Crystal Run

Kid-Tastic Celebration at the 35th Annual Marine Corps Marathon

Hundreds of bright colorful flags line the streets of Crystal City as the runners pass miles 22 and 23 of the 35th Marine Corps Marathon and miles 3 and 4 of the MCM10K.  Crystal City hosts a family friendly festival from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the intersection of 18th and Crystal Drive, conveniently located near the Metro.  The kid-tastic celebration is a great family friendly spectator spot featuring music, moon bounces, face paintings, balloon art, arts and crafts with the National Children's Museum, and circus activities.  Stop by, munch on cotton candy and popcorn, grab a cowbell and cheer on the runners.

Beautiful weather and an exciting atmosphere set the stage for a great day as more than 1,000 children came out for the event with their parents and enjoyed live music, moon bounces, face paintings, balloon art, arts and crafts with the National Children's Museum, and circus activities with Lizzie Lyra. When not engaging in the various entertainment and activities, children snacked on cotton candy courtesy of Freddie's Beach Bar and popcorn from the Marriott. Candy was also given away at select Crystal City restaurants to trick or treaters looking for early Halloween action.

Three sets of musical performances filled the area with vibrancy and excitement as runners passed by. Milkshake, Rocknocerous, and Oh Susannah! kept the children and their parents entertained between stops at the numerous festival booths. In between music sets, race watchers made their own music with red Crystal City cowbells. Over 1,000 cowbells were distributed to the crowd in less than two hours! As fatigue was setting in at miles 22/23, runners got a great boost from the bright and colorful wind visuals lining Crystal Drive and the sound of cheers and cowbells from supporters. Crystal City was the place to be for the 34th Annual Marine Corps Marathon.