Marine Corps Marathon
| Marine Corps Marathon | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Date | October |
| Location |
Washington, DC, Arlington, Virginia, United States |
| Event type | Road Race |
| Distance | Marathon |
| Established | 1976 |
| Course records | 2:14:01 Jeff Scuffins, United States |
| Official site | www.marinemarathon.com/ |
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is an annual marathon held in Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC. The mission of the MCM is to promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill, and showcase the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps. In 2004, the Injured Semper Fi Fund was created to raise money for wounded service members.(Becker, Dave. "Northwest Semper Fi Team in the 38th Marine Corps Marathon." University WireOct 17 2013. ProQuest. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.)
The MCM was established in 1976 and is currently the fourth largest marathon in the United States and the ninth largest in the world. The event field of 30,000 is composed of runners from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 50 countries. Known as "The People's Marathon," the MCM is open to all runners ages 14 and above and is the largest marathon that does not offer prize money. ("MCM History." MCM History. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.)
The event typically occurs on the final Sunday in October, a few weeks before the United States Marine Corps birthday on November 10. The running of the 41st Marine Corps Marathon took place on October 30, 2016.
The course, which varies slightly from year to year, is certified by USA Track and Field. The current route starts in Arlington, Virginia, on Route 110 and winds its way through Rosslyn along Lee Highway before turning on Spout Run and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Runners experience a climb on Lee Highway in the first few miles of the course, but are rewarded with a descent along Spout Run and the Parkway.
After crossing Key Bridge into Georgetown, runners turn toward the Palisades Community when the course follows Canal Road, up to the reservoir and down MacArthur Boulevard. The course guides runners down popular M Street in Georgetown.
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