Marine Corps Marathon

Days Till Event 352
Date of Event 10.26.2025
Recognized for impeccable organization on an iconic course managed by the US Marines in Arlington, VA and the nation's capital, the Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the US and the world. Known as 'the best marathon for beginners,' the MCM is the largest marathon in the world that doesn't offer prize money, earning its nickname, “The People's Marathon.”
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Event Map

Hosted in the nation’s capital with the start and finish in Arlington, VA, the Marine Corps Marathon offers an unparalleled journey through the most recognizable landmarks in our country. Begin the run situated between the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, continue through Rosslyn before journeying into the District to tour Georgetown and the National Mall on the way to ‘beating the bridge.’ Enter Arlington and pass the Pentagon, tour Crystal City and finish uphill (you read that right) at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Due to construction along Ohio Drive SW, we are proud to announce minor course changes that will offer our runners major views of more iconic sites in our Nation’s Capital. MCM runners will now get to experience routes that bring them closer to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial along West Basin Drive SW and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial along E Basin Drive SW. This new course will be USAT&F certified and is a Boston Qualifier.

**There are sections of the course that pass construction projects. Please be cautious of uneven pavement and watch for obstacles that may be tripping hazards.**

mcm course elevation

Gauntlets

Gauntlets are pictured on the course map.

  • DC Gauntlet: Participants who do not make it through the DC Gauntlet by 12:33 p.m. will be diverted from the certified course at Independence Avenue to 14th Street and may continue running but will not complete a 26.2 mile course. These individuals will not be recognized as official finishers.
  • Beat the Bridge Gauntlet: All participants must reach the intersection of 14 and D Streets before the 14th Street Bridge by 1:15 p.m. at Mile 20.
  • Crystal City Gauntlet: Participants who do not make it through the Crystal City Gauntlet by 1:49 p.m. will be diverted from the certified course at 12th South as it becomes Crystal Drive and may continue running but will not complete the 26.2 mile course. These individuals will not be recognized as official finishers.

Register for the Marine Corps Marathon Weekend

Recognized for impeccable organization on an iconic course managed by the US Marines in Arlington, VA and the nation’s capital, the Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the US and the world. Known as ‘the best marathon for beginners,’ the MCM is the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, earning its nickname, “The People’s Marathon.” The weekend also offers the MCM10K and MCM50K.