The first instalment of the Marine Corps Marathon Washington DC 2022 blog

The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is one of the most inspirational, picturesque, and well supported marathons in the US. The MCM is often referred to as “The People’s Marathon”, as there is an atmosphere at the event like no other. The marathon is focused on strengthening community spirit, encouraging good health, and showing support to veterans. The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world that does not offer any prize money. There are a variety of reasons why people choose to run the MCM. Many runners participate in honour of those who sacrificed their lives on the front line, others participate as a tribute to the men and women who serve the United States of America, while some participate in support of charitable causes. There are also numerous runners who choose to participate in the event for its unique atmosphere and to tour the US capital.

The 47^th edition of Marine Corps Marathon will take place on Sunday 30^th October 2022. The course will start in Arlington, VA and will wind through the U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. The weekend starts with the MCM Health & Fitness Expo, located at the DC Armory, Washington, DC, on Friday and Saturday. The Carbo Dining In, a carbo load dinner with a guest speaker (with limited tickets available) and the MCM Kids Run; a 1-mile fun run, will be held on Saturday 29th October. The finish festival offers activities for all runners and their families in Rosslyn, VA on race day.

The first instalment of this blog piece will detail the top 5 reasons why you should participate in the Marine Corps Marathon.

1) It’s one of the most well organised and enjoyable events that you will ever run!

The event is organised by the Marines and Sailors, so there is no surprise that it is one of the most organised events you’ll ever participate in. The volunteers at the race are second to none. The Marines help with everything during the build up to the event, as well as during and after it. They even provide medical support. At the finish line located at the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, members of the Marine Corps will be waiting to greet you in order to celebrate your accomplishment. They place a well-earned shiny medal around your neck and congratulate all of the runners. It is just one of the special touches that sets this race apart from the rest.

Moreover, the race focuses on the core values of community spirit. This results in the event being extremely family friendly. The hotels across the city are full of supporters who come to encourage their loved ones. The course location is ideal as it allows spectators to be able to get to multiple places to cheer you on. The atmosphere that is generated at the race is vibrant and incomparable. There are lots of activities that you can do with your family before and after the race.

2) An ideal course for first timers

According to the Marine Corps Marathon website, typically one out of three participants are first timers. The course is great for first time marathon runners as it’s relatively flat, has great crowd support and the weather is usually ideal in Washington. These conditions also make the course great for setting a new personal record.

3) “The Marathon of monuments”

The Marine Corps Marathon is also referred to as the Marathon of Monuments, as the course takes you past some of the most iconic sights that D.C has to offer. Indeed, the race enables you to run through the beautiful streets of the nation’s capital, thus giving the runners a tour of historic and breath-taking sites along the way. The participants will then go past the Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Pentagon, scenic Potomac River, and many more major sights.

4) A Boston Qualifier

In order to have an entry place at the Boston Marathon, most runners need a qualifying time from another marathon. The qualifying time is required to be run with a set date range on a certain type of course. Participating in the Marine Corps Marathon is a way of qualifying for the event. In 2019, 1.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon. The MCM ranked also 438th in the U.S in the percentage of finishers achieving Boston Marathon qualifying times that year. The typical race time temperature and humidity levels at the MCM are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Overall, this gives the MCM a great course score.

5) The crowd support

When the gun goes off to mark the start of the race, the bands start playing and the adrenaline for all of the runners’ kicks in. The crowd support at the event is fantastic! It’s a big race that attracts a  lot of supporters who come to encourage their friends and family. Make sure that you feed off that energy and use it to your advantage!

INTERESTED IN HEARING ABOUT OUR TOP TIPS FOR THE MARINE CORPS MARATHON? MAKE SURE TO READ THE NEXT INSTALMENT. 

The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is one of the most inspirational, picturesque, and well supported marathons in the US. The MCM is often referred to as “The People’s Marathon”, as there is an atmosphere at the event like no other. The marathon is focused on strengthening community spirit, encouraging good health, and showing support to veterans. The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world that does not offer any prize money. There are a variety of reasons why people choose to run the MCM. Many runners participate in honour of those who sacrificed their lives on the front line, others participate as a tribute to the men and women who serve the United States of America, while some participate in support of charitable causes. There are also numerous runners who choose to participate in the event for its unique atmosphere and to tour the US capital.

The 47^th edition of Marine Corps Marathon will take place on Sunday 30^th October 2022. The course will start in Arlington, VA and will wind through the U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. The weekend starts with the MCM Health & Fitness Expo, located at the DC Armory, Washington, DC, on Friday and Saturday. The Carbo Dining In, a carbo load dinner with a guest speaker (with limited tickets available) and the MCM Kids Run; a 1-mile fun run, will be held on Saturday 29th October. The finish festival offers activities for all runners and their families in Rosslyn, VA on race day.

The first instalment of this blog piece will detail the top 5 reasons why you should participate in the Marine Corps Marathon.

1) It’s one of the most well organised and enjoyable events that you will ever run!

The event is organised by the Marines and Sailors, so there is no surprise that it is one of the most organised events you’ll ever participate in. The volunteers at the race are second to none. The Marines help with everything during the build up to the event, as well as during and after it. They even provide medical support. At the finish line located at the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, members of the Marine Corps will be waiting to greet you in order to celebrate your accomplishment. They place a well-earned shiny medal around your neck and congratulate all of the runners. It is just one of the special touches that sets this race apart from the rest.

Moreover, the race focuses on the core values of community spirit. This results in the event being extremely family friendly. The hotels across the city are full of supporters who come to encourage their loved ones. The course location is ideal as it allows spectators to be able to get to multiple places to cheer you on. The atmosphere that is generated at the race is vibrant and incomparable. There are lots of activities that you can do with your family before and after the race.

2) An ideal course for first timers

According to the Marine Corps Marathon website, typically one out of three participants are first timers. The course is great for first time marathon runners as it’s relatively flat, has great crowd support and the weather is usually ideal in Washington. These conditions also make the course great for setting a new personal record.

3) “The Marathon of monuments”

The Marine Corps Marathon is also referred to as the Marathon of Monuments, as the course takes you past some of the most iconic sights that D.C has to offer. Indeed, the race enables you to run through the beautiful streets of the nation’s capital, thus giving the runners a tour of historic and breath-taking sites along the way. The participants will then go past the Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Pentagon, scenic Potomac River, and many more major sights.

4) A Boston Qualifier

In order to have an entry place at the Boston Marathon, most runners need a qualifying time from another marathon. The qualifying time is required to be run with a set date range on a certain type of course. Participating in the Marine Corps Marathon is a way of qualifying for the event. In 2019, 1.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon. The MCM ranked also 438th in the U.S in the percentage of finishers achieving Boston Marathon qualifying times that year. The typical race time temperature and humidity levels at the MCM are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Overall, this gives the MCM a great course score.

5) The crowd support

When the gun goes off to mark the start of the race, the bands start playing and the adrenaline for all of the runners’ kicks in. The crowd support at the event is fantastic! It’s a big race that attracts a  lot of supporters who come to encourage their friends and family. Make sure that you feed off that energy and use it to your advantage!

INTERESTED IN HEARING ABOUT OUR TOP TIPS FOR THE MARINE CORPS MARATHON? MAKE SURE TO READ THE NEXT INSTALMENT.