FAQ

For personal assistance, email the MCM at mcmcustomerservice@usmc-mccs.org.

Q) What health and safety guidelines are in place for MCMO events?

A) Event operations will follow all COVID-19-related State, Federal and CDC guidelines and COVID-19 mitigations will be in place, including additional hand sanitization stations and social distancing.

Q) How can I redeem my MCM deferment?

A) Runners who deferred their registration received a dedicated email with instructions and a registration link.

Q) Will the Distinguished Participant program be offered in 2025?

A) Yes! To see which events qualify runners for the exclusive Distinguished Participant medal, visit here.

Q) Will the Semper fidelis challenge be offered in 2025?

A) Yes! To earn your Semper Fidelis medal, runners will need to complete the Marine Corps Historic Half and Marine Corps Marathon.

Q) Will virtual race options be offered in 2025?

A) Yes! A limited number of virtual entries will be available for most MCMO events.

Q) Is there an age requirement for each event?

A) The MCMO’s review of current sports medicine peer-reviewed literature addressing the participation of children in distance running events reveals consistent concern for overuse injuries, stress fractures and psychologic burnout.  The consensus conclusion of medical experts is that children should only participate in endurance running events under close supervision from health professionals, and with a full medical evaluation before initiation of training, throughout training, as well as 6 to 12 months post-race.  Since the MCMO is not staffed to verify such a detailed and prolonged medical process, and is also fully committed to ensuring our events are staged with health and safety as top priorities, we are not prepared to allow children under the following minimum ages to participate in MCMO events:

The Turkey Trot Mile runs in November and is open to all ages.
5 to 12 years of age for the MCM Kids Run.
Not less than 10 years of age for distances greater than a mile up to and including 10K.
Not less than 14 years of age for distances greater than 10K up to and including the marathon.

Q) Is there a pacing requirement for each event?

A) The required pace for each event is as follows:

Q) Do you offer hotel packages?

A) MCMO works with Jems Hospitality Group to offer discounted hotel deals for select events. Please click on the proper event link for which deals are offered. **JEMS Hospitality is the only authorized housing agent for MCM. Please be aware that there have been some pirating sites.**

Q) Are there pictures available to purchase from MCMO events?

A) MCMO works with MarathonFoto to offer event images to MCMO participants. Our staff photographer also posts photos following all events on the Marine Corps Marathon Facebook page.

Q) Are transfers allowed? From event to event? From runner to runner?

Event to Event transfer:

Participants can transfer events as long as space allows.

Runner to Runner transfer:

At this time the original runner is removed from the event and placed in the transfer file. The new runner will receive an email with a customized link to complete the transfer.

Q) If I did not upload my results to ANY race, can they still be added?

A) Virtual results are submitted through your participant account. If you miss the designated window, you can email your proof to mcmcustomerservice@usmc-mccs.org.

q) wHY DOES MY GPS WEARABLE TRACK A LONGER DISTANCE THAN THE EVENT COURSE?

A) USATF explains why your GPS may differ from the certified course.

Q) When does the Runners Club application open? And how long is it open for?

A) Runners who have completed their fifth MCM can apply for the elite MCM Runners Club. The application window usually opens in December and remains open until February. Read more here.

Q) Will there be a race morning packet pick up if I am unable to attend a pick up the day before the race? Can I purchase a bib mail out?

A) Some MCMO events allow for race morning packet pick up, while others do not. See specific event page for more information.

Q) If I am a re-register from a deferment; then what are my options? Can I defer again, transfer or virtual?

A) Participants who deferred their MCM registration from 2024 can redeem or transfer their registration in 2025. Deferment must be redeemed in timeframe and in 2024. Otherwise, deferment will be forfeited. In order to transfer deferment, runner will first need to register and then follow transfer process.

Q) Haku ONLY goes back so far, how do I see results from past marathons?

A) Please email mcmcustomerservice@usmc-mccs.org with your inquiry.

Q) How do I know if all my information is up to date on my runners account?

A) Please log in to your participant account and review your current information and update if necessary. If you have any issues logging in, please email mcmcustomerservice@usmc-mccs.org.

Q) What is Haku?

A) Haku is the technology platform utilized by MCMO to manage and promote our events.

Q) Is there a bag check available for MCMO events?

A) All MCMO events, with the exception of the Quantico 12K, include a bag check located in Runner’s Village. Specific information can be found in each event’s information section.

Q) If I do not have base access, can I still participate in the events aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico?

A) Yes! All individuals, age 18 and above, who do not possess a valid DoD issued ID card (CAC or TESLIN) will need to pre-register into the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) and stop by the Visitor Control Center (VCC) to obtain a visitor pass. Visit this page for more information and how to enroll.

Q) How do I become a volunteer?

A) Find out how you can be a part of the mission here.

Q) Is my registration refundable?

A) Participants who are concerned they may not be able to participate in a Marine Corps Marathon Organization event can pay an additional service fee (12% of all items purchased, excluding event processing fees) for a 100% refund. The service fee will be the only amount not refunded. Refundable registration must be purchased as part of the registration process. Participants cannot go back and purchase once registration is complete.

For more information on the perils covered by refundable registration visit: https://refundable.me/haku/.

Please note, refundable registration does not cover the following:

We appreciate the support and understanding of our global running community during these unique circumstances. For any additional questions you may have, please email: MCMCustomerService@usmc-mccs.org. Please be patient as we deliver individual solutions to all inquiries.