Marine Corps Marathon Running Every year in October

Established in 1976, the Marine Corps Marathon is one of the top ten largest annual marathons in the world, held in October in Washington D.C. Beginning in Arlington National Cemetery and ending at the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Marine Corps Marathon takes a scenic route of the Capital passing by many of the city’s historic landmarks.

Drawing over 30,000 registrations each year, the Marine Corps Marathon is a highly competitive race featuring many of the top runners from around the world despite not having any prizes. Past Marine Corps Marathon winners include Jeff Scuffins, Janet Cherobon, and Charles Ware. The Marine Corps Marathon also attracts celebrity competitors such as Drew Carey, Oprah Winfrey, and Clarence Thomas.

Marine Corps Marathon registration begins in early March with registration fees generally costing around $90. The marathon is far from the only attraction with other events such as the First Timers Pep Rally, Carbo Dining-In, Runners bRUNch, and the MCM Finish Festival all attracting crowds every year. The MCM Finish Festival may have the best perks of all, offering free Michelob Ultra samplings as well as the opportunity for free massages.

For Marine Corps Marathon spectators, the recommended viewing locations are the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the 14th Street Bridge, Crystal City, and the Marine Corps War Memorial.