Marine Corps Marathon
The Lowdown
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), first run in 1976 and organized by the United States Marine Corps, has earned the nickname "The People's Marathon" for its inclusive spirit and patriotic pageantry. Held annually in the Washington, D.C. region, the race was created to showcase the Nation’s capital while promoting fitness and the Marine Corps’ values. Over its history the MCM has become one of the largest non‑profit marathons in the U.S., drawing runners from all 50 states and dozens of countries and offering a race experience steeped in military tradition and community support. The 26.2‑mile course weaves through Arlington and Washington, D.C., delivering a landmark‑rich tour of the capital. Runners typically pass the Iwo Jima/Marine Corps War Memorial, cross into the city with views of the Potomac River and Rosslyn skyline, and run alongside and past iconic sights on the National Mall and west end — including the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam and Korean War memorials, and stretches that provide framed views of the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol. The course is renowned for wide, well‑managed roads, strong crowd support, live music and military bands at frequent intervals, and encouragement from Marines and volunteers at aid stations and mile markers. Many participants note the palpable mix of solemnity and celebration at the finish near the Marine Corps War Memorial, making it a memorable culmination for first‑time marathoners and veterans alike. The Marine Corps Marathon is USATF‑certified and a Boston Marathon qualifying event, and the organization emphasizes safety, tradition, and a runner‑first atmosphere rather than prize purses. Whether chasing a qualifying time, running for a personal goal, or sharing the course with thousands of fellow runners amid stirring patriotic displays, participants can expect a professionally managed event with a uniquely American and military‑toned ambiance.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
World-class event
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Record number of runners as Marine Corps Marathon turns 50
Oct 26, 2025The 50th Marine Corps Marathon drew a record field of over 35,000 runners in Washington, D.C. and Arlington; Kyle King won the men's race and Tessa Barrett set a new women's course record.
Marine Corps Marathon ends deferment and transfer options
Oct 29, 2025Organizers announced the suspension of registration deferment and bib transfer programs for future races, citing increased administrative burden and fraud concerns, with limited exceptions for active-duty service members with official orders.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Lincoln Memorial: Around mile 10, runners pass by the back of this monumental tribute to the 16th U.S. president.
National Mall: Between miles 16 and 20, the course traverses the National Mall, offering views of landmarks such as the Washington Monument, National World War II Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol.
14th Street Bridge: At mile 20, runners face the "Beat the Bridge" challenge, crossing the Potomac River via this bridge back into Virginia.
Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial): The race concludes uphill at this iconic statue honoring Marines who have died in service. .COM
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Washington DC, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Open to runners worldwide (no citizenship or residency requirement)
- Minimum age 14 on race day to enter the full marathon
- All participants must be registered and wear their assigned bib to start
- Participants must be able to complete the course within the official course cutoff (7 hours)
- No wheeled devices, pets, bicycles, headphones that impede awareness, or strollers allowed on course
- Guaranteed entry options exist for active-duty and retired military; additional guaranteed or charity entries available through official partners
- Entry is via official registration channels (lottery, guaranteed entries, charity/travel partners); transfer and deferral rules follow race policy
- Medical clearance recommended for those with health concerns; participants must obey race rules and instructions from race and public safety officials
Required Documents
- Registration Confirmation: After successfully registering for the race, you'll receive a confirmation email.
- E-Card: Prior to the event, an E-Card will be emailed to you. This card serves as your official participant identification.
- Packet Pick-Up: To collect your race bib and event materials, present your E-Card (either printed or on a mobile device) at the designated Packet Pick-Up location.
- Ensure you also have a valid photo ID with you.
- If you're unable to attend in person, a proxy can retrieve your packet by providing: A hard copy of your signed E-Card, A copy of your photo ID, The proxy's own photo ID.
Entry Methods
- General Registration: Opens on April 7, 2025, at 11 a.m. EST. Early Bird pricing is available during the first week, with the entry fee set at $220. After April 14, 2025, the Standard Rate of $240 applies. Active duty military personnel are eligible for a discounted rate of $176 throughout the registration period.
- MCM Four Star Packages: These comprehensive bundles include guaranteed race entry, hotel accommodations at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, transportation, and more. Packages cater to varying lengths of stay and can accommodate one or two runners. All packages ensure a guaranteed MCM entry.
- Charity Partners: Runners can secure guaranteed entry by partnering with one of the MCM's affiliated charities. This involves fundraising for the chosen organization in exchange for marathon entry. Details about charity partners and their registration processes are available on the official MCM website.
- MCM Runners Club: Individuals who have completed the MCM five or more times are eligible to join the MCM Runners Club, granting them guaranteed annual access to marathon registration. The application process for the Runners Club will reopen in February 2025.
- Active Duty and Reserve Military Registration: A limited number of discounted entries are available exclusively for active duty and reserve military members. Registration for this category opens on April 7, 2025, at 11 a.m. EST.
- Transfers and Deferments: Registered runners who are unable to participate may transfer their entry to another individual or defer their registration to the following year. Specific guidelines and fees apply, and participants are encouraged to review the official MCM website for detailed information.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Refundable Registration: During the registration process, participants can opt for a refundable registration by paying an additional service fee of 14% of the total purchase (excluding processing fees). This option allows for a 100% refund of the registration fee, minus the service fee, if certain covered circumstances prevent participation. It's important to note that this must be selected at the time of registration; it cannot be added retroactively.
Standard Registration: If the refundable registration option is not selected during sign-up, all registration fees and associated purchases are non-refundable. Participants are encouraged to consider this when registering, especially if there's uncertainty about their ability to attend.
Transfers: Recognizing that plans can change, the MCM offers a transfer program. Registered participants who can no longer attend have the option to transfer their entry to another individual. This process involves a transfer fee and must be completed within the designated transfer period.
Deferrals: Participants may defer their registration to the following year if they're unable to participate. This option requires payment of a deferral fee and must be processed within the specified timeframe. It's important to note that a deferred entry can only be carried over for one year and cannot be deferred again.
The distance of this race is actually a little more than a Marathon, around 43 KM or 26.6 Miles.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the race.
An ultramarathon covering 50 kilometers (31.07 miles), offering runners an opportunity to challenge themselves beyond the traditional marathon distance.
There's also a children's 1 miler available on the same weekend.
Semper Fidelis Challenge: Participants complete both the Marine Corps Historic Half in May and the MCM in October, earning a unique challenge medal.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.