What is the date for the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon?
The 33rd anniversary MCM will be held on October 26!
How many participants will you accept?
The 2008 race field is limited to 30,000 participants.
How do I register?
Registration for the 2008 MCM opens online on April 30 at noon eastern.
Do I need a qualifying time to participate?
You do not need a qualifying time for the “People’s Marathon.” However, you will need to be able to maintain a 14-minute per mile pace to Beat the Bridge- All runners must reach 14th Street Bridge (Just before mile marker 20) by 1:15 pm. At that time, the street will reopen to vehicular traffic. If a runner does not reach the 14th Street Bridge on time, he or she will have to board a straggler's bus and may not finish the race.
Can I walk this marathon?
You must maintain a 14 min/mile pace in order to finish the race. The 14th Street Bridge opens to traffic (just before mile marker 20), which will make it unsafe for any participant to finish the race.
What is the age requirement?
To run the Marine Corps Marathon, you must be at least 14 years of age on October 26, 2008.
How do I know that my registration went through when I signed up online?
You will receive an email that contains your confirmation number and other important information. Please make sure you keep your confirmation number.
When will I receive my bib number?
Your bib number will be listed on your e-confirmation card that will be available in September online.
How do I get my e-confirmation card?
There will be a link on the MCM website in August to retrieve and print your e-confirmation card. You will need your confirmation number available in order to access the e-card. Your confirmation number can be found included in the confirmation email you received after successfully registering.
What if I can’t print my e-card or my confirmation number does not work?
All runners received an email with the confirmation numbers. Please ensure you type in this number and your data of birth in order to print the e-card needed for Packet Pick up. Please contact support@active.com if you have further problems.
How do I know if my deferment is complete?
The deadline will be posted on the MCM website. If you experience difficulties, please contact support@active.com. All runners that deferred will receive a letter with an entry for next year's race.
What does a team consist of?
A team consists of no less than three and no more than five runners. There is no additional team entry fee. Awards are given to the top three teams in six categories: Men, Women, Masters, Organizations, Military, Mixed. Team registration is now available.
How do I register a team?
Please download the team entry form to create a team. Each team member must be registered as an individual first before a team entry can be filled out.
What are the Expo/Packet Pick-up hours?
The MCM Health and Fitness Expo will be held at the DC Armory. The expo hours are extended to include Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
What do I need to bring to Packet Pick-up at the Health and Fitness Expo?
E-Confirmation printout (you’ll find that at www.marinemarathon.com) and a photo ID are required
Can someone else pick up my race packet for me?
Runners are highly encouraged to pick up their own race packet, to verify information and prevent race day hassles. However, if you must have a family member or friend pick up your packet, they will need a letter from you giving permission to release your packet. Be sure they have their photo ID and your e-confirmation card
What is in my race packet?
Your race packet contains your bib number, safety pins, Souvenir single use ChampionChip, a commemorative MCM patch, a 33rd MCM Mock Neck shirt and a goodie bag including special giveaways and offers as well as the informative Race Program.
What is the best way to get to the Expo?
Parking will be available at the RFK stadium and DC Armory lots on a first come, first served basis. A shuttle bus service will be available from the Hyatt Regency Washington DC on Capitol Hill hotel to the DC Armory. Metro is available for easy traveling. Click here for your nearest Metro station.
Do you have a half marathon?
Beginning in May 2008, the Marine Corps Marathon will be adding a half marathon event to the race calendar. Click here to learn more.
What other events are held MCM weekend?
Be sure to enjoy all the vendors at the MCM Runners’ Expo, carb-load at the MCM Carbo Dining In, check out the finish festival immediately after the marathon, head down to Crystal Run for a fun fall festival atmosphere, and proudly display your finisher medal at the Post-Race party. Younger members of the family can participate in the Healthy Kids one-mile Fun Run.
What can the kids participate in?
Even the younger members of the family can enjoy race weekend activities. The MCM Healthy Kids Fun Run is a great opportunity for children ages 6-13 to get involved in the fun. The one-mile run is not timed and all participants receive a medal, shirt, goodie bag and post race snacks. Registration opens June 4 at noon eastern online at www.marinemarathon.com.
When is the Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids' Fun Run?
CLICK HERE to view the full details of this event.
Where and when is the Crystal Run?
This fun-filled family event in a fall festival atmosphere is a must see for spectators. Come out to Crystal Drive and 23rd St on Sunday during the race from 9:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
Do you have a pasta party?
The MCM Carbo Dining-In Dinner will be held again in 2008. Please click here for more info.
What is the Carbo Dining- In Dinner?
Two seatings will be available for the 2008 event. It will be held at the Race Headquarters, Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill October 25, 2008. The pasta party is a sit-down dinner with keynote speakers, raffle, and special entertainment. Click here to learn more.
Do you have a post-race party?
Look for more information coming soon on the 2008 post-race party.
How do I get to the Start line?
Metro will get you to the start. Metro starts service at 5 a.m. for MCM runners and spectators on race morning. Metro's Pentagon (blue or yellow line) station is the closest stop to the start. Runners can also take advantage of a limited number of parking spaces available in Crystal City, VA. Then, take the pre-race shuttle from Crystal Drive and 23rd Street to Runners' Village near the Pentagon.
What is the starting time?
The MCM will begin at 7:50 a.m. on Sunday, October 26 with the start of the wheelchair and hand cycle wave. At 8:00 a.m., marathon participants will begin their 26.2 mile journey to the legendary Marine Corps War Memorial Finish Line.
Where is the start line?
The start line is near the intersection of Rt. 110 and Marshall Drive, which is located down the hill from the Marine Corps War Memorial also known as the Iwo Jima Monument. Please click here for more information.
How should I line-up at the start line?
Runners should line up in their appropriate corral based on bib number. The well-marked corrals will be maintained by Marine volunteers.
What do I use for baggage and where do I drop off my baggage?
Please utilize the clear Goodie bag, provided to you at Packet pick-up, for your race day baggage needs. The clear bag will be the only bag accepted in the baggage tent and satellite baggage at Runners Village on race day. Runners wearing a bib number will be allowed to check bags in and out. BACKPACKS are not recommended. Unattended bags and packages will be removed from the premises. For more information click here.
Can I push a baby stroller, use a walking stick, roller blade, take my dog, or wear a walk man?
These objects are not permitted on the course. It is against USATF rules and is a safety hazard. This will be strictly enforced on the course.
Is there extra security?
In planning for this year’s Marine Corps Marathon, officials have met with all seven area police jurisdictions to enhance the safety of everyone involved at the race site as well as along the racecourse. There will be an increased presence of Marines at the start, finish and along the course at key spectator points. Cooperation with security personnel and practices will aid in quick access to the race site. For your convenience, please allow extra time to reach the finish line by arriving at least 90 minutes prior to your start time.
Where are the water points and aid stations located?
13 water points are available, located every two miles on the course. Click here for more details.
What is the energy drink and water that is used?
The Marine Corps Marathon will offer Powerade and water at each water point as well as at the Hospitality tent, just past the finish line.
Where are port-a-jons located?
Port-a-jons are located at the start/finish line, Runners Village and at each water point.
Will food and drinks be available to spectators on Iwo Jima site?
Please be sure to come prepared- there food and drink not available to spectators on the Marine Corps War Memorial site.
How do I meet up with my family after the marathon?
Help family members track your progress by letting them know what you will be wearing and your approximate pace per mile. Post race, plan to meet them at the link up area in the Finish Festival, under the designated letter. The MCM suggests using the first letter of the runner’s last name.
What type of medical support is available during the marathon?
The MCM course offers 10 aid stations throughout the 26.2 miles. Each aid station is equipped with Naval medical personnel as well as medical volunteers.
How does my family check on me if there is a medical situation?
Family members will need to visit the information tent at the Marine Corps War Memorial to locate a family member with a medical situation.
What is the best way to train for the MCM?
For pre-race training as well as great tips, check out the MCM’s Virtual Trainer. Programs designed by Olympian Jeff Galloway help you plan your runs, and the email updates offer you tips on everything from proper apparel to nutrition to injury prevention.
I took Metro to the start. How should I get home or to my hotel? Take Metro from the Rosslyn station, or the post race shuttle from Wilson Blvd to one of three metro locations: Vienna (orange line), Crystal City (blue and yellow lines) or Metro Center (orange, red and blue lines).
When will I receive my results booklet for the 32nd MCM?
You should have recieved your results and downloaded your certificate on your individual results page. Click here for more.
What are the Marathon Records?
Marine Corps Marathon Record
Men: 1987 Jeff Scuffins 2:14:01
Women: 1990 Olga Markova 2:37:00
American Record
Men: 2002 Khalid Khannouchi 2:05:38
Women: 2003 Deena Drossin 2:21:16
World Record
Men: 2003 Paul Tergat 2:04:55
Women: 2003 Paula Radcliffe 2:15:25
What awards do you offer?
The Marine Corps Marathon offers over 430 awards. Categories are: Overall, Overall Masters, Overall Seniors, Men and Women, seven deep, Clydesdale weight classes, Wheelchair, Hand crank, Team Divisions.
MCM Running Club
Any runner that completed 5 or more Marine Corps Marathons can join the MCM running club. There is no cost involved and the runner receives a guaranteed entry into next year’s race. Please submit copies of your runner’s certificates and the request to be entered into the club and we will send you your 5, 10, 15, 20, 25-year patch. Congratulations. Copies can be faxed to 703 784 2265 Attn: Running Club or mailed to Marine Corps Marathon, PO Box 188, Quantico, VA 22134 Attn: Running Club.
What is considered the official time and how is the race timed?
You will be timed using a champion chip. Your official time will be your chip time. This will be reflected on your finisher's certificate. These are accepted by the Boston Marathon as proof of time.
Can I keep the champion chip that comes in my race packet?
The single-use white chip you will receive in your packet is yours to keep! You can also purchase your own personal reusable chip at www.championchipusa.com
How do I sign up as a volunteer?
The volunteer module will be available for sign up beginning June 4, 2008.
For Marine Corps Marathon Information,
Website: www.marinemarathon.com
Phone: (703) 432-1159
Fax: (703) 784-2265
email marine.marathon@usmc.mil
Driving directions to Marine Corps Marathon headquarters
3399 Russell Rd, Quantico, VA 22134
From North:
Take I95 South toward Richmond and take Exit 148, proceed toward Marine Corps Base, Quantico, drive through the gate, be prepared - ID is required. Please note: The gate is closed between the hours of 10 pm until 5 am or take Exit 150A toward Triangle/Quantico, proceed to Marine Corps Base, Quantico and enter through the front gate, ID is required. The front gate is open 24 hours/day.
From South:
Take I95 North toward Washington DC and take Exit 148, proceed toward Marine Corps Base, Quantico, drive through the gate, be prepared - ID is required. Please note: The gate is closed between the hours of 10 pm until 5 am or take Exit 150A toward Triangle/Quantico, proceed to Marine Corps Base, Quantico and enter through the front gate, ID is required. The front gate is open 24 hours/day.
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