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 sixth largest marathon in the United States and the twelfth 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.

Course

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.

Runners turn on Wisconsin Avenue and then K Street. The course passes the Kennedy Center and guides runners to the back of the Lincoln Memorial before continuing on Ohio Drive into Hains Point at the halfway point.

Outside West Potomac Park, runners get a glimpse of the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin. On Independence Avenue, competitors run by the newly unveiled Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial and FDR Memorial. The runners loop back along Independence Avenue on the side closest to the National Mall and the Korean War Veterans Memorial and National World War II Memorial before making a left turn onto 15th Street at the Washington Monument.

At Madison Drive, runners pass the north side of the National Mall, running by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art. After a loop around the reflecting pool in front of the U.S. Capitol, runners continue along the south side of the National Mall past the Smithsonian Castle. Runners move along Jefferson Drive and turn onto the 14th Street to marathon's "Beat the Bridge" checkpoint at mile 20 before returning to Virginia.

For the last 10K, runners enjoy the color and energy of Crystal City. At the Pentagon, runners pass in close proximity to the Pentagon Memorial honoring the victims of 9/11. Finally, the course unfurls alongside the Arlington National Cemetery then offers a final, up-hill challenge to the finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. This finish has remained unchanged since the inaugural running of the MCM in 1976.[1]

History

On October 17, 1975, MCM founder Colonel James L. Fowler wrote a memo to his supervisor, General Michael Ryan, outlining his idea of creating a Marine Corps Reserve Marathon to promote goodwill between the military and the post-Vietnam community. Colonel Fowler believed an event like this would showcase the Marine Corps, serve as a recruiting tool, and give local Marines an opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The Marathon also served as a way to raise money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.[2]

General Ryan embraced the idea of a Marine marathon and submitted it to then Marine Corps Commandant General Louis Wilson for approval. With General Wilson’s blessing, the planning process for the first MCM began. With news of the inaugural marathon quickly spreading, Gunnery Sergeant Alex Breckenridge, a member of the 1960 Olympic Marathon Team, soon lent his support. With Gunnery Sergeant Breckenridge acting as an ambassador for the marathon effort, local jurisdictions approved of the event.

Through the efforts of the marathon coordinators and with support from Secretary of the Navy, William J. Middendorf, the inaugural running of the MCM was held on November 7, 1976. The 1,175 participants ran a course through northern Virginia and finished at the Marine Corps War Memorial, becoming the first of thousands of MCM runners over a span of 38 years to take the final hill and finish at the Iwo Jima memorial. Kenneth Moore of Eugene, OR, finished the inaugural event with a time of 2:21:14 becoming the first MCM winner. He was awarded a trophy provided by Secretary Middendorf for his achievement.

Marathon organizers examined the course for the 1977 MCM and secured permits to run through Washington, D.C. The new route laid the foundation for the scenic course in place today starting in Arlington, VA, winding its way around key landmarks in the nation’s capital, and returning for the traditional finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. With changes to the course and a surge of positive publicity from the first running, the second MCM drew a field of 2,655 runners.

Participation in the MCM steadily increased over the next few years, resulting in a transfer of race coordination from the Marine Corps Reserve to active duty Marines at Marine Barracks 8th and I. Shortly thereafter, even more growth necessitated a move south to Marine Corps Base Quantico in 1982, where the MCM headquarters remains today.

Over the years, the MCM has evolved into a premier running event while remaining true to its roots. Today, 30 full-time staff members and more than 2,000 Marines, Sailors and civilian volunteers work to ensure the MCM mission is carried out as its founders intended. Additions to MCM weekend include the MCM10K, starting at the National Mall and finishing at the Iwo Jima monument; the MCM Kids Run, a 1-mile (1.6 km) event held one day prior to the MCM; and the MCM Forward, where Marines stationed throughout the world participate in a satellite 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run simultaneously with the MCM. The MCM and all associated events continue to promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill and showcase the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps.[3][4]

MCM Weekend

MCM10K In 2006, the Marine Corps Marathon introduced the MCM10K, a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) run starting at the National Mall in Washington, DC. The MCM10K and MCM begin simultaneously with MCM10K runners joining the final leg of the marathon course, sharing in the iconic finish up the hill to the Marine Corps War Memorial. Since its inception, the MCM10K has steadily increased in popularity. In 2012, the event sold out with 10,000 registered runners.

In 2011 a new MCM10K course record was set by Reuben Mwei, a native of Kenya residing in Acworth, GA. His finishing time of 00:30:37 crushed the previous record of 00:32:54 set by Wyatt Boyd of Washington, DC, in 2009.

The 2015 MCM10K took place on October 25.[5][6]

The 2016 MCM lottery registration opens March 24, 2016.("Register." Register. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.)

MCM Finish Festival: Runners celebrate MCM and MCM10K finishes in the post-event Finish Festival located in Rosslyn, VA. Runners, spectators, and the community are welcome to enjoy food, including a Restaurant Row that includes several Rosslyn eateries, live music, sponsor displays, entertainment and giveaways.

Essential runner services are also located in the Finish Festival, to include Family Link Up, Info/Medical Tent, Massage, UPS Baggage Claim, and the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden. Transportation from the Finish Festival includes shuttles to Crystal City, Metro access at the Rosslyn station and taxi service.[7]

MCM Kids Run: The MCM Kids Run is a 1 mi (1.6 km) event held annually the day before the MCM. Children ages 5 through 12 are eligible to participate in the fun run located in the Pentagon North Parking Lot. Once children have completed the run, they can visit Camp Miles, a festival area with healthy activities and games promoting physical fitness.

School groups participating in the MCM Kids Run compete for a Healthy School Award. This award is based on student participation and is awarded to the top five schools with the most runners. Winning schools receive a donation to their physical education department presented during a school assembly with U.S. Marines, MCM staff members, Miles the mascot, and healthy snacks provided by MCM partner Sodexo.

The 2015 MCM Kids Run took place on October 24.[8][9]

MCM Health & Fitness Expo: All registered MCM, MCM10K, and MCM Kids Run participants must attend rpacket pick up at the MCM Health and Fitness Expo. Held in the two days prior to the MCM, the Health and Fitness Expo features more than 200 booths and interactive displays for runner enjoyment. Supported by nearly 300 military and civilian volunteers, the expo attracts nearly 100,000 runners and guests.

The 2015 MCM Health and Fitness Expo was held from Friday October 23 through Saturday October 24 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.[10]

Carbo Dining In: Held annually on the eve of the Marine Corps Marathon, the Carbo Dining In serves up last minute inspiration and excitement as well as carbohydrate fuel for MCM morning. Held at the headquarters hotel, the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the dinner welcomes world class speakers and Marine Corps - style entertainment.

The unique name - Carbo Dining In - separates it from other pasta parties and carb loads by paying homage to a traditional military dining in, an evening that includes dinner and other events to foster camaraderie and esprit de corps.

The evening program offers music, live entertainment and a featured speaker. Previous motivational addresses have been provided by Robert Swan, OBE, Dave McGillivary, Kathrine Switzer, Larry Rawson, Deena Kastor and Roger Robinson. Add in appearances by Miles and Molly, the MCM bulldog mascots, amazing prize giveaways, and the camaraderie of fellow runners, this becomes the perfect way to prepare for the "The People's Marathon."

The 2016 Carbo Dining In will be held on October 28.[11]

MCM Pep Rally: Introduced in 2010, the MCM Pep Rally is open to all marathon runners. The evening offers the chance for runners to receive last-minute information and inspiration from an expert panel of runners, coaches, Clif Pace Team leaders, Brooks consultants, and MCM staff members, among others.

The evening celebrates the achievements of every marathoner with music, cheerleaders, activities, and prize giveaways. First time runners are also presented the coveted MCM First-Timer pin.

The 2016 First Timers Pep Rally will be held on October 28.[12]

Past winners

Key:   Course record

Edition Year Men's winner Time (h:m:s) Women's winner Time (h:m:s)
1st 1976  Ken Moore (USA) 2:24:14  Susan Mallery (USA) 2:56:33
2nd 1977  Kevin McDonald (USA) 2:19:36  Susan Mallery (USA) 2:54:04
3rd 1978  Scott Eden (USA) 2:18:08  Jane Killion (USA) 3:01:34
4th 1979  Phil Camp (USA) 2:19:35  Joanna Martin (USA) 2:58:14
5th 1980  Michael Hurd (GBR) 2:16:55†  Jan Yerkes (USA) 2:39:53†
6th 1981  Dean Matthews (USA) 2:16:31  Cynthia Lorenzoni (USA) 2:50:33
7th 1982  Jeffrey Smith (USA) 2:21:29  Cynthia Lorenzoni (USA) 2:44:51
8th 1983  Farley Simon (USA) 2:17:46  Susan Carden (USA) 2:45:55
9th 1984  Brad Ingram (USA) 2:19:40  Pamela Briscoe (USA) 2:43:20
10th 1985  Thomas Bernard (USA) 2:19:16  Natalie Updegrove (USA) 2:44:42
11th 1986  Brad Ingram (USA) 2:23:13  Kathy Champagne (USA) 2:42:59
12th 1987  Jeff Scuffins (USA) 2:14:01  Mary Robertson (USA) 2:44:36
13th 1988  James Hage (USA) 2:21:59  Lori Lawson (USA) 2:51:26
14th 1989  James Hage (USA) 2:20:23  Laura deWald (USA) 2:45:16
15th 1990  Matthew Waight (USA) 2:21:32  Olga Markova (RUS) 2:37:00
16th 1991  Carlos Rivas (MEX) 2:17:54  Amy Kattwinkel (USA) 2:44:27
17th 1992  René Guerrero (MEX) 2:24:09  Judy Mercon (USA) 2:47:58
18th 1993  Dominique Bariod (FRA) 2:23:56  Holly Ebert (USA) 2:48:41
19th 1994  Graciano González (MEX) 2:22:51  Susan Molloy (USA) 2:39:34
20th 1995  Darrell General (USA) 2:16:34  Claudia Kasen (USA) 2:49:21
21st 1996  Isaac García (MEX) 2:15:09  Emma Cabrera (MEX) 2:48:34
22nd 1997  Darrell General (USA) 2:18:20  Donna Moore (USA) 2:53:42
23rd 1998  Weldon Johnson (USA) 2:25:31  Kimberly Markland (USA) 2:49:07
24th 1999  Mark Croasdale (GBR) 2:23:27  Donna Moore (USA) 2:51:53
25th 2000  Richard Cochrane (USA) 2:25:50  Elizabeth Ruel (CAN) 2:47:52
26th 2001  Farley Simon (USA) 2:28:28  Lori Stich (USA) 2:48:13
27th 2002  Christopher Juárez (USA) 2:25:01  Elizabeth Scanlon (USA) 2:57:27
28th 2003  Peter Sherry (USA) 2:25:07  Heather Hanscom (USA) 2:37:59
29th 2004  Retta Feyissa (ETH) 2:25:35  May Kate Bailey (USA) 2:48:31
30th 2005  Rubén García (MEX) 2:22:18  Susannah Kvasnicka (USA) 2:47:10
31st 2006  Rubén García (MEX) 2:21:21  Laura Thompson (USA) 3:00:23
32nd 2007  Tamerat Alemayehu (ETH) 2:22:20  Kristen Henehan (USA) 2:51:14
33rd 2008  Andrew Dumm (USA) 2:22:44  Cate Fenster (USA) 2:48:55
34th 2009  John Mentzer (USA) 2:21:47  Muliye Lemma (ETH) 2:49:48
35th 2010  Jacob Bradosky (USA) 2:23:30  Janet Cherobon (KEN) 2:39:19
36th 2011  Charles Ware (USA) 2:19:16  Tezeta Dengersa (TUR) 2:45:28
37th 2012  Augustus Maiyo (USA) 2:20:20  Hirut Beyene (ETH) 2:42:03
38th 2013  Bedada Girma (ETH) 2:21:32  Kelly Calway (USA) 2:42:16
39th 2014  Samuel Kosgei (KEN) 2:22:12  Meghan Curran (USA) 2:51:46
40th 2015  Trevor Lafontaine (USA) 2:24:25  Jenny Méndez (CRC) 2:45:56

† = Short course

Famous Finishers

Among the more notable finishers are;[14]

Year Athlete Time
2014 Sean Astin, actor 4:29:11
2011 Drew Carey, actor 4:37:11
2011 John "Cakes" Auville, Radio Host - Sports Junkies 3:34:54
2009 JP Flaim, Radio Host - Sports Junkies 3:39:37
2008 Adrian Fenty, Mayor (DC) 3:37:20
2007 Shannon Schambeau, Miss DC 2005 4:54:16
2006 Harvey Walden IV, Celebrity Fit Club, VH1 5:01:00
2005 Mike Huckabee, former governor (AR) and Fox News host 4:37:29
2003 Jon Porter, U.S. Representative (NV) 5:40:37
2001 Richie McDonald, country singer 4:35:20
1998 Lt. Cmdr. Andy Baldwin, USN, M.D. and "The Bachelor" in 2007 3:20:28
1997 Al Gore, Vice President 4:54:25
1994 Oprah Winfrey, TV host 4:29:15
1983 John Edwards, former U.S. Senator (NC), and VP candidate 3:30:18
1980 Clarence Thomas, Supreme Court Justice 3:11:00

Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon

The Marine Corps Historic Half (MCHH), held in Fredericksburg, VA, takes participants on a 13.1 mi (21.1 km) journey from the retail hub of Central Park through historic downtown streets, up Hospital Hill, and back to waiting Marines at the finish line. Held annually in May and open to ages 10 and up, the event boasts a field of 8,000 runners. The Historic Half also offers the Semper 5ive, a 5 km (3.1 mi) event open to 2,000 participants. Both events finish at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center with the Semper 5ive starting in downtown Fredericksburg.

The Healthy Lifestyle Expo will be held in conjunction with the Marine Corps Historic Half during the days prior to the event. Located at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, this free event is open to the public and will showcase health, fitness, food, and exercise through featured vendors such as Mary Washington Hospital, Geico, and Jelly Belly Sport Beans. Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center is located at 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.[15]

MCM Event Series

Held aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico and the surrounding community, the 2016 MCM Event Series features four weekends of events celebrating the accomplishment of distance running by wrapping each event in a unique experience that showcases the organizational excellence of the United States Marine Corps.

April 2 - The first of the event series races, the Marine Corps 17.75K, offers participants the unique opportunity to secure a golden ticket, which is a guaranteed spot in the 2016 MCM. This event celebrates the founding of the United States Marine Corps in 1775 and travels through Prince William Forest Park in Dumfries, VA.

June 4 – Consistently sold out, the Run Amuck and Mini Run Amuck encourage runners to get down and dirty. Run Amuck participants run a 4 mi (6.4 km) course through trails with mud pits, low crawls and various obstacles culminating in a fire hose dousing just before the race finish. Mini- muckers share in on the fun by completing a scaled-down, 2 mi (3.2 km) version of the course.

August 20 The Quantico Tri is a sprint distance event held aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. Participants complete a 750-meter (820-yard) swim, a 20 km (12 mi) bike course, and a 5 km (3.1 mi) run. For 2014, chip timing was introduced providing the most accurate results for participants.("RunnersWeb Triathlon: Quantico Tri Introduces Upgrades to Athlete Experience." RunnersWeb Triathlon: Quantico Tri Introduces Upgrades to Athlete Experience. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.) The 2016 Tri will feature a new event, the Quantico 12K run.

November 19 – The final challenge in the MCM Event Series is the Turkey Trot 10K and accompanying Turkey Trot Mile. The 10 km (6.2 mi) adult course offers a great way to counteract Thanksgiving calories while kids enjoy getting in on the holiday fun with their own 1 mi (1.6 km) course.[16] In 2014, Stephen Harrison finished first with a time of 33:56. ("Turkey Trot 10K Results." Results.xacte.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.)

MCM Facts and Trivia

Start Marathons and other road races are traditionally started with a pistol. The Marine Corps Marathon boasts a slightly bigger starting gun: A 105mm Howitzer. The 2014 starting ceremonies included Medal of Honor recipient, Kyle Carpenter, parachuting to the start and delivering a 7,800 square-foot American flag. (Lin, C. J. "Big Day for Army Runners at 39th Marine Corps Marathon." McClatchy - Tribune Business NewsOct 26 2014. ProQuest. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.)

Ground Pounders Only two individuals have completed every marathon since the inaugural running in 1976: Al Richmond of Arlington, VA; Matt and Will Brown of Raleigh, NC. At the 25th running of the MCM, this elite group was given the name "Ground Pounders" at a ceremony at the Washington Post.[4]

Sold Out! The 15th running of the MCM was the first to sell out with a field of 13,000 runners. In 2011 the MCM sold out within 28 hours of registration opening, filling the 30,000 runner capacity.[4] For the 2012 MCM, all 30,000 registration sold out within 2 hours 41 minutes.[17] In 2014, a lottery was introduced for the first time for those applying to run in the Marine Corps Marathon.[18] RACE IT, race services division of Competitor Group, Inc., was awarded a multi-year agreement to provide registration services to facilitate online entries for the MCM. ("Race IT Awarded Marine Corps Marathon Contract." PR Newswire Oct 15 2013. ProQuest. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.)

Oprah TV personality Oprah Winfrey ran the 1994 MCM to celebrate her 40th birthday. She finished with a time of 4:29:15. Since that time the mantra "Beat Oprah!" has carried many MCM runners to a sub-4:30 finish.

Challenge Cup The Challenge Cup competition was initiated at the MCM in 1978. The Challenge Cup is a competition between the United States Marine Corps and the British Royal Navy/Marine running teams. An 1897 Victorian silver cup, donated by the British in 1978, is awarded to the winner each year. A female division was added in 1998. The finish time for the top three runners for each team are added and the lowest total running time is declared the winner. The USMC claimed the Challenge Cup victory for both male and female divisions at the 2011 MCM[4] with the British taking the cup in 2012 for a total of 23 wins for the Royal Navy and 12 for the USMC since the race started in 1978 [19]

MCM Mascots Miles the Bulldog and his sister Molly are faithful MCM companions, cheering on and entertaining runners at all MCM events. Miles models bib number 1775 to honor the year the USMC was founded, while Molly proudly displays bib number 1943, a nod to the year in which the Marine Corps Women's Reserve was created. In 2011, Miles added "10K Finisher" to his resume when he impressively completed all 6.2 miles of the MCM10K.

USMC Runners The first female active duty Marine MCM winner was 1st Lieutenant Joanna Martin at the 1979 MCM. Martin, a native of Woodbridge, VA and stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA at the time, finished with a time of 2:58:14. Four years later, the first male active duty Marine won the MCM. Sergeant Farley Simon of Alea, Hawaii finished with a time of 2:17:46.

2001 Marine Corps Marathon The status of the 2001 MCM was in serious question until three weeks prior to the scheduled event day. Post-9/11, approval by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to proceed with the marathon was contingent upon a new security plan. With approval in place, mile five on the MCM course gave runners an up-close view of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Many 2001 MCM finishers agree this was a very special year. More than 15,000 runners from 50 states and 39 countries participated in the 26th annual Marine Corps Marathon. ("MARATHON". New York Times. October 29, 2001. ProQuest. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.)

Shadow Runs The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the top stateside military event with sanctioned "shadow runs." In 2014, the shadow run was held at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.(Miller, and Amanda. "Event Rundown." Army Times (2014): 31. ProQuest. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.)

Social Media The popularity of the Marine Corps Marathon continues to grow as more social media sites develop. Blogs, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. ("Marine Corps Marathon 2014: The People's Marathon." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 29 Oct. 2014. Web. 25 Nov. 2014)

References

Further reading

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