The Marine Corps Marathon attracts nearly 100,000 spectators annually. The dedicated sidewalk supporters turn streets into celebrations. Here are the best techniques for ambitious spectators to see their runner at multiple spots along the course.
A Note of Encouragement
 Encourage your favorite runner or runners with an e-greeting card from the Marine Corps Marathon or congratulate a finisher post-race with a special note. Click here to learn more.
Respect the Course
Help runners have a successful race by staying clear of course boundaries. Read below of suggestions of great places to view runners without hindering the course.
Timing Is Everything
Find out the projected pace per mile for the runner. This will help in determining where and when they should reach certain points in the course. Remember, 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.
 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 from Metro at the Runner's Expo for an easier experience. Metro will open at 5 a.m. on race day.
Information
Looking for medical information on a runner or just general information about race day? The MCM Info tents provide everything a spectator needs to know. Visit the Main 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.
Getting Noticed
Paint a sign. Wear brightly colored clothing. Know your marathoner's bib number and how they are dressed. It's an imperfect science trying to time perfectly the convergence of a runner and spectator. If you suspect you've missed each other, move to the next viewing location.
 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.
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.
Link Up Post Race
 Meet your runner in the Finish Festival under the Link Up Flags. The MCM recommends choosing the first letter of the runner’s last name as your letter. The link-up areas are designated as follows: These flags are designated as follows: A-B, C-D, E-F-G, H-I-J, K-L, M-N, O-P-Q-R, S, T-U-V, W-X-Y-Z.
Use Technology
The MCM proud to offer a variety of great services to help spectators follow their runners. Take advantage of the Check-Your-Runner stations located around the national mall and in the MCM Finish Festival to track a runner’s progress. 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.
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Spectators hoping to follow runners through the course have two great suggested routes to reach a variety of locations:
Spectator Locations, Option 1:
The MCM start area is easily accessible by the Metro station at Arlington Cemetery (blue line). After watching runners pass under the arch and head into Rosslyn, spectators will have more than enough  time to cross Memorial Bridge to watch runners pass by Lincoln’s left hand in mile 10. Spectators should then return to Virginia across the Memorial Bridge and catch the Metro to Crystal City (blue line). Here, friends and family can enjoy food and entertainment at Crystal Run while catching a view of runners at mile 21 and 22. Crystal Run will combine live music, restaurant tastings, and plenty of kid-oriented activities, including a Rock Wall, Moon Bounce, NASCAR No. 2 BB&T Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and arts and crafts with the National Children’s Museum.
After the marathoner passes through Crystal Run, a quick metro ride to Rosslyn returns spectators to the finish line in time to congratulate the soon-to-be-finisher. The finish line offers hundreds of seats in bleachers to watch the final ascent and push to the Iwo Jima finish line. Plan to reunite with runners in the new Link-Up area at the Finish Festival. After the marathon, revisit Crystal City for the new Post Race Celebration beginning at 4:30 p.m. Located on Crystal Drive, near 23rd Street, the new Post Race Celebration will include live music headlined by the Spin Doctors.
Spectator Location, Option 2:
After watching your runner begin their journey under the MCM arches, catch the Metro to the Smithsonian (blue line). There, view your runner twice; once on Madison Drive at  mile 12 and then, after crossing back to Jefferson Drive, see your runner again at mile 13. Take the metro to L’Enfant Plaza and switch to the blue line for a quick ride to Crystal City. Crystal Run will be held at mile 21 and 22 for spectators and runners beginning at 9:30 a.m. along Crystal Drive. Crystal Run will combine live music, restaurant tastings, and plenty of kid-oriented activities, including a Rock Wall, Moon Bounce, NASCAR No. 2 BB&T Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and arts and crafts with the National Children’s Museum.
After the marathoner passes through Crystal Run, a quick metro ride to Rosslyn returns spectators to the finish line in time to congratulate the soon-to-be-finisher. The finish line offers hundreds of seats in bleachers to watch the final ascent and push to the Iwo Jima finish line. Plan to reunite with runners in the new Link-Up area at the Finish Festival. After the marathon, revisit Crystal City for the new Post Race Celebration beginning at 4:30 p.m. Located on Crystal Drive, near 23rd Street, the new Post Race Celebration will include live music headlined by the Spin Doctors.
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