Quick insider preview of the Marine Corps 17.75K course. Participants will start on Rt. 234 running toward the entrance of Prince William Forest Park at Pleasant Road. The terrain switches to gravel once inside the Park, before returning to a paved surface at Mile 2. This continues through Mile 9 when the course turns to gravel for the next 1.5 miles. The final stretch of the 11.03 mile run is conducted on a paved bike path.

Runners should be prepared for the hilly terrain of the National Park. The longest climb of the course occurs at Mile 4.5. Shorter yet still steep ascents arise at Mile 9, 9.5 and 10. Ideal training ground for the October uphill to the MCM finish line.

Remember to arrive early to park and shuttle to the event start area. Shuttles begin at 5 a.m. Runners should aim to arrive no later than 6:15 a.m. Designated parking/shuttle locations include Rt 234 Commuter Lot, Quantico Center and Forest Park High School.

Thanks for visiting this archived blog. The content and details are specific only for the event year highlighted in this article. For current information, please visit the event page within the MCM website.