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.
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 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
 Runners and their support crew should plan to meet in Family Link Up, part of the Finish Festival in Rosslyn, along Lynn Street, Wilson Boulevard and Fort Myer Drive. The MCM recommends choosing the first letter of the runner's last name as the pre-planned location to reunite. The link-up areas are designated by 13-foot tall, yellow towers with letters of the alphabet prominently displayed.
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 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.
Remote Runner Tracking
Get split times and finish information instantly on a pager, text messaging number or e-mail. This free service is a great way for spectators to cheer for their runner (or runners) and be there to meet them for the celebration at the finish line. Live split locations will be available after a runner crosses the start line, every 5K along the course and at the finish line. Register now and track your runner!
Map Track
Spectators can track runners throughout the race on a course map.
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Key to the incredible support MCM runners receive is the contagious enthusiasm of Marine Corps and civilian volunteers, plus tens of thousands of the Metro-riding, bridge-crossing, map-toting, sign-waving, hand-clapping, “OORAH”ing family and friends. Follow this guide to be a super spectator and secure viewing spots in various on-course locations including Crystal Run. Be sure to get your packet spectator guide at the Health & Fitness Expo as will the information tents on race day.
 Spectators have a great opportunity to see their runner in five great locations due to the new MCM course. Spectators should follow these tips to optimize viewing potential and catch a runner in action along the course.
1. MCM start area. Access via Arlington Cemetery (blue line) metro. Watch the opening ceremonies and runners begin their journey on Route 110 in Arlington.
2. Lincoln Memorial in miles 10 and 16. Access by walking across the Memorial Bridge. While wait for runners to arrive check out the World War II Memorial on the east side of the Reflecting Pool.
 3. National Mall in miles 18 and 19. Access by walking east on Constitution Avenue past the Washington Monument. Spectators seeking more historical scenery can enjoy some of the nation’s most notable landmarks such as the Smithsonian Castle.
4. Crystal Run at miles 22 and 23. Access via Smithsonian metro to Crystal City (blue or yellow line). The family-friendly festival will combine live music, restaurant tastings, street activity, an art market, and plenty of kid-oriented activities, including moon bounces, arts and crafts with the National Children's Museum, and high energy, percussive dance by world acclaimed dance company Step Afrika!
5. MCM finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Access via a quick metro ride to Rosslyn or MCM shuttle from 23rd street in Crystal City. The finish line offers bleacher seating to watch the final ascent and push to the Iwo Jima finish line. Plan to reunite with runners in the family link up area at the Finish Festival in Rosslyn.
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