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 MCM50K is the largest ultramarathon in the country and the only one held entirely in an urban setting. Participants share the start line with the Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, VA directly adjacent to the Pentagon.
registration
MCM50K registration is now open. Participants must maintain a 12.5 minute per mile through mile 12.25 and then 14 minutes per mile for remainder of distance, and be 18 years old and up.
The MCM50K begins at 7:15 a.m. prior to the MCM on October 27, 2024, and runs the entire MCM course with a 4.87-mile diversion at Mile 4.5 after runners cross the Key Bridge from Virginia into the nation’s capital.
Georgetown Gauntlet (MCM50K Only): MCM50K participants who do not make it through the Georgetown Gauntlet by 8:18 a.m. at mile 4.55 will be diverted from the certified 50K course at the Francis Scott Key Bridge and Canal Road NW and may continue running but will not complete the ultramarathon course. These individuals will not be recognized as official finishers.
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 50K 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.
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 50K course. These individuals will not be recognized as official finishers.
water points
Pre-MCM50K: At the Runners Village Info Tent located in the North Pentagon parking lot.
WP 1: Eastbound Lee Highway between Wayne and Adams Streets.
WP 2 (MCM50K Only): Canal Road NW
WP 3: Intersection of M and 33rd Streets, NW, in Georgetown.
WP 4/5: Along Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway at grassy median. Water Point #4 is located in northbound lanes; Water Point #5 is located in southbound lanes.
WP 6/8: Independence Avenue and Ohio Drive SW at West Potomac Park.
WP 7: Ohio Drive SW parking area near the end of Hains Point.
WP 9: At Madison Drive NW and 12th Street NW along the National Mall.
WP 10: At Jefferson Drive SW and 7th Street SW along the National Mall.
WP 11: Near Army-Navy Drive at Eads Street. (Water Point #10 also supports the MCM10K).
WP 12:Along Long Bridge Drive in soccer complex parking lot.
WP 13: At Lady Bird Johnson parking area on Boundary Channel Drive, in the North Pentagon parking area.
Post-MCM50K: Bottled water from Wegmans and Gatorade will be distributed in the hospitality area.
Cupless Station: Self-serve water station on the 14th Street Bridge.
aid stations
AS 1: Canal Road NW
AS 2: Francis Scott Key Park at the corner of Key bridge and M Street
AS 3/4: Along Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway below Waterside Drive
AS 5/7: Independence Ave SW and Ohio Drive SW in West Potomac Park at the Ericksson Memorial
AS 5: Ohio and Buckeye Drive SW underneath the I395 overpass (Case Bridge) on the Washington Channel side of East Potomac Park
AS 8: East of the intersection of 14th Street NW and Madison Drive NW, in front of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History
AS 9: Jefferson Drive SW and 12th Street SW at the Department of Agriculture
AS 10: Eads Street Parking lot at Army/Navy Drive
AS 11: Parking lot of Public Storage on West side of Long Bridge North of 6th Street S
Finish LineMedical Tents are locatedon the 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.
food stations
MCM50K only-Canal Rd
East Potomac Park
National Mall near American Indian Museum
6th Street S in Arlington
Pace Groups
Elevated Running and Pacing has come on board as the new pacing group partner of the MCM50K. Pace groups will be updated soon.
Elevated Running and Pacing was established in 2021 by two experienced marathoners, ultra runners, and educators to bring together the highest quality pacers who are trained and ready to execute their pacing duties to the highest of standards. Elevated pace teams bring together pacers from all over the nation and the world and is all about showcasing the highest level of quality while bringing the most fun to runners’ race day experience!
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 must 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.
Packet Pick-up is not available on event morning.
All runners and spectators will be screened upon entering the Gaylord Convention Center.
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 MCM50K Start. Access Runners Village through the Pentagon station (yellow or blue line).
EVENT PARKING
Free parking is available in the underground lot located at the intersection of 23rd and Crystal Drive.
Baggage
Start: UPS trucks will be located in Runner’s Village in the North Pentagon parking lot. 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 event and 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 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.
