Course Maps

Natural History Get ready for race day! Click on the list below to learn more about the start line, finish area, transporation and more. Runners can read a course description, view the turn by turn directions of the course and check out the new 3-D Video Course Map from Harris Corp.

The Marine Corps Marathon will begin at 7:50 a.m. for the wheelchair and hand cycle participants. Runners will start at 8:00 a.m. It is recommended that runners arrive at least an hour prior to the start time to proceed through the security checkpoint, drop off baggage and line up in the appropriate corral.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A rare feat. The MCM will utilize the same course in consecutive years. The 2009 course showcases the best of Arlington, VA and the nation's capital. Download the elevation chart. Click on the Street Closings graphic to download the list of road closures.

The USATF certified route starts in Arlington, VA, and winds its way through Rosslyn along Lee Highway before turning on Spout Run and the George Washington Parkway. 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 Parkway.

After crossing Key Bridge into Georgetown, runners turn toward the Palisades Community when the course follows Canal Road, up to the reservoir and down MacArthur Boulevard. The course guides runners down popular M Street in Georgetown.

Runners will turn on Wisconsin Avenue and then K Street. The course passes the Kennedy Center and takes runners into Hains Point at approximately the halfway point of the race.

Outside Potomac Park, runners pass the Jefferson Memorial before entering the National Mall and running by landmarks like the Lincoln, FDR, Korean War and Vietnam Veteran's memorials, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. Runners continue along Jefferson Drive and turn onto 14th Street to "Beat the Bridge" at Mile 20 before returning to Virginia.

For the last 10K runners will venture to color and energy of Crystal City, pass the Pentagon and charge the hill to the finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. It is truly a beautiful course and aptly nicknamed "The Marathon of the Monuments."

MILE MARKERS

Look for a new ‘spinteractive’ element to mile markers along the MCM course. Nine of the traditional static mile markers will be replaced with sign spinners from Aarrow Advertising, who will be performing with the nearly six-foot long arrow-shaped signs! Check out a preview video here.

RACE INFORMATION


Course	Finish Festival

MCM VIDEO

	Marine Corps Marathon Highlights
	Footage from the Healthy Kids Fun Run
	Check out the Health and Fitness Expo

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