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.”
In 2024, runners can now register for all five event weekends at one time with the 2024 Distinguished Participant bundle. Take on the Marine Corps 17.75K, Marine Corps Historic Half, Quantico 12K, one of the MCM Weekend events (MCM10K, MCM or MCM50K) and the Turkey Trot and earn a special medal!
The Distinguished Participant bundle will go on sale November 18, the date of the Turkey Trot 10K & Mile. A limited number will be available on a first come, first served basis until March 23, 2024 or until any of the qualifying events sell out.
Those who would like to participate in the Semper Fidelis Challenge as well as Distinguished Participant should register for the DP Bundle and ensure that they are registering for the Marine Corps 1775K, Marine Corps Historic Half and the Marine Corps Marathon. This will allow individuals to be eligible for both challenges.
Ambitious runners who seek to earn this coveted title and exclusive medal in 2024 must register and complete one live event of the following tiers:
After registering for a live event some runners unfortunately are unable to participate. These runners may opt to transfer their entry to a non-registered runner through the Transfer Program. The MCM doesn’t assist in the identification of individuals to receive a transfer. Runners often find transfer partners on the MCM Facebook page.
The 6.2 mile journey begins at 7:50 a.m. in the National Mall and takes runners through Crystal City, past the Pentagon and into the iconic finish at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial.
At Jefferson Drive SW and 7th Street SW along the National Mall.
Near Army-Navy Drive at Eads Street.
Post-MCM10K: Bottled water from Wegmans and Nuun will be distributed in the hospitality area.
Cupless Station: Self-serve water station on the 14th Street Bridge.
aid stations
Jefferson Drive SW and 12th Street SW at the Department of Agriculture
Eads Street Parking lot at Army/Navy Drive
Finish LineMedical Tents are located on the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial Circle
Medical Information tent is located at the intersection of Lynn Street and Fairfax Drive. Medical personnel will track runners and record medical data to ensure timely updates are available to families of runners receiving assistance.
packet pick-up
All MCM Weekend participants are required to attend Packet Pick-up, located within the Health & Fitness Expo, located 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 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.
Runners and spectators can utilize of a variety of transportation options during MCM Weekend to arrive at event locations in Arlington, the home of the MCM and the nation’s capital.
metro
Getting around the nation’s capital and Arlington, VA is easy with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro). Runners are encouraged to become familiar with the Metro map in advance of event morning and be aware of the most convenient stations to access preferred locations. In advance of MCM Weekend, runners and supporters should purchase a Metro SmarTrip card.
To the MCM10K. The Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter station (green or yellow line) is most convenient to the MCM10K start. Other nearby options include L’Enfant Plaza (yellow, green, blue or orange line) or Smithsonian (blue or orange line).
Event parking
MCM10K. There is no designated parking location for the MCM10K. Participants may seek locations in nearby downtown DC but are encouraged to Metro to the event start line.
baggage
Start: UPS trucks will located in the Start area. Participants should use the clear plastic bag provided at Packet Pick-up to store personal items on event day. A sticker is provided on the back of the bib. Please place this sticker on your bag and drop your items at the corresponding truck. The trucks will be organized by bib number.
Finish: Participants will be able to pick up their baggage from the UPS trucks in Rosslyn at the Finish Festival at the corner of Wilson Blvd and N. Lynn St.
gallery
Register for the Marine Corps Historic Half
It’s the greatest half in history! Run through historic Fredericksburg from the retail hub of Central Park, through quaint downtown shops and restaurants, up Hospital Hill to a finish line bathed in stars and stripes.
