Pre-race and start line

The MCM start line is uniquely situated between the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. The location offers a distinct reminder to runners that this is not just any marathon. Situated between those actively protecting our country and the fallen heroes, who for generations have given their lives for our freedom, runners immediately recognize the MCM?s 26.2 mile journey is about shared sacrifice. Everyone at this event has given something. The Marines and other members of the U.S. armed forces give of themselves in service to our country. The runners give themselves over to a new lifestyle, a commitment to physical fitness and a desire to achieve. Synchronized by the impeccable timing device attached to each runner?s bib, the MCM course pulses with the energy of give and take from these two contributing forces. Marines motivate runners. Runners gain the admiration of Marines. The result is a day of accomplishment, satisfaction and cherished memories.

The Marine Corps Marathon will begin at 7:40 a.m. for the wheelchair and hand cycle participants. Runners will start 7:55 a.m. It is recommended that runners arrive two hours prior to their start time to proceed through the security checkpoint, drop off bags and line up in the appropriate corral. The start line is located on Route 110 (all lanes) halfway between the Pentagon and Arlington Memorial Drive. The closest Metro access to the start is the Pentagon station (blue/yellow). Arlington Cemetery Station will be closed on Marathon morning until 8:30 a.m.

RUNNER’S VILLAGE HOSTED BY BOEING


Located in the Pentagon North Parking lot, Runners Village hosted by Boeing is the official launching pad for MCM participants.  Runners may access Runners Village by MCM shuttles from Crystal City or the Pentagon Metro Station (blue).  Essential pre-race support is provided to runners including the MCM Info Tent, oodles of portajohns, UPS Baggage Drop-off, New Skin anti-blister/anti-chafing station, prayer services at 6:00 and 6:45 a.m., water station and motivating music and announcements.  Just a short walk up the ramp from Runners Village delivers participants to the MCM start on Route 110.

BIBS
Runners are required to wear the official participant bib with the number on front of their clothing.  The bib and pins will be provided at Packet Pick-up. MCM Participant Bibs include tear-off coupons along the bottom.

The coupons are to be exchanged for the following items and/or services: participant mock neck shirt at the Health and Fitness Expo by GE; post-race complimentary massage in the Finish Festival; and free sample of Michelob Ultra in the Finish Festival Beer Garden.

TIMING
ChronoTrack Timing Systems, Inc. records the results of runners along the course. The system utilizes a light-weight disposable UHF RFID tag that stays mounted on the runner’s bib, embedded in the reverse side.  No action is required of a runner beyond wearing the assigned bib.  The “B-tag” records a runner?s official time, beginning when a participant crosses the start line and concluding as he or she passes the finish, as well as split times every 5K along the course. Runners receive their B-tag on their race bib.

Gun time will be utilized in determining awards for the top three male and female finishers. All other awards are calculated by chip time.

VIP PORTA POTTY
Visit Brooks official merchandise store at the Health and Fitness Expo for your official MCM gear.  Spend $200 at the Expo store to gain access to the VIP Porta Potty on race day.  The VIP Porta Potty will be located at the start line.

COMPETITOR TIMELINE
Corral Configuration:  The MCM Start is located in Arlington, VA facing north on Route 110.  Corral markers featuring finish times between 2.5 and seven hours will indicate the proper location for runners to assemble.  For runners expecting to finish between 2.5 and 4.5 hours, corrals one through six will be located across both sides of Route 110.  For runners finishing the MCM between 4.5 and seven hours, corrals seven through eleven will be solely situated in the north bound lanes (Potomac River side) of Route 110.

Runners will line up by expected finish time on the start line and will be able to choose their appropriate corral on race morning.  Bib numbers are not related to corral assignments.  Below are the corral designations which will be labeled by signs in the starting area:

Course Time Limit:  The howitzer will fire at 7:55 a.m. officially starting the 37th MCM. The MCM course will remain open until 3 p.m., just more than seven hours after gun time. The entire race field will cross the start line timing mats approximately 23 minutes after the starting pistol is fired.  This means the final runner will complete the MCM in six hours and 37 minutes. This is a slight change from previous years but it does not affect the required minimum pace which remains 14 minutes-per-mile.

Required Minimum Pace: All runners must maintain a 14 minute-per-mile pace to reach the Gauntlet and Beat the Bridge. A time cushion of two additional minutes-per-mile are afforded runners for the final 10K of the course after meeting the Beat the Bridge requirement.

MCM Gauntlet:  Runners must maintain 14 minute-per-mile pace to pass the MCM Gauntlet at mile 17.5 at the intersection of 14th Street and Madison Drive NW.  A vehicle will be in place to easily identify the necessary pace to maintain in order to reach the Gauntlet by 12:20 p.m.  Runners slower than the required pace will be detoured for safety reasons but will quickly rejoin the marathon course.  These participants may continue to run the MCM but will not complete an official marathon.  It is requested any runners rerouted at the Gauntlet not accept a finisher medal.

Beat the Bridge: Runners must maintain the 14 minute-per-mile pace to reach the 14th Street Bridge and successfully “Beat the Bridge” just before mile marker 20.  The 14th Street Bridge will reopen to vehicular traffic making it unavailable to runners after 1:05 p.m.  Any runners unable to “Beat the Bridge” will be required to board the straggler buses and be driven to the event finish area.

PACE TEAMS
The Clif BAR Pace Team will be returning as the designated MCM Pace Team.   Each Pace Leader will run even splits (every mile will be run in the same amount of time) throughout the course.  By following a Pace Team leader, runners will cross the finish line within two minutes of a specific goal time.

Pace Teams will be provided for the MCM at following finish times:
3:05, 3:15, 3:25, 3:35, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 5:00, and 5:30.

Meet the Clif Pace Team at the Expo
Runners can meet the Pace Team before the event at the Health and Fitness Expo. Ask about marathoning backgrounds, how they fuel themselves during the race, and any other helpful tips. Pace Leaders will also be handing out free Pace Bands.  Pacers act as friend, coach, and mentor. Pace Leaders Darris, Star, Mike and Lori share their passion and perspectives on running a marathon.

Learn more and sign-up with the Clif Bar Pace Team.

UPS BAGGAGE DROP OFF
Please use the clear plastic bag provided at Packet Pick-up.  UPS baggage trucks will be located in Runners Village at Pentagon North parking lot.  A UPS Baggage Sticker will be available for every MCM and MCM10K runner.  The sticker, which is attached to the runners bib, features the runner’s bib number and the assigned UPS truck to be utilized for baggage drop off and pick up on event day.  

On MCM Day, runners affix the sticker to their bag to facilitate easy identification.  Don’t forget the number of the UPS truck where you desposited your bag.

After the Marathon, MCM runners may pick up their bag in the Finish Festival on Wilson Blvd.  Please do not deposit valuable items.  Neither the MCM nor UPS is liable for lost items.