Marine Corps Marathon

Runners will begin the 7.45 mile journey at 7:25 a.m., on Elrod Road parallel to the Parade Deck near the bleachers. The Quantico 12K will head south before making a right turn on Engineer Road and entering the OCS trails. Terrain will switch from paved streets to gravely paths. The 12K begins a 140 foot climb to its maximum elevation of 219 feet starting at the half mile mark and leveling off 1.5 miles into the run. Making a left onto Iwo Jima Trail runners will reach the first of three water points on the course just before mile 2. A slight downhill from Mile 3 to 4.5 features a 70 foot elevation drop before another short climb. The second water point is located near mile 4 at scenic Buffalo Pond, the furthest point in the course. From this location, runners will follow Engineer Road and begin to overlap with the run portion of the Quantico Tri and include the final water point as part of a two mile downhill. The course makes a left as runners pass the OCS Obstacle Course, before making two quick right turns on the way to the finish line located on the grassy PT field.

Driving directions to Quantico 12K parking:

When using GPS, search for "2189A Elrod Rd, Quantico, VA"

Take Exit 148 (Marine Corps Base Quantico) off I95 and follow to "Mainside." From I-95 South, merge right after exiting. From I-95 North, turn left at the first traffic light after exiting. Approach the gates to enter Marine Corps Base Quantico. Please have Photo ID ready to present. Once through gate, remain straight on Russell Road for approximately two miles.

At the traffic circle (Dunlap Circle), take the first exit onto Dunlap Rd, which becomes Thomas St. When arriving at the stop sign, turn right onto Range Road, and immediately veer left to go over bridge onto Bauer Rd.

Continue on Bauer Rd for approximately one mile (passing the air facility on the left). At the first stop sign, veer right onto Fleming St and cross over the train tracks. Please use caution.

The Parade Deck (large, paved surface) will be on the left. When parking on Parade Deck is filled, vehicles will be directed to the field across from Bobo Hall.