MCM 8K
The Marine Corps Marathon Organization is proud to introduce the inaugural MCM 8K, taking place on Saturday, October 24 at 7:20 a.m. This exciting new event offers runners of all levels the opportunity to be part of Marine Corps Marathon Weekend with a fast, fun, and meaningful distance. Join us as we debut this newest addition to the MCM lineup and be part of history at the very first MCM 8K.
Registration
Registration for the MCM 8K is now available! Open to runners ages 10 and up!
The required pace for runners and walkers is 14 min per mile.
Packet Pick Up
Runners will select a Packet Pick-Up time via their race bib confirmation email. This scheduling system is designed to minimize wait times and crowding. Runners may opt to select their time to enter in the expo.
Dates and Hours:
- October 22 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- October 23 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Packet Pick-up is not available on event morning.
All Marine Corps Marathon Weekend participants are required to attend Packet Pick-up, located within the MCM Health & Fitness Expo at the Building Museum, to obtain the official bib with timing device and technical competitor shirt. Bring your e-Card and a photo ID. E-Cards are emailed to participants in the weeks prior to the event.
Runners are highly encouraged to pick up their own materials and verify personal information. Proxy pick-up is available for runners unable to attend. The person picking up a bib must present a hard or digital copy of the completed e-Card, a copy of the runner’s photo ID, and their own ID. Parents may sign the waiver and retrieve packets for children under 18.
Participant Bib
The official MCM 8K participant bib features the timing device attached to the reverse side. This must remain in place for proper timing.
Emergency medical and contact information is also on the back of the bib. All participants must complete this information.
Transfers
The Marine Corps Marathon Organization does not permit transfers or deferrals for the 2026 events. All registrations are final and may not be transferred to another individual or postponed to a future year.
If you believe you may be unable to participate, we strongly encourage you to purchase Refund Protect through TEAK at the time of registration.
Any official deferments granted from the 2025 season will be honored for participation in 2026.
Refundable Registration
Refundable registrations are available through TEAK. Your registration can be protected during registration or in your account up to five days after your registration is confirmed. To request a refund, open your registration in your participant account and select “Request a Refund” in the Refundable Registration box.
Refund requests require proof of an event or booking purchase and supporting documentation for the reason you could not attend. You have 30 days from your event to request a refund and 90 days after that to provide supporting documentation.
For details about covered perils, visit Refund Protect support.
Runners and spectators can utilize a variety of transportation options during the MCM 8K.
Parking
There is very little parking available in West Potomac Park for the MCM 8K. Small lots are available along Ohio Drive, just south of the inlet bridge, but lots A, B, and C will not be accessible. There is also limited street parking on Constitution Avenue.
Transportation Options
PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY to give yourself enough time to get to the venue. The quickest way to get to the starting area in West Potomac Park is by DC taxi, Lyft, Uber, or a reserved spot through SpotHero. Parking is extremely tight in West Potomac Park.
If you use one of these forms of transportation, ask to be dropped off at the Lincoln Memorial, 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW, Washington, DC 20037, then walk 2–3 blocks to the event site along the Potomac River.
Road Closures
Road closures coming soon!
Metro
Metro will be operational on race morning.
Runners should use either the Smithsonian or Federal Triangle Metro stops.
Please plan accordingly, as both options are a little over a mile walk.
Get ready to experience the inaugural MCM 8K, featuring iconic views, a fast and memorable course, and the meaningful wear blue Mile with wear blue: run to remember, a powerful tribute honoring our nation’s fallen service members and their families.
Runner’s Guide
All runners and spectators will be screened upon arrival to the start and finish areas on event morning.
The MCM 8K does not permit wheeled devices, including wheelchairs, handcycles, and duo teams.
Safety is paramount during the MCM 8K. If anything unexpected happens during the race that requires a delay, reroute, or stoppage, listen to and obey authorities and race personnel.
Start Time
7:20 AM EDT
Wear Blue Mile
One of the most meaningful experiences of the inaugural MCM 8K will begin at the very start of the race with the wear blue Mile. As participants leave the start line and make their way through West Potomac Park, they will be immersed in this powerful tribute honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s military.
The wear blue Mile is composed of Faces of the Fallen posters featuring photographs and names of fallen service members.
Families, friends, and supporters can submit a fallen service member to be honored along the Mile. Each poster includes a hero’s name and photo, a powerful reminder that every step on the course is taken in remembrance.
Beginning the MCM 8K with the wear blue Mile sets a meaningful tone for the race, connecting the running community with the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.
Important deadline: 4 September 2026. All tribute poster submissions must be received by this date to be included.
Circle of Remembrance
Just before the National Anthem, wear blue: run to remember will lead a symbolic Circle of Remembrance. Stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow participants as we pause to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s fallen military heroes. If you are carrying the name of a Hero Match, we encourage you to speak their name aloud.
You can request the name of a fallen service member at wearblueruntoremember.org/hero-match and join thousands of others who keep the legacy of our nation’s fallen alive through every mile.
Water Points
- Water point: Ohio Drive SW parking area near the end of Hains Point.
- Post-MCM 8K: Bottled water from Wegmans and Nuun Endurance will be distributed in the hospitality area.
Aid Stations
Information coming soon!
Hospitality
All runners will receive a banana and bottled water from Wegmans, plus Nuun Sport individually wrapped tablets.
- That’s It Fruitola Fruit Granola
Baggage
Baggage information coming soon!
MarathonFoto
MarathonFoto is proud to be the official photographer of the MCM 8K. Keep an eye out for photographers in brightly colored vests along the course and at the finish. Be sure to have your bib visible and give them a big smile. After the race, visit MarathonFoto to view and share your photos.