Comforting Soles Program-Donate Used Running Shoes
MCM participants are being asked to donate a pair of used running shoes as part of the new Comforting Soles Program. The shoes collected through this program will be donated to the Downtown Services Center, a one-stop center focused on meeting the various needs of the homeless in Washington, D.C. The Center helps the community by providing housing and medical assistance, donating clothes and finding interviews and jobs for the homeless. Shoe collection will occur at the MCM Runners' Expo presented by Caremark at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City from Thursday, October 28 through Saturday, October 30, 2004.
"Many marathoners have shoes that are past ‘prime' running condition, but are still in fine order and appropriate for use," said Rick Nealis, Marine Corps Marathon Race Director. "The Marine Corps Marathon saw an opportunity for runners to donate their training shoes for the benefit of others."
 New Look MCM Bibs
MCM runners will sport the very first camouflage running bib. A faded green cammie design accents the background of the new look bib. The bottom of each bib is color coded based on bib number. These colors (red, blue, green, yellow, white, orange) will guide runners to the appropriate truck to check baggage at the new start line baggage check and aid in retrieval of bags at the finish.
Shuttle Service on Race Day-Runners Only in Pre-Race Hours!
Best option is to get to the start is to take Metro to Arlington Cemetery (blue) or Rosslyn (blue/orange). Each station is located just a short distance from the start/finish area. Parking will also be available at the intersection of Crystal Drive at 23rd Street. Runners and spectators should plan on parking in these underground spaces. A Crystal City Welcome Team will guide runners to Metro (Crystal City station on Yellow/Blue lines), parking, shuttles and the Street Spectacular. A bib number is required to utilize the MCM-coordinated shuttle service to the start area until 9 a.m. Shuttles begin at 5:30 a.m. Runners will be driven to Route 110 in the rear of the corrals. Return shuttles to the Crystal City Street Spectacular and parking continue throughout the day from North Meade Street, just up the hill from the finish line. Spectators may utilize the shuttle service from either Crystal City or North Meade Street after 9 a.m.
Spectator Guide
The following itinerary maps a route for spectators to view runners in six on-course locations including the Crystal City Street Spectacular. The start area is easily accessible by Metro (Arlington Cemetery or Rosslyn stations). After watching runners pass under the arch and head out to Rosslyn, spectators will have more than enough time to cross Memorial Bridge to watch runners pass by Lincoln's left hand at mile 10. A short walk to the right side of Lincoln will give spectators another chance to cheer for runners at mile 16. Spectators should then return to Virginia across the Memorial Bridge and catch Metro to Crystal City. Here friends and family can enjoy the Street Spectacular while catching views of runners at mile 22 and 23. A quick Metro ride to Rosslyn or Arlington Cemetery returns spectators to the finish line in time to welcome their finisher.
 For the first time, a personalized DVD-video will be available for every runner in this year's MCM. More than 20 digital video cameras will film every runner from multiple angles at five locations on the course including start, finish and half. This high-resolution video is synchronized with the timing chips, allowing MyMarathonDVDTM to make a personalized, one-of-a-kind DVD-video for individual runners. Each runner's personal highlight clips will be edited into the 30-minute storyline with the best MCM highlights and scenic video of the nation's capital. Find out more about purchasing your own personal highlight video and how friends and family can provide personalized messages. This service was unveiled last year at the Honolulu Marathon and wowed the crowds at the Boston Marathon. Visit www.mymarathondvd.com or stop by the booth at the MCM Runners' Expo.
The Marine Corps Marathon has partnered with Jefferson Vineyards, Virginia's leading boutique winery, to produce three commemorative 29th Marine Corps Marathon wines, a 2003 Cabernet Franc, 2003 Riesling and a 2002 Chardonnay Reserve, which will be on sale during the Marine Corps Marathon Runners' Expo at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City or can be ordered now at www.jeffersonvineyards.com. Jefferson Vineyards produces award-winning wines from 20 acres of vineyards, all within sight of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia. Labels on each of the bottles feature the 29th MCM artwork, making this a great keepsake or gift.
"These are three of our top selling wines under our own labels. We can't hold on to the Cabernet Franc," said Chad Zakhaib of Jefferson Vineyard. "The partnership with the Marine Corps Marathon allows runners to purchase these high quality wines under the Marathon's commemorative label."
Finish Festival Tent
Runners in their post-race glory and spectators throughout the day are invited to enjoy the activity of the Finish Festival Tent located just south of the Iwo Jima Monument, behind the finish line bleachers. Find out a runner's split times or finish results at the
Cisco Check Your Runner Station. Get a souvenir snap shot of family, friends and runners at the Tylenol 8 Hour booth. Massage therapy for runners' recovery is provided by Piedmont School of Massage. And to help runners share their "I did it!" moment, AT&T is providing free phone calls on the day of the race. All Marine Corps Marathon participants (as well as spectators) are invited to stop by the AT&T booth at the Finish Festival Tent to place a call to a friend or loved one. To provide the phone service, AT&T will be using a mobile satellite unit normally reserved for network disaster recovery.
It Ain't Over ‘Til The Post Race Party
Wear your MCM participant shirt. Have your medal draped around your neck. Dance and party until far longer than you thought your legs could stand it. Celebrate the accomplishment of your MCM experience at the MCM Post Race Party from 7-10 p.m. on Sunday, October 31 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Big 100.3 FM will provide the dance music. Cisco Check Your Runner station will offer access to the day's results. Cash bar and appetizers. Plus, a highlight show of the 29th MCM from MarathonFoto.
MCM Runners' Expo presented by Caremark
 The MCM Runners' Expo presented by Caremark is your first stop on the road to the finish line. You must visit the Expo to obtain your bib, chip, goodie bag and competitors shirt. Make sure you bring the
e-Confirmation Card print out Card. The Runners' Expo is where you can experience the latest in running technology, apparel, nutrition and fitness gear. This three-day extravaganza will interest athletes of all abilities. Great topics addressed at the Speakers Symposium!
Shop at the MCM Brooks Store! Purchase apparel, running gear and commemorative MCM merchandise! Meet sponsors like MetroSports DC, Tylenol 8 Hour, First Command, Maggiano's and Lindsay Cadillac!
The Expo will be held at the MCM Race Headquarters, Hyatt Regency Crystal City on:
Thursday, October 28 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Friday, October 29 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, October 30 from 8a.m.-8 p.m. *** Please note: Underground parking will also be available at the intersection of Crystal Drive at 23rd Street on Saturday, October 30.
 Incredible one of a kind Marine Corps Marathon Singlet from Brooks ®
Wear what the stars wear! Using the same heat transfer printing method which utilized by the Hanson-Brooks O.D.P.TM Team, the development team at Brooks® has created a unique graphic commemorating the 29th Marine Corps Marathon. One of a limited production run for the race, commemorate your run with this unique performance oriented piece.
Buy it now, so that you have time to experience the incredible style, comfort and moisture transfer, prior to race day.
This great singlet features the following:
- Specific men's and women's anatomical styling to eliminate chafing
- Specially engineered Brooks Equilibrium(tm) mesh fabric transfers moisture away from the body to the outside of the fabric helping you maintain "Equilibrium" in a wide range of temperatures. Not too hot, not too cold.
- Unique and limited edition sublimated graphics become part of the singlet without sacrificing the inherent function of the fabric.
How to Defer MCM Entries
The deferment policy allows registered runners unable to participate in the sold-out October 31 MCM to defer their entry for a guaranteed spot in the 2005 event.
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.
 MCM 8K
The MCM 8K begins shortly after the marathon runners clear the start line on Sunday, October 31. The 4.97-mile course utilizes the same start and finish as the MCM while sending runners into Rosslyn and toward the Pentagon. Registration for the 8K is ongoing at www.marinemarathon.com and costs $35. All participants receive a bright orange, Halloween-themed MCM 8K shirt, finisher's medal and goodie bag.
Healthy Kids Fun Run Registration and Art Contest
 Grab your paintbrushes, markers and crayons and give your kids the opportunity to share their idea of health, fitness, running and the Marine Corps in the Healthy Kids Fun Run Poster Contest. The top 20 poster entries will be displayed at the finish line of the Healthy Kids Fun Run or at the Kids Run booth of the Runners' Expo. Click on the Kids Newsletter link for contest information.
In addition to exercising the mind, your child can also exercise his/her body by participating in the Healthy Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 30 at 10 a.m. The Fun Run is a one-mile run for children ages 6 to 13 meant to encourage a healthy lifestyle. The advance entry fee is $10. Click here for additional event and registration information The Marines not only lead the children in warm-ups Marine Corps-style but run alongside them for encouragement. Event weekend registration fee is a toy donation ($10 value) to Toys for Tots. Donations will be accepted at the MCM Runners' Expo and at the Kids Run.
MCM Runners--Remember the excitement of receiving gifts as a youngster? Or the warm feelings derived from giving a gift to a child? Now imagine stirring up that same excitement in a child who doesn't have very much. MCM participants are invited to donate a toy to Toys for Tots to brighten the day of a less fortunate child. Toy drop will be located adjacent to the Kids Run registration area at the expo.
MCM: News Sprint
-Grab Your Chip. Purchase your own customized Marine Corps Marathon runner's timing chip.
-On Your Mark, Get Set, Smile! 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.
-Sign up with the New Pace Team. To learn more about the team, visit www.clifbar.com/paceteams or stop by the ClifBar Pace Team sign up booth at the MCM Runners' Expo from October 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City.
-Mueller's MCM Pasta Parties. A limited number of tickets remain available for the Mueller's Marine Corps Marathon Pasta Parties on Saturday, October 30.
-Verify Personal Data. Please fact check your personal data to confirm your registration information is correct. Any discrepancies in name, age, gender, etc. should be brought to the attention of the MCM staff immediately. Please call 1800 RUN USMC.
-Crystal City Street Spectacular. Late in the course at mile 22 and 23, spectators and runners will enjoy the family fun and enthusiastic energy of the Crystal City Street Spectacular. Halloween fun, live music, restaurant tastings, kid's crafts, radio stations-WASH FM and BIG 100.3, 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 for runners, spectators, family and finishers.
-New Baggage System. Runners have two options for dropping off their baggage during the pre-marathon hours. The new expanded baggage tent for drop off and pick up is located west of the Iwo Jima Monument, just to the left of the hospitality tent. A second and new baggage drop-off alternative will be introduced at the new start area on the west side of Route 110 adjacent to Arlington Cemetery. Six color-coded trucks will be parked along the start line. The truck colors correspond to the color of the baggage tag on each runner bib. Following the start of the marathon, the trucks will transport all baggage to the baggage tent for post-marathon pick up. Remember, to utilize the clear plastic Brooks goodie bag provided at packet pick-up for baggage storage on marathon day with baggage claim number attached. Baggage locations open at 6 a.m. on marathon morning. Please be aware that the Marine Corps Marathon is not liable for lost items. Do not deposit valuable items.
-New Corrals at Start. Large signs and physical borders will delineate the 14 corrals starting at the Memorial Bridge. Runners can find their appropriate corral either by pace per mile or expected finish time.
-MCM Souvenirs. Browse the selection of previous years shirts, Miles the MCM mascot dolls, blankets, eyeglass lanyards and more stuff with the MCM logo proudly displayed.
-Travel and Hotels. Hotels are booking quickly and many have sold out for the MCM weekend. Please visit the MCM Travel page to secure your lodging at one of the many MCM partner hotels. Discounted airfare and car rental deals are also available. The MCM travel page is presented by Delta Airlines.
Team Profile: Sodexho
 Sodehxo, a proud MCM sponsor and the leading food and facilities management services company in North America, will be providing post race snack sacks for participants in the Healthy Kids Fun Run and food support for hard working Marines in the days leading up to the MCM. On marathon day, though, Sodexho employees will trade in their food service hats for running shoes. Runners from many branches of the company including Defense Services, School Services, Health Care Services, Campus Services, Corporate Services and Human Resources will travel from more than 13 states including Tennessee, Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, Oregon and Colorado to take part in the MCM.
Greg Verone, Vice President of Defense Services, sends out a weekly training program for team members to follow and teammates keep in touch by giving regular updates on training, sharing ideas and supporting one another. Two of the team members have recently gotten married and received a flurry of regards and best wishing on the team forum. Sodexho has even come up with a specially designed team singlet.
"All the team members are so excited to finally meet one another," said Stacey Bowman-Hade, Sodexho USA / Public Relations.
Baltimore is a Great Training Run
Not Too Late: Space is still available in all five races of the Baltimore Running Festival but filling quickly. If you know of someone not getting into the MCM, the Under Armour Baltimore Marathon is a great alternative. Also, the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon (only 500 spots remain) is a good training run for any subsequent fall marathon. Register at
www.thebaltimoremarathon.com
Great Prizes: Above and beyond the $100,000 purse, The Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival is offering great prizes for this year's event. Several new categories have been added to the Under Armour Baltimore Marathon including 1) First Time Marathoner and 2) Top Terp Marathoner. The top three male and female finishers in the First Time category will be vying for a share of the $4,500 purse. In the Top Terp category, participants who graduated or attend the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP only) will be eligible for cash prizes. For both of these new categories, participants must register at the Health & Fitness Expo to be eligible. The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon purse has been raised to $7,000 with the top male and female runner receiving $2,000. In addition to the cash, CareFirst members competing in the half-marathon or another Running Festival event are eligible for a special prize drawing including a trip for two (2) to the Reggae Marathon in Jamaica, a treadmill courtesy of Gym Source and a $250 gift card from Dick's Sporting Goods. To be eligible for these prizes, participants must present their CareFirst membership card and enter the drawing at the Health & Fitness Expo. In addition to the Corporate Cup, awarded to Baltimore's fastest company, the Legg Mason Funds Team Relay will be awarding top finishers Merritt Athletic Club memberships, Gym Source gift cards, restaurant gift certificates from Phillip's and McCormick & Schmick's, running shoes, apparel and more.
Great Gear: Participants in the marathon, half-marathon and team relay receive an Under Armour performance shirt with their entry fee. Tentatively, the colors for the shirts are as follows: red for the marathon, black for the half-marathon and blue for the team relay. The shirt is from Under Armour's LooseGear product line and is gender specific.
For more information on the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival, visit www.thebaltimoremarathon.com.
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