. Music, dancing, photo and video highlights of the day, and more fun will help bring this special day to a fun close. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

MCM News Sprint

• Click here to download your e-confirmation card.
• Click here for Runners Expo hours, location and vendor info
• Help your friends and family cheer you along the course. Click here for spectator information.
• Enjoy a family-friendly fall-festival atmosphere at the Crystal City Street Spectacular. Click here for all the details.
• Registration is still open for the Marine Corps Marathon 8K on Marathon Sunday, October 30, 2005.
• Transfer and Deferment deadlines have now passed. Click here to verify that your information has been correctly changed. You should also receive an e-confirmation card in your name.

Registration Still Open for 2005 SunTrust Richmond Marathon

Yes - you can still sign up for this year’s 2005 SunTrust Richmond Marathon. Recognized by Runner’s World as America’s Friendliest Marathon, the 28th running of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon takes place on Saturday, November 12 at 8 am.

Too soon after your run at Marine Corps Marathon? Believe it or not, there are lots of runners who like to double up and do both events. Plus, it’s a nice option to have if the stars don’t line up for you on October 30 and you want to give a second go at that marathon PR.

The scenic, fast loop course takes in the city’s old neighborhoods and in addition to the usual course amenities; there are junk food stops and wet-washcloth stations. This year’s number of marathon runners is expected to be another record-setting year with close to 5,000 participants. And, if this year’s event is just too soon, next year’s SunTrust Richmond Marathon is set for Saturday, November 11. For more information about America’s Friendliest Marathon visit www.richmondmarathon.com.

Tylenol 8 Hour Recovery Tips

Following these simple guidelines can help ensure a speedy recovery with less muscle soreness:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

Tylenol 8 Hour is a proud signature sponsor of the 30th MCM and will be available at all on-course aid stations. Visit www.tylenol8hour.com

Special thank you to MCM Partners