Marine Corps Marathon

All Marine Corps Marathon Weekend participants are required to attend Packet Pick-up, located within the MCM Health & Fitness Expo, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, to obtain the official bib with timing device and technical competitor shirt. Runners are required to bring the e-Card and a photo ID to Packet Pick-up. E-Cards are emailed to all participants in the weeks prior to the event.

Runners are highly encouraged to pick up their own materials and verify personal information.

For runners unable to attend Packet Pick-up, proxy pick-up is an available option. Runners may designate an individual to obtain their bib and event materials. The individual picking up the bib for a registered runner must present a hard or digital copy of the completed e-Card with a copy of the runner’s photo ID, as well as a copy of his/her ID. Please be sure to obtain the runner’s preferred shirt size. E-Cards are emailed to the registered runner before the event. Parents may sign waiver and retrieve packets for their children under 18 years of age.

Packet Pick-up is not available on event morning.

The official MCM, MCM50K and MCM10K participant bibs feature the timing device attached to the reverse side of the bib. These must remain in place for proper timing to occur.

Emergency medical and contact information form is also on the back of the bib. All participants must complete this information.

The UPS Baggage Sticker will be attached to the reverse side of every bib. The sticker features the runner’s bib number and the assigned UPS truck to be utilized for baggage drop off and pick up on event day. Carefully peel the front of the sticker off the backing and attached to the clear plastic bag to facilitate easy identification by UPS volunteers.

Track a Runner

Relatives, friends, running buddies and even MCM participants themselves can follow a runner’s progress along the course in real time. The virtual status reports will provide updates for one or multiple runners from various split locations and the finish line.

The timing data may be delivered by text, posted on a Facebook timeline, sent via email and/or sent over Twitter feed. During registration for this service, individuals may select the preferred means to receive updates. Registration for Track a Runner will be available soon.

Viewing Locations

Spectators can see their runner in as many as five locations on the course. With many road closures, taking Metro is the best way to get around but consult the course map as most locations are walkable. Follow the plan below to optimize viewing potential and catch a runner in action!

• Location #1: Kick off the day by watching the opening ceremonies at the MCM Start Line on Route 110 in Arlington, Virginia. Access this location by Metro using Rosslyn or Pentagon Station.
• Location #2: After the start, take a leisurely stroll across the Arlington Memorial Drive to the Lincoln Memorial in DC. Here you’ll be able to see runners at mile 10 and later, mile 16.
• Location #3: From the Lincoln Memorial, head east on Independence Avenue, past the Washington Monument to access the National Mall. Along with the world-famous Smithsonian museums, you’ll see runners at miles 17-19.
• Location #4: Next, hop on the Metro via the Smithsonian station and head to the Crystal City Station.
• Location #5: For the final leg of your journey, head over to the legendary Marine Corps War Memorial and the MCM Finish Line. Take Metro to Rosslyn or the MCM shuttle from 23rd Street in Crystal City. The finish line offers bleacher seating to watch the final ascent and push to the finish. Plan to reunite with runners in the family link up area at the Finish Festival in Rosslyn.

Tips

• Respect the Course. Staying clear of course boundaries. This means don’t cross the course. Stay on the curb or sidewalks to avoid narrowing the streets for runners, and most importantly, listen to law enforcement and Marines with regard to the best location to stand and cheer.
• Timing Is Everything. Know the runner’s projected pace-per-mile to aid in determining where and when they should reach certain points in the course. Take out the guess work and sign up for Track-A-Runner text updates through the MCM website or App.
• Getting Around by Metro. Metro is a great option to 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 6:00 a.m. on MCM day.
• Information. Visit the MCM Info tent in the Finish Festival on the Route 50 overpass in Rosslyn, or in Runners Village in the Pentagon North Parking lot. The American Red Cross will have a medical information tent at the finish line.
• Get Noticed. It is easier for runners to find their supporters who hold a sign or banner and are wearing brightly colored clothing. Its also crucial to know a marathoner’s bib number and outfit. It’s an imperfect science trying to time the convergence of a runner and spectator. If you suspect you’ve missed each other, move to the next viewing location.
• Use Technology. Visit the MCM website or download the MCM App to access live results and updated split times.
• Be Social. Use #RunWithTheMarines on all social postings to add to the MCM digital story.
• Reunite with Runner. Runners and supporters should meet in the Family Link Up area, part of the Finish Festival in Rosslyn. Choose 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

Lend a hand

Opportunities to work alongside U.S. Marines range from assembling runner packets and shirts to supporting a water point, food station, medical aid station, runner’s hospitality or the start and finish areas on event day.
All volunteers take pride in supporting thousands of individuals striving to achieve a running goal.

Volunteers receive a commemorative shirt and a letter of appreciation for each event supported. Individuals and groups are encouraged to volunteer throughout the year. Support opportunities are announced at a minimum of six weeks prior to each event.