Spectators
Learn more about being a spectacular spectator at the 2009 MCM by downloading the Spectator Guide. This presentation includes a suggested spectator route, race day reminders and tips for a successful and enjoyable experience!
Check out the 2009 MCM Weekend Guide, containing everything spectators need to know to cheer on their runner race day.
| Spectator shout out contest |  Give your favorite runner a shout out at the MCM start line by entering the Spectator Shout Out Contest. Tell the MCM why your runner is amazing and how you will be supporting them on race day. Be sure to include a special shout out message specifically to motivate your runner on race morning! Shout outs from the top five entries will be read by the announcer at the MCM start line!
Thank you for your submissions. Check back soon for more details with the 2010 Spectator Shout Out contest.
| RECOMMEnDED VIEWING locations |  Spectators can see their runner in as many as five locations on the course. Follow the plan below optimize viewing potential and catch a runner in action! Be sure to pick up a course map at the Health & Fitness Expo as will the information tents on race day.
Location #1: Kick off the day by watching the opening ceremonies at the MCM Start Line on Route 110 in Arlington, Virginia. Access the area on Metro’s blue line via the by Arlington Cemetery station.
 Location #2: After the start, take a leisurely stroll across the Arlington Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial in DC. Here you’ll be able to see runners at mile 10 and later, mile 16. While you wait, check out the World War II Memorial on the east side of the Reflecting Pool.
Location #3: From the Lincoln Memorial, head east on Constitution Avenue, past the Washington Monument to access the National Mall. Along with the world-famous Smithsonian museums, you’ll see runners at miles 18 and 19.
Location #4: Next, hop on the Metro via the Smithsonian station and head back into Virginia on the Blue or Yellow line to the Crystal City Station. You’ll see all the race action at miles 22 and 23, plus engage in a variety of activities at Crystal Run including live music, and plenty of family fun.
 Location #5: For the final leg of your journey, head over to the legendary Marine Corps War Memorial and the MCM Finish Line. Take Metro’s blue line to Rosslyn or the MCM shuttle from 23rd Street in Crystal City. The finish line offers bleacher seating to watch the final ascent and push to the finish. Plan to reunite with runners in the family link up area at the Finish Festival in Rosslyn.
Here are a few tips to make the spectator experience even more memorable:
 Tip #1: Respect the Course
Help runners have a successful race by staying clear of course boundaries. This means don’t cross the course, stay on the curb or sidewalks as to not narrow the streets for runners and most importantly, listen to law enforcement and Marines in regards to the best location to watch.
Tip #2: Timing Is Everything
You’ll want to find out the projected pace per mile for your runner to aid in determining where and when they should reach certain points in the course. It could take a runner as much as 15 minutes to cross the start line, so timing should not be based on the start time. Adjust your projected viewing times following the first sighting of your runner.
Tip #3: Getting Around
Metro is the best transportation option to help you reach the far corners of the course quickly. Be aware that a weekend wait for Metro could be up to 15 minutes. Spectators should purchase a Metro One-Day Pass for an easier experience. Metro will open at 5 a.m. on race day.
 Tip # 4: Information
If you need medical information on a runner or just general information about race day, visit the Main MCM Info tent in the Finish Festival on the Route 50 overpass in Rosslyn, or the Runners' Village Info tent in the Pentagon North parking lot.
Tip #5: Get Noticed
Help your runner pick you out of the crowd by painting a sign or banner and wearing brightly colored clothing. Its also crucial to know your marathoner's bib number and how they are dressed. It's an imperfect science trying to time the convergence of a runner and spectator. If you suspect you've missed each other, move to the next viewing location.
Tip #6: Use www.MarineMarathon.com
Use the MCM website to determine your runner's latest split times. If family or friends can't be present to chase after their runner, refer them to the website to keep tabs on the progress of the race.
 Tip #7: Be Prepared
Be another resource along the course for your runner. MCM water points and food stations will support runners, however, a good hand-off during the race might be a favorite snack or beverage. Consider the weather, as well. If it's raining, bring extra socks. If it is sunny, bring sunscreen. And as the day warms up, be ready to receive items from your runner as they shed extra clothing.
Tip #8: Link Up Post Race
Plan to meet your runner in the Family Link Up area, part of the Finish Festival in Rosslyn. Choose the first letter of the runner's last name as the pre-planned location to reunite. The link-up areas are designated by 13-foot tall, yellow towers with letters of the alphabet prominently displayed.
Tip #9: Use Technology
Sign up for Remote Runner Tracking, which sends alerts to cell phones, pagers and even blackberrys as runners move across the timing mats throughout the course. Register below, or at the Health and Fitness Expo. Runner tracking will also be available at the EDS, an HP company, Check Your Runner station in the Finish Festival.
- Remote Runner Tracking- Get split times and finish information instantly on a pager, text messaging number or e-mail. This free service is a great way for spectators to cheer for their runner (or runners) and be there to meet them for the celebration at the finish line. Live split locations will be available after a runner crosses the start line, every 5K along the course and at the finish line. Register here to track your runner!
- Map Track- Spectators can track runners throughout the race on a course map. More on this service will be available soon!
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