newsletter september 2005

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Top five rules for runners etiquette

1. Line up at the start line according to your proper corral Help make the race a fun experience for all runners by properly assessing your pace and expected finish time and lining up accordingly by bib number and color. Scarlet wave starts at 8:15 a.m. Gold wave launches at 8:45 a.m.

2. Be Aware of Those Around You Remember a lot of runners are out on the course-30,000 to be exact. Be aware of runners who may be slower or faster than you. Say, "excuse me" or "behind you" before you pass a slower runner. If you are a slower runner, allow the faster runner to move by smoothly.

3. Have Water Point Courtesy Water points are an important place to remember your manners. Try not to slow down or walk directly in front of someone running faster. Make an effort to throw away your cup. If there is not an available trash can close by, make the clean-up effort easier by throwing your cup with the others.

4. Clear the Chute- after you cross the finish line, avoid stopping to prevent congestion at the finish. Proceed to the chip removal area where a Marine volunteer will help remove your chip and give you the chance to catch your breath.

5. Thank the Volunteers. They work hard and donate their time and efforts to help each runner have their best race. Encourage them with a smile or a thank you.

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 blue line to Arlington Cemetery 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 expo to ease your Marathon day travel. Metro Park and Ride Information can be found at http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/daily-parking-detail.cfm

Free parking is also available in the RFK Stadium/DC Armory lots. Shuttle buses, including those for runners only, will transport runners and spectators from RFK Stadium to the North Pentagon parking lot and Runners' Village. 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.

Introducing Runners' Village- New for 2005

Before the race, runners will congregate in the new Runners' Village area of the North Pentagon parking lot. This pre-race location includes shuttle drop-off, UPS baggage check, a Dasani water station and more. Runners in the gold wave, as well as wheelchair competitors, will be staged in Runners' Village prior to the start of the scarlet wave. Runners' Village will also feature plenty of pre-race entertainment. Join fitness expert Denise Austin for three warm-up sessions during the 7 a.m. hour sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission. The opening ceremonies will be viewable in Runners' Village on the brand new MCM Jumbotron, as well as music videos and final instructions to the runners.

Chow On the MCM Course

Runners new to marathoning may be surprised to see a variety of cookies, fruit, drinks and other nourishment along the MCM course. Just after mile 5, runners will find Sunkist oranges, a great source of carbohydrate fuel for a quick pick-me-up. Enjoy a ClifShot at mile 12 in one of eight flavors: Viva Vanilla, Mocha Mocha, Sonic Strawberry, Razz Sorbet, Mmm Chocolate, Cola Buzz, Orange Creamsicle and Go Mango. For that last burst of sugar, try a Subway cookie at mile 21. Runners will be offered water and lemon lime PowerAde sports drink at each of 13 water points throughout the course to quench thirst and replenish minerals, as well as supply carbohydrates and electrolytes. Finally, the hospitality tent at the finish offers a variety of Einstein Bros Bagels, Snyder's Pretzels, Yoplait Yogurt Smoothies, and Nestle chocolate bars, as well as apples and bananas to refuel runners after their race. Runners may also choose to refresh in the Listerine Misting Tent and grab a new Listerine Pocket Mist.

UPS Baggage

Make storing race day necessities safe and easy. Runners should pack the clear plastic goodie bag received at packet pick-up (these are the only bags that will be accepted) for drop off 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 affix the UPS baggage sticker (placed in your packet along with your bib and chip) on your bag before handing it over 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.

MCM Brooks Store

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 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.

Flowers For Your Finisher

Congratulate your runner with flowers from STEMS. Bouquets will be available in four different arrangements of Marine Corps scarlet and gold colors ranging in price. Flowers can also be ordered at the MCM Runners' Expo on Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29 to be picked up on race day at the Stems booth on Route 110 at mile 26.

Anchors Away with the MCM Spirit Cruise

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.

Meet the MCM Volunteers: Tom Azlin, HAM Radio Operator

Ever wonder how information is tracked and received after a runner visits a medical aid station along the course? Volunteers like Tom Azlin and the HAM Radio Operators- a group of more than 150 amateur radio licensees, support the MCM while bettering their skills and practicing their hobby. Azlin has served the MCM for many years, volunteering at water points, aid stations and now the main medical tent. As the engineer for the medical tracking interface, he works closely with Active and military doctors, spending up to two months testing equipment. "Its just a great way to really help the community in a fun way," said Azlin about his volunteer efforts.

Run with a ClifBar Pace Team

Trying to meet a time goal on October 30th? Whether it's to set a personal record or simply cross the finish line, sign up with one of the Clifbar Pace Teams. This free service offers registered runners the opportunity to have a coach throughout the marathon, helping runners stay on pace, offering words of encouragement and motivation, even reminding runners to eat and drink properly on the course. The groups will finish in the following times: 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50; 4:00, 4:15; 4:30; 5:00 and 5:30. Look for Pace Leaders Darris and Star Blackford to conduct clinics at the MCM Runners' Expo as part of the Speaker Series. For more information or to sign up, click here for the Pace Team website.

MCM Runners' Expo presented by Caremark

The MCM Runners' Expo is your first step towards the finish line. At Packet Pick-Up, you will receive your bib, goodie bag, mock neck shirt (purple) and chip. Make sure, if you cannot pick up your packet, to provide a letter of authorization to a family member or friend to pick it up for you. This person will need their ID as well. Runners are required to present a printed copy of the e-confirmation card downloaded from the MCM website. With chip and bib in hand, visit the more than 200 vendor booths including the latest running technology, apparel, gear, and nutrition. Lots of great samples and activities, too. The Speakers Symposium has non-stop informative and motivational topics from a variety of experts like Jeff Galloway, Lisa Dorfman and Dr, Michael Moses. And be sure to visit the MCM Brooks Store to purchase 30th MCM commemorative products and gear.

The MCM Runners' Expo will be held at the DC Armory in Washington, DC on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Plenty of free parking is available at the DC Armory or take Metro to the Stadium/Armory station for easy access.

Registration Open for the Marine Corps Marathon 8K

There is still time to register for the 2005 MCM 8K. Held on Marathon Sunday, October 30, 2005, the 4.97-mile run will kick off in Runners' Village, part of the North Pentagon 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.

Entertainment On Race Weekend

For the 30th anniversary the MCM is pleased to announce the largest entertainment line up in event history. 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 from 11:00 a.m. to 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.

MCM Healthy Kids Pasta Bash

For a kid-friendly carb load, check out the Healthy Kids Pasta Bash on Saturday, October 29 at 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Hosted by Cartoon Johnny, a DC-based energetic vocal band that pushes the limits of traditional a cappella, the 90-minute, family fun pasta party features live kid-friendly entertainment with an emphasis on good health and fitness. Special entertainment includes the Get Movin' With Ronald McDonald Show, a performance that encourages kids to interact through music, dancing and games. 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 get motivated with Miles, the Marine Corps Marathon mascot. Costs are $30 for adults, $14 for children 13 and under, and children 4 & under eat free.

Register for the MCM Healthy Kids Fun Run at Whole Foods Event

Registration for the Healthy Kids Fun Run is still available. Check out the MCM website for a downloadable application or make a day of registering by attending the Marine Corps Marathon and Whole Foods Healthy Kids Event. Stop by the Gaithersburg, Maryland Whole Foods at 315 Kentlands Blvd on September 24 from noon- 2 p.m. for a variety of family activities including live music, warm-ups with Marines, fun with Miles, the MCM mascot, and Ned the Newshound from The Washington Post. Fill out a registration form for the MCM Healthy Kids Fun Run, a one-mile just-for-fun event held on Marathon day, October 30 beginning at 9:10 a.m.

Post-race Finisher Fun

After you cross the finish line on race day, you'll want to refuel and begin the recovery process at the Finish Festival Tent presented by AT&T. Visit the Cisco Check-Your-Runner Station to obtain runner splits or results; share the thrill of your achievement with friends and family with AT&T‘s free phone calls; participate in free health screenings provided by Virginia Hospital Center; take a photo with Tylenol 8 Hour; and enjoy a sample of Honest Tea. After the finish festival, make your way to route 110, just down the hill from the finish, for finisher gear at the MCM Brooks Store ...displays for your medal at Crossing the Line ... or commemorative plaques from Fond Memories ... to make those memories of accomplishment last forever. Complete your day by toasting your victory in the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden.

MCM News Sprint

e-Confirmation Card... Runners will need their confirmation number to access the e-confirmation card. Individual runner confirmation numbers were included with the post-registration email. For lost or missing confirmation numbers, please contact 703-432-1167 or 703-432-1162. The e-confirmation card features mandatory runner information, bib number and wave assignment, as well as details regarding packet pick-up and the Runners' Expo presented by Caremark. Please verify all information and follow instructions to print the card. All runners are required to present the e-confirmation card at packet pick-up to receive race materials. 8k e-confirmation cards will be available shortly and retrievable at the same location.

Wave assignment...Runners from bib number 1 - 11,999 are in the scarlet wave, all others are in the gold wave. The MCM cannot reassign bib number or wave changes. Runners may move back in the wave to run with registered friends and family.

Transfers ...The downloadable form is on www.marinemarathon.com but the deadline is approaching fast. Ensure you have your transfer form postmarked September 13.

Remote Runner Tracking... This free service helps spectators track a runner. Split times will be transmitted electronically instantly on a pager, cell phone, or e-mail by using chip technology. Check the MCM website at the end of September for sign up procedures.

MCM Souvenirs...Vintage competitor shirts, Miles the mascot products, ties and more are available at the MCM Souvenir Stand. Click here to see full product line.

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.

Marine Corps Marathon personalized DVD-video

Here's your chance to star in your very own Marine Corps Marathon personalized DVD-video. Commemorate your accomplishment as you trek through 26.2 miles and cross the legendary finish line at the Iwo Jima Monument. 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. Visit www.mymarathondvd.com.