The Marine Corps Marathon is "The People's Marathon" - a celebration of running that treats every participant, from first-timers to elite athletes, as equally deserving of support and celebration. There's no prize money, and the Marine volunteers provide legendary encouragement that has made MCM one of America's most beloved races.
The Course
Starting at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, the course loops through Washington, D.C.'s most significant landmarks before finishing at the iconic Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial). The terrain is more challenging than many expect, with rolling hills throughout.
A Tour of the Capital
The course showcases America's capital:
- Pentagon (Start) - Department of Defense headquarters
- Rosslyn (miles 1-2) - Arlington high-rises
- Georgetown (miles 3-4) - Historic neighborhood
- Kennedy Center (mile 5) - Performing arts center
- National Mall (miles 6-7) - Lincoln Memorial to Capitol
- Hains Point (miles 9-14) - The challenging loop
- Crystal City (miles 20-24) - Arlington's urban corridor
- Marine Corps War Memorial (Finish) - Iwo Jima Memorial
The Challenge Points
While not mountainous, MCM has earned its reputation as a challenging course:
- Hains Point loop (miles 9-14) - Exposed, can be windy, mentally tough
- 14th Street Bridge (miles 14, 20) - Long and exposed to elements
- The final hills (miles 24-25) - When you're most fatigued
Why MCM?
MCM stands apart from other major marathons. There's no prize money - the race exists purely for the love of running and the thousands of participants who take on the challenge. The Marine volunteers are legendary, stationed at every mile with cheers, high-fives, and genuine encouragement.
For first-time marathoners, MCM is often recommended as the ideal introduction. The combination of excellent organization, generous time limits (6+ hours), and supportive atmosphere creates a perfect environment for marathon debuts.
The Marine Corps Experience
What makes MCM unique:
- No prize money - Every runner is treated equally
- Marines at every mile - Active duty Marines volunteer as course support
- Beat the Bridge - The dramatic 14th Street Bridge cutoff at mile 20
- Finish line medals - Marines personally place your medal around your neck
- Semper Fi - The Marine Corps spirit pervades the entire event
Getting In
MCM uses a lottery system that typically sells out within days:
- Lottery opens in March, results announced almost immediately
- No time qualification required
- Approximately 30,000 spots available
- Lottery entries have been known to fill in hours
- Some charity entries available
Race Day Tips
- Don't underestimate the hills - MCM is harder than it looks on paper
- Hains Point is mental - The out-and-back loop requires focus
- Beat the Bridge matters - The 14th Street Bridge has a 1:00 PM cutoff
- The Mall is emotional - Running past the monuments is a highlight
- Save energy for the finish - The final miles have significant climbing