UPCOMING EVENTS (Posted April 4):
Congratulations to all those who participated in the Butler Relay on March 29! Despite chilly weather, it was a great event! Next up- Run Amuck- a 5K mud-run style event with obstacles, a tire dash and more. Registration opens at noon eastern on April 23.
In other news, the MCHH has temporarily reopened, and you can register now at www.marinecorpshistorichalf.com. Active duty registration for the MCM is now open, simply click here. General registration for the MCM opens online beginning April 30 at noon eastern. Happy training!
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at
marine.marathon@usmc.mil
ATTN: Blog
MCM AND MCHH REGISTRATION PROMOTION AT BUTLER RELAY (Posted March 10):
I wanted to offer a special thank you to runners who are participating in the inaugural Butler Relay for their dedication to the Marine Corps Marathon organization and to the sport of running. Runners who register and participate in the Butler Relay, part of the new Marine Corps Marathon Event Series, will be eligible to receive a guaranteed non-complimentary entry into the sold-out 2008 Marine Corps Historic Half, or a highly coveted entry into the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon. Runners will select and receive their entry at Packet Pick-Up for the Butler Relay on March 27-28. Register here for the Butler Relay!
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at
marine.marathon@usmc.mil
ATTN: Blog
BUTLER RELAY REGISTRATION IS OPEN! (Posted Feb 11):
If you haven't had the chance to check out the new MCM event series- be sure to take a look! Registration for the first event, the Butler Relay is now open- you don't want to miss out! Register here!
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at
marine.marathon@usmc.mil
ATTN: Blog
WINTER MOTIVATION
(Posted: December 17):
I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and managing to find a balance between all those holiday parties and still getting in good runs. As you're choosing your races for 2008, I'd like to highlight some of the new events the MCM will be adding to the '08 calendar. First, there's the sold-out Marine Corps Historic Half on May 18 in Fredericksburg. The whole staff is excited about the Historic Half and working with the Fredericksburg community. Additionally, the MCM will host the MCM Event Series on Marine Corps Base Quantico. For 2008, this means four races, beginning with the Butler Relay. Check out the new events by clicking here. Don't forget- registration for the 2008 MCM opens online on April 30 at noon. See you next year!
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at
marine.marathon@usmc.mil
ATTN: Blog
GET READY FOR RACE DAY
(Posted: October 17):
I am sure by now you've combed the website looking for all the details about race day! As you're planning, be sure to bring your camera and enter the CVS Race Pix Photo Contest. Remember to print out your E-confirmation card and get ready to run! Good luck and Semper Fi!
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at
marine.marathon@usmc.mil
ATTN: Blog
RESPONSE TO WEEKEND EVENTS
(Posted: October 10):
This past weekend, the running community was confronted with the significant challenge of hosting road races amidst extreme heat conditions at the Chicago Marathon and here, in the Arlington, Virginia, at the Army Ten Miler.
The Marine Corps Marathon observes the practices, responses and execution of other events and weighs new challenges against our organizational program. Designed as a military operation, the Marine Corps Marathon has a depth of command authority and a breadth of resources. The care for the well being of our runners is the paramount objective. Despite an Operations Plan nearly two inches thick, the operational execution of the event remains fluid, ever true to the Marine Corps ideal of 'adapt and overcome'.
With regard to hydration, the Marine Corps Marathon has utilized a formula that annually returns excess water from the course. While we educate about the threat of hyponatremia, we ensure ample water is available to meet all conditions.
Events such as those that occurred this past weekend are tragic, forcing us to revisit operational practices with a new perspective and consider seemingly small adjustments to the event that would appear invisible to most but could have widereaching positive effects on the masses.
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at
marine.marathon@usmc.mil
ATTN: Blog
RETURN OF THE TRANSFER POLICY
(Posted: July 31):
You asked and we listened! The MCM will offer a transfer option beginning tomorrow, August 1 through September 21. The transfer policy will allows registered runners unable to participate in the sold-out October 28 marathon to transfer their bib number to another runner seeking entry.
To transfer a bib number, registered runners must complete and mail in the MCM transfer form. The two-part form requires the personal information of both, the registered runner and the transfer recipient. It also serves as the new runner’s application. The form must be completed and returned, along with the $20 transfer fee, by September 21.
Registered runners can also defer their 2007 run for a guaranteed spot in 2008 By deferring an entry, runners convey the registration fee to 2008. The deferment request form must be returned along with a $20 deferment fee by October 5.
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at marine.marathon@usmc.mil ATTN: Blog
ATHLETE MOVIE (Posted: July 10):
At the 2006 MCM, I was interviewed for a new documentary called ATHLETE. Now you can check out the trailer and get a behind-the-scenes look at the movie.
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at marine.marathon@usmc.mil ATTN: Blog
Runners Wanted For a Strech Study By USA Track & Field (Posted: July 9):
USA Track & Field is launching the Pre-Run Stretch Study. It is an important study in that there has not been a large randomized, well-controlled study to show whether pre-run stretching helps prevent injuries.
Some of runners may already have pre-run stretching routines or be averse to pre-run stretching. If you have a strong bias one way or the other, then participation in the study is not for you. USATF hopes there are many runners who may or may not do pre-run stretching but who wish to help them learn whether it really does help reduce injuries and will agree to be randomly assigned to stretch or not stretch.
Since this is a medical study on human subjects, it is being implemented with the approval of the institutional review board (IRB) of Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, MD.
To learn more or sign up, you can visit the stretch study website at www.usatf.org/stretchstudy/
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at marine.marathon@usmc.mil ATTN: Blog
Congratulations Marines! (Posted: June 5):
On May 27, 2007, the Marine Corps Running team defeated the British Royal Navy/Marines for the Warriors from Across the Sea Challenge Cup Bravo Zulu, Marines!
The Warriors from Across the Sea Challenge is held each spring in conjunction with the Plymouth Half Marathon in Plymouth, England. The team of eight Marines faced off against the British and the winner was chosen based on the top three male times and the top woman’s time.
CLICK HERE for the full story from Steven Dinote, Athletic Director for Headquarters Marine Corps.
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at marine.marathon@usmc.mil ATTN: Blog
Closed in just 14 Days!(Posted: May 23):
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) sold out today at 3:00 p.m. eastern time with 30,000 participants for the October 28 event! That's the second fastest close out in MCM history!
A previous MCM finisher, Michael Goldstein of Washington, DC, was the first runner to register online. Goldstein was one of 4,614 runners, or more than 1 runner per second, registered in the first hour of rolling registration.
If you missed registration but still want to participate, a limited number of entries remain available through the MCM charity partner program. Visit the MCM charity partner page on www.marinemarathon.com for more information.
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at marine.marathon@usmc.mil ATTN: Blog
It Is Open (Posted: May 9):
I am excited to announce that online registration is now open! We've already had thousands of hits on our website, and I know runners gearing up to begin their training! Yesterday's Registration Rally at Pentagon Row had a great turn out and even the ABC7 (WJLA) weather truck stopped by! The race field this year is 30,000 and filling quickly, so if you haven't registered yet, you'll want to do that soon! Don't forget to sign up for the MCM VIrtual Trainer to get you through the next few months. If you are ready to make travel plans, be sure to check out the new MCM Travel Desk for all your travel needs: hotel, flights AND car rentals!
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at marine.marathon@usmc.mil ATTN: Blog
Ready for Registration (Posted: April 4):
Registration is coming soon! Online registration for the MCM opens at noon eastern on May 9. I expect it will fill up quickly, so be sure to sign up fast! For those in the National Capitol Region who want to avoid the online frenzy, 1,000 guaranteed entries will be available at the MCM Registration Rally at Pentagon Row in Crystal City, Virginia. Come out for a lunch time break between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. to check out the health and fitness fair, live music and of course, register for the MCM 24-hours before it opens online.
If you're looking to get the whole family involved in race weekend activities, registration for the MCM10K opens online on May 14, as well as registration for the Healthy Kids Fun Run. Or, encourage family members and friends to volunteer. The online registration module to volunteer will open in early June.
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at marine.marathon@usmc.mil ATTN: Blog
M CM Is Out and About (Posted: Feb 20):
The MCM has been pretty busy, despite the snow! Last thursday, we made a trip up to Pacers in Alexandria, VA to present the first place Running Store Award. Congratulations to Pacers and thank you to all the stores who participated! Today, we will visit Lynbrook Elementary who, once again, has one the Healthy School Award. They will be honored in a presentation this afternoon featuring Miles, some of the Quantico Marines, my staff, Ronald McDonald and more! Congratulations to all the students, parents, teachers and staff of Lynbrook Elementary on a job well done!
BREAK BREAK
Did you know nearly 1 million people world wide ran a marathon last year? According to ARRS.Net, more than 1200 marathons last year accounted for over 960,000 runners, plus there were an additional 422 marathons didn't submit data. To check out the break down, visit http://www.arrs.net/ML_2006.htm.
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at marine.marathon@usmc.mil ATTN: Blog
Boot Camp Returns for '07 (Posted: Feb 9):
After a great response to the MCM Race Director Boot Camp in 2006, I’ve decided to offer the three-day workshop again this year. Covering a wide variety of topics related to the management and operations of a running event, the sessions will begin Friday, October 26 in the afternoon and end with the MCM on Sunday, October 28. For more info or to register, email me at marine.marathon@usmc.mil with the subject line: Boot Camp. Registration is $200 and is open to race directors and race officials.
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at marine.marathon@usmc.mil ATTN: Blog
Back to Blogging (Posted Feb 8):
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a new blog, but my staff and I have been busy traveling to promote the 2007 MCM!
Just a reminder- online registration opens May 9 at NOON EASTERN. If you’re in the DC area on May 8th from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., come out to the Registration Rally at Pentagon Row and be one of the first 1,000 to register early! Advanced Registration is available now through April 30 for active duty military and reservists as a thank you for their continued dedication and service.
Worth noting: Daylight Savings Time will not end on Marathon Sunday as it has in the past, but will now end on the first Sunday in November, due to the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Share your thoughts about my blog. Email the MCM at marine.marathon@usmc.mil ATTN: Blog