The Unofficial Guide to the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon

The 51st Marine Corps Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026 — the race after the big 50th-anniversary running in 2025. It is one of the top marathons in the world and includes the brand-new MCM 8K and the MCM Kids Run alongside the signature 26.2 miles.

MCM is known as the People’s Marathon because it is the largest marathon in the world that does not offer prize money. With its Marine-lined streets, incredible crowd support, and course that winds past the most iconic monuments and memorials in America, it has become a bucket-list race for thousands of runners. If you are considering a destination marathon, the People’s Marathon should be at or near the top of your list. It is also a great choice for a first marathon.

Located in the Washington, DC / Arlington, Virginia area, the race boasts one of the most scenic and historic courses in running. It is a relatively flat course that takes you around major national monuments. You can expect great crowd support and high-fiving Marines, including drill instructors who will "encourage" you along the way.

In this unofficial guide, I share information and tips about the race — where to stay, what to eat, and what to do — pulled from the official MCM site, participant experience, and my own time around the race as a coach.

2026 Marine Corps Marathon at a Glance

Race date	Sunday, October 25, 2026
Edition	51st Marine Corps Marathon
Distance	26.2 miles (42.195 km)
Start	Route 110, Arlington, VA (near the Pentagon / Arlington National Cemetery)
Finish	Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), Rosslyn, Arlington, VA
Wheelchair start	7:15 a.m. EDT
Duo start	7:17 a.m. EDT
Runners start	7:20 a.m. EDT
Opening ceremony	7:00 a.m. EDT (Route 110) — March on Colors, National Anthem, Howitzer start gun
Pace requirement	14:00 per mile with gauntlet cutoffs (no single flat time limit)
Prize money	$0 — the People’s Marathon
Minimum age	14
Expo	National Building Museum, Washington, DC (Oct 21–24, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily)
Entry fee	$240 USD (marathon)
Official site	marinemarathon.com

Race History and Course Records

The Marine Corps Marathon has been run annually since 1976, making 2026 the 51st running. Founded by Marines and still managed by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization, it is the third-largest marathon in the United States. The course has hosted generations of service members, first-time marathoners, and iconic runners — all without paying a single dollar in prize money.

Record	Time	Athlete	Year
Men’s course record	2:14:01	Jeffrey Scuffins (USA)	1987
Women’s course record	2:37:00	Olga Markova (Russia)	1990

Notable recent history:

• 2025 (50th anniversary): approximately 40,000 participants — a record field.
• 2024: approximately 30,000 participants.
• 2007 Heat Alert: unusually warm race, with temps into the 80s and on-course medical challenges.
• Runners have represented 50+ countries in most recent editions.

How to Enter the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon

Unlike Boston, Chicago, or New York, MCM does not use a lottery. Entry is first-come, first-served once general registration opens. That means if you want in, do not wait — MCM has been selling out faster every year.

General Registration — OPEN NOW

General registration for the 51st Marine Corps Marathon opened April 6, 2026 at 10 a.m. Eastern. As of this writing, bibs are still available, but MCMO has publicly noted spots are filling quickly.

• Entry fee: $240 USD
• Registration platform: MCM uses Haku for registration (register.hakuapp.com)
• No deferrals or transfers for 2026. Optional TEAK refund protection is available at checkout.
• No virtual option for 2026. The virtual race was retired after 2025.

Other Entry Paths

Charity (still open — deadline July 31, 2026)

If general registration sells out, charity entry remains a solid path until July 31, 2026. MCM’s 2026 featured charities include Foundation for Women Warriors, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, Melanoma Research Alliance, Mighty Oaks, Sarcoma Foundation of America, Semper K-9, Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers, Swim With A Mission, and World Central Kitchen. A full list (30+ partners) is at marinemarathon.com/charity-program/.

Active Duty Registration

Active-duty service members have a separate registration category with guaranteed access before general registration. Details and proof-of-service requirements on the official site.

Seeded Runners

MCM offers seeded (fast-corral) placement to runners who submit a certified marathon result from within 3 years of the 2026 race date. MCMO does not publish a numeric qualifying standard — just a link to your certified result.

MCM Runners Club (5+ MCMs)

Runners who have completed 5 or more Marine Corps Marathons get auto-guaranteed access to MCM. Note: 2026 virtual (which was retired) will not count toward a future Runners Club total.

Bundle Registrations

The Semper Fidelis Challenge and Distinguished Participant Bundles are MCMO’s multi-race packages that include MCM plus other MCMO events across the year — the Quantico 12K, MCM 17.75K, and similar. Bundle windows opened November 2025 and reopened briefly in early 2026.

MCM Weekend Events (2026)

Three official events for 2026:

Event	Date	Distance	Open to
MCM 8K	Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 — 7:30 a.m.	8 km (4.97 mi)	Ages 10+ (18:00 pace requirement)
MCM Kids Run	Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 — 9 a.m.–12 p.m.	1 mile	Ages 5–12 (8 staggered waves)
Marine Corps Marathon	Sunday, Oct 25, 2026 — 7:20 a.m. (runners)	26.2 miles	Ages 14+

MCM Health & Fitness Expo (Packet Pickup)

New venue for 2026: the expo has moved to the National Building Museum in Washington, DC after many years at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor. MCMO has also noted that, due to limited space at the new venue, there will be no vendor booth spaces in 2026 — the expo is purely a packet-pickup event this year.

2026 Expo Location and Hours

Venue	National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Opening ceremony	Tuesday, Oct 21, 9:30–10:00 a.m. EDT
Packet pickup — Tuesday, Oct 21	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct 22	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct 23	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, Oct 24	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Pickup rules	Bring your e-Card (printed or digital) and photo ID. Proxy pickup is allowed with copies of the runner’s e-Card, the runner’s ID, and the proxy’s ID.
Race-day pickup	Not available for the marathon

Getting to the National Building Museum

The National Building Museum sits in downtown DC at 4th & F Streets NW, near Judiciary Square. Easy to reach by Metro, bus, rideshare, or on foot if you are staying downtown.

Metro

Judiciary Square Station (Red Line) is directly adjacent. Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red, Green, Yellow) is two blocks away.

Parking

Limited street parking in the immediate area. Several public garages within 2–3 blocks. Expect expo weekend demand to push prices up.

Rideshare / Bike

Uber and Lyft work well for the National Building Museum given the downtown DC location. Capital Bikeshare has multiple stations within a few blocks.

The Course

The Marine Corps Marathon course is a scenic, moderate-terrain loop through the most iconic parts of the Washington metro area. You start in Arlington, cross into DC twice, loop past the monuments and memorials, skirt the Capitol, cross back into Virginia over the 14th Street Bridge, pass the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, and finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima).

Course at a Glance

Distance	26.2 miles / 42.195 km
Start	Route 110, Arlington, VA
Finish	Marine Corps War Memorial, Rosslyn, VA — short uphill finish
Elevation	Rolling, with a notable climb on Langston Blvd in the first few miles and a hill finish. Not a flat course by Chicago or Berlin standards.
Surface	Asphalt road, closed to traffic
Certification	USATF certified
Pace requirement	14:00 per mile with gauntlet cutoffs along the course

Course Highlights — What You’ll See

From start to finish, you will run past or near:

• Route 110 start — Arlington, near the Pentagon
• Rosslyn and Langston Boulevard (early climb)
• Spout Run and GW Parkway
• Key Bridge into Georgetown (first crossing into DC)
• M Street and Wisconsin Avenue through Georgetown
• K Street
• Rock Creek Parkway
• Kennedy Center
• Lincoln Memorial
• Hains Point (approximate halfway point — known for crowd support on this stretch)
• Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin
• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
• FDR Memorial
• World War II and Korean War Memorials
• Washington Monument
• Smithsonian museums
• National Gallery of Art
• United States Capitol (reflecting pool loop)
• 14th Street Bridge (mile 20 — "Beat the Bridge" cutoff)
• Crystal City
• Pentagon and Pentagon 9/11 Memorial
• Arlington National Cemetery
• Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) — finish line

"Beat the Bridge" — The Famous Mile 20 Cutoff

Aid Stations and On-Course Fueling

Official aid station spacing and contents for 2026 have not been published yet — the "Before You Go / Race Day / Map" tabs on the MCM site still show "coming soon" as of April 2026. Historically, MCM provides water and sports drink (Gatorade) at approximately every 2 miles, with fuel (gels, bananas) at a handful of mid-to-late course stations. Check the official site for confirmed 2026 aid-station details closer to race weekend.

The general rule still applies: only consume what you have trained with. If your stomach does not know a sports drink or a specific gel, race day is the wrong time to introduce it.

Race-Day Logistics

Time (EDT)	Event
5:00 a.m.	Pentagon Metro and Pentagon City Metro open
~5:30 a.m.	Runners Village opens for check-in and gear check
7:00 a.m.	Opening Ceremony on Route 110 — March on Colors, National Anthem
7:15 a.m.	Wheelchair start
7:17 a.m.	Duo start
7:20 a.m.	Runners start — Howitzer start gun
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.	Finish Festival in downtown Rosslyn

Runners Village

Runner’s Village is located at Army Navy Drive and S. Fern Street near the start line. It is your staging area — Port-A-Johns, water points, gear check, pre-race hydration. If there is one piece of advice about race morning, it is to arrive early. Volunteers do a great job getting runners to the start line, but traffic in and around the area will be heavy.

Getting to Runner’s Village

Metro (recommended)

Pentagon Metro and Pentagon City Metro are both near Runner’s Village and open at 5 a.m. on race day. Both stations will be packed with runners — just follow the crowd.

Driving

Paid parking is available at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City mall. Free parking is at 23rd and Crystal Drive, with a shuttle to Runner’s Village. Either way, arrive before 6 a.m. to avoid the race-morning rush.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft work but expect surge pricing and traffic delays. Drop-off zones will be farther from the start than you expect. Metro is the faster, less stressful option.

Weather Considerations

Late October in the DC area is usually great for running — cool, crisp, mostly clear. "Usually" is the key word. MCM has seen weather ranging from high-30s with rain and wind to 80+°F heat alerts.

Average race-day high	~64°F (18°C)
Average race-day low	~46°F (8°C)
Typical start temperature	45–55°F
Typical conditions	Partly sunny, cool, usually low humidity
2007 Heat Alert year	80+°F race day, significant medical response needed
2005 cold / wet	High 30s, rain, wind

What to wear by forecast temperature at the start:

• 30s°F: tights or capris, long-sleeve base layer + singlet, gloves, thin beanie, arm sleeves.
• 40s°F: shorts or light capris, singlet with a throwaway long-sleeve, gloves.
• 50s°F: shorts and a singlet. Maybe a throwaway top at the start.
• 60s+°F: shorts and singlet. Plan to drink more than you think — the course offers little shade on the bridges and open stretches.

Marine Corps Marathon Pacing Strategy

Pre-Race Meals and Fueling

Nutrition and fueling are important parts of your race strategy. The biggest tip is to not eat anything new. Nothing new the night before or during a race.

During training runs is when you test various meals and fueling options. See my guide on what to eat before a run. If you want more guidance on fueling during your race, check out my meal planning for runners article.

And do not forget hydration. Dehydration can wreck you — from poor performance to heat illness to stomach distress. See my hydration guide.

Have a Pacing Strategy and a Race Goal

Many first-time marathoners go out too fast, especially when adrenaline flows from the excitement of the start. If you have never run MCM, I can assure you that leading up to the race start will be exciting — the energy is amazing, and everyone is nervous before a big race.

As a coach, I tell my runners: do not fall into the trap of running out too fast. Yes, it is important to get into your goal pace, but go easy for the first mile or two. Avoid weaving in and out of slower runners just to save time.

As you head out, use your watch for the first mile to control your pace — do not chase it. Running out of the corrals too fast will make "the wall" come sooner.

During your race, your energy levels will ebb and flow. What feels hard one mile may feel fine the next. This is your body trying to keep up with the demands of 26.2 miles. Trust your training.

Know the Hills

MCM is not a flat course. Save energy for:

• Langston Boulevard climb in the first few miles — you are still fresh, so do not blow up here trying to bank time.
• The 14th Street Bridge at mile 20 — long, exposed, mentally tough. Hold on.
• Iwo Jima final hill — a short but steep climb up to the finish. Save something for it, because nothing feels better than running up that hill surrounded by Marines cheering you on.

8 Tips for Running the Marine Corps Marathon

1. Do not try anything new on race day. Not food, not gels, not shoes, not clothing. Everything you use on race day should have been tested during your long runs.

2. Do not wear brand-new shoes. Use shoes you have tested during long runs. I do a shoe change about 30 days from race day, using the same brand and model I trained in, so I have fresh cushioning for race day.

3. Respect the bridges and the monuments stretch. Miles 16–20 run along Hains Point and then across the 14th Street Bridge. This stretch is mentally the hardest part of the race — long, exposed, crowds thin out. If you are going to hit a wall, this is where. Pace accordingly.

4. Plan for the Beat the Bridge cutoff. A consistent 14:00 pace gets you there with margin. Slower first half = higher risk of getting swept. If you are coming in as a goal-time runner, this is not your concern; if you are coming in as a walk-run finisher, it is the most important math you will do all day.

5. Hydrate early. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already behind. Aid stations appear early in the race; take water or Gatorade at the first few even if you feel fine. See my hydration guide.

6. Do not sightsee the day before the marathon. Walking around DC the day before will beat up your legs. Save the National Mall walk for Monday after the race.

7. Give family and friends the tracking tools. MCM has an official app for live tracking. Also plan meetup spots along the course using the official race map — good viewing points include near the Lincoln Memorial, Hains Point, and the finish festival in Rosslyn.

8. Finish strong at Iwo Jima. The finish is a short uphill — save just enough energy to run it. You will be surrounded by Marines and a huge crowd. Soak it in. A Marine will place your medal around your neck at the finish.

Where to Stay During the Marine Corps Marathon

If you are coming from out of town, hundreds of places in and around the Arlington/DC area work. Many hotels provide early-morning go-bags or open their breakfast early on race day — call ahead to ask.

Official Race Headquarters Hotel

Doubletree by Hilton Washington-Crystal City

The Doubletree by Hilton Washington-Crystal City has been the official race headquarters hotel. To stay here, book months in advance.
300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202

Other Hotels Near the Start and Finish

Pro tip: find a hotel close to the start (Route 110 near the Pentagon) or the finish (Iwo Jima / Rosslyn). Walking far on sore legs after 26.2 miles is no fun.

Le Méridien Arlington

Le Méridien Arlington is centrally located and a short walk from start/finish. Onsite restaurant and fitness center. Pet-friendly. 1121 19th Street North, Arlington, VA 22209

Sonesta Select Arlington Rosslyn

Sonesta Select Arlington Rosslyn. 24/7 fitness center and pet-friendly (note: pet fee is $150, no size limit, up to two pets per suite). Onsite restaurant for coffee and breakfast. 1533 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209

Hampton Inn & Suites Arlington Crystal City

Hampton Inn & Suites is about a mile from Reagan National Airport, close to Arlington National Cemetery. Pet-friendly rooms and 24/7 fitness center. 2000 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202

Residence Inn Arlington Ballston

Residence Inn Arlington Ballston has fully equipped kitchen suites — great if making healthy meals in your room is important. Highly rated for families. 650 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22203

Crystal Gateway Marriott

The Crystal Gateway Marriott is less than a mile from the airport and centrally located to DC landmarks. Onsite American restaurant, several others within a short walk. 1700 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202

Renaissance Arlington Capital View

The Renaissance Arlington Capital View is family-friendly with modern rooms and free airport shuttles. SOCCi, their onsite Italian restaurant, is a great pre- or post-race meal. 2800 South Potomac Ave, Arlington, VA 22202

Hilton Garden Inn Shirlington

The Hilton Garden Inn Shirlington is a short walk to Shirlington’s shopping and restaurants, near the Signature Theatre. Onsite restaurant, fitness center, indoor pool, pet-friendly. 4271 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206

Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria

Family-friendly with kitchenettes. 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. Centrally located near the expo, packet pickup, and start/finish. 1757 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Alternatives to Hotels

Airbnb

If you start looking early enough, Airbnb has great options near the start (Crystal City) and finish (Rosslyn). Within walking distance of the Pentagon or Pentagon City Metro is ideal.

Hostels and Bed & Breakfasts

• Highroad Hostel — 1804 Belmont Rd NW, Washington, DC. 9.8/10 on HostelWorld, clean and well-staffed, near shops and restaurants. About 20 min from Pentagon City Metro.
• American Guest House — 2005 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC. Well-rated B&B walking distance to many DC attractions. 10–15 min from Pentagon Metro.
• Woodley Park Guest House — 2647 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, DC. 4.9 stars. Near the Red Line and L2 bus. Buffet breakfast with local and organic foods. Sunday nights half off if you stay Friday–Monday.

Where to Eat Before or After the Marathon

Because MCM draws runners from across the country and many of these places are popular with locals, make reservations in advance.

Pre-Race and Healthy Options

True Food Kitchen

Healthy food choices including plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan. 4238 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1110, Arlington, VA 22203.

South Block

Acai bowls, freshly-pressed juices, smoothies. Better for a light snack than a full pre-race meal. 4150 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203.

Little Beet

Plant-inspired, veggie-forward chef-crafted bowls with keto, paleo, and Whole30 options. 495 K St NW, Washington, DC.

CAVA

Fast-casual Mediterranean with customizable greens + grains bowls, salads, pitas. 4121 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203.

Filomena Ristorante — our RunBuzz favorite for a pre-race meal

Rated top three Italian in the DC area, in the heart of Georgetown. Large portions of home-cooked Italian. Book early through OpenTable. 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007.

Buca di Beppo

Family-style Italian, dishes served on large shareable plates. 1825 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009.

Casual Eats and Local Favorites

Bob & Edith’s Diner

Arlington diner, 50+ years, open 24 hours. Pancakes, eggs, meatloaf, pie. Multiple Arlington locations. Classic pre-race breakfast or post-race splurge.

Green Pig Bistro

Rustic French cooking in the Clarendon neighborhood. Nose-to-tail meats, schnitzel, cassoulet, fried chicken, meatloaf, pot pie. Closed Mondays; great brunch on weekends. 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington, VA 22201.

Ruthie’s All-Day

Family-friendly all-day restaurant in a Mid-Century Modern building. Breakfast through dinner, including vegan burgers, grain bowls, and classic American fare. 3411 5th St S, Arlington, VA 22204.

Spice Kraft Indian Bistro

Highly rated boutique Indian bistro. Traditional samosas, tandoori wings, salmon tikka, plus vegan and gluten-free options. 1135 N Highland St, Arlington, VA 22201.

Samuel Beckett’s

Irish Gastro Pub. Shepherd’s Pie with organic lamb, veggies, Jameson mashed potatoes. Great lamb stew with Irish brown bread. 2800 S. Randolph St, Arlington, VA 22206.

Nam Viet

Vietnamese. Note: closes early — 7 p.m. on Sundays, 8 p.m. Saturdays. Takeout recommended. 1127 North Hudson St, Arlington, VA 22201.

Where to Celebrate After the Marathon

After you finish, head to the Finish Festival in downtown Rosslyn, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on race day. Live music, food, vendor booths, giveaways, and post-race services. The Festival is near the Marine Corps War Memorial, so reuniting with family is easy.

Wandering into Rosslyn’s bars and restaurants after the Festival, here are a few highlights:

Quinn’s

Tacos and whiskey. Open 11:30 a.m. on weekdays (10 a.m. weekends) until 10 p.m. All-day menu, weekend brunch. 1776 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209.

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub

Closes 1 a.m. on weekends. Whiskey bar plus the usual Irish pub fare: smoked salmon, beef & Guinness stew, potato cakes. 3207 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201.

Galaxy Hut

Plant-based grill with a good beer list. Cashew cheese made in-house. 21+ only. 2711 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201.

Where to Wander and Relax After the Marathon

Best Photo Spots in Arlington, VA

1. Netherlands Carillon — A gift from the Dutch people in gratitude for U.S. aid during WWII. Overlooks DC; free to the public. Guest artist concerts Saturdays during summer.
2. Air Force Memorial — Honors the service of the U.S. Air Force. Beautiful hillside vista in Arlington. Free. Especially spectacular at night.
3. Bon Air Park Rose Garden — Rose garden, ornamental tree gardens, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a small stream. Free parking. 850 N Lexington St, Arlington.
4. Crystal City Water Park — Water features, food vendor, neon lights. Pet and kid friendly. 1601 Crystal Dr, Arlington.
5. Art Walls in Crystal City — Dozens of colorful urban murals. Map from DC Curbed.
6. The View of DC — Floor-to-ceiling windows with a 360° panorama of Washington. Free entry, ID required. 1201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington.
7. Gravelly Point — National Park Service peninsula just north of Reagan National. One of the best plane-watching spots in the country.
8. Cupid’s Garden — A 24-foot steel sculpture by Chris Gardner in Rosslyn. Surrounded by roses, sedum, moonbeam plants.

Best Photo Spots in Washington, DC

1. Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial — 35-foot aluminum sculpture of seven gulls over a wave. In Lady Bird Johnson Park, accessible from the Gravelly Point trail or Arlington Cemetery.
2. The White House — Public tours on certain days; reserve in advance. 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW.
3. The Lincoln Memorial — Free, 24/7. Most crowded during the day. Best viewed from the Reflecting Pool side.
4. Vietnam and Korean War Veterans Memorials — Free, 24/7. The Vietnam wall lists ~60,000 names; ladders available if you are looking for someone specific. 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW.
5. U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum — Sobering and well-planned. Timed tickets required during busy periods; reserve online. 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW.

Shopping

Covet

Independent gift shop with artisan products from around the country and local artists. Free parking and free gift wrapping. Good Halloween selection right before the race. 5140 Wilson Blvd, Arlington.

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

Nordstrom, Macy’s, Apple, Coach, and smaller retailers. Five-minute walk to Pentagon Row for international food. 1100 S Hayes St, Arlington.

Ballston Quarter Shopping Center

Fine dining, shopping, movies, even cooking classes. Ample reasonably-priced parking. Closes 6 p.m. on Sundays. 4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington.

Theater

Synetic Theater

Crystal City. Uses motion, costumes, and color for mesmerizing performances. Multiple award-winner. 1800 S Bell St, Arlington.

Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre

Community theater with comfortable seats and great acoustics. Roller-skating rink and games for kids. 125 S Old Glebe Rd, Arlington.

Spa and Relaxation

Azure Dream Day Spa

Deep tissue massage, cupping, hot stone, and sports-specific massages. Also hair removal, facials, nail bar. 901 N Quincy St, Arlington.

Origins Thai Spa

Authentic Thai spa. Wide range of massage services, body treatments including Detoxifying Seaweed Body Wrap and Honey Scrub. Military discount with ID. 925 N Garfield St E, Arlington.

Aura Day Spa

One of the best-rated day spas in Arlington for manicures, pedicures, and nail care with one of the largest color selections around. Also eyelash extensions and waxing. 3437 Wilson Blvd, Arlington.

Marine Corps Marathon FAQs

When is the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon?

Sunday, October 25, 2026. The 51st MCM. Runners start at 7:20 a.m. EDT.

Is there a lottery?

No. MCM is first-come, first-served. Once general registration sells out, charity entry is the remaining public path until July 31, 2026.

How much does it cost to register?

$240 for the marathon. The MCM 8K and Kids Run have separate (lower) fees.

Is there a virtual option for 2026?

No. The virtual MCM was retired after 2025. All 2026 events are in-person only.

Is there an MCM 10K or 50K this year?

No to both. The 10K has been replaced by the new MCM 8K on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. There is no MCM 50K.

Can I defer or transfer my entry?

No. 2026 entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. Optional TEAK Refund Protect can be purchased at checkout.

Where is the expo in 2026?

National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC. New venue for 2026. Open Oct 21–24, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. No race-morning packet pickup.

What is the pace requirement?

14:00 per mile, with gauntlet checkpoints along the course that you must reach by specific clock times. The most famous is "Beat the Bridge" at mile 20.

Is MCM flat like Chicago or Berlin?

Not quite. MCM has a rolling profile with a notable climb early on Langston Boulevard and a short but steep final hill up to the finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. It is not a brutally hilly course, but it is not flat either. Train with some hills.

What is "Beat the Bridge"?

A cutoff at mile 20 where the course crosses the 14th Street Bridge from DC back into Virginia. If you are not past the cutoff by a specific clock time, you will be diverted or swept and cannot finish the official race. The 14:00 pace requirement means runners who consistently run 14:00 per mile from the start will beat the bridge with margin.

Can I use a GPS watch and headphones?

Yes. See the official MCM rules page for specifics on competitive runners and prohibited items.

Does MCM offer prize money?

No. MCM is proudly the largest marathon in the world with no prize purse — hence "The People’s Marathon." All runners race for the medal, the finisher’s jacket, and the experience.

Can active-duty service members get a discount?

Active-duty has a separate registration category with guaranteed access before general registration. Details and proof-of-service requirements are on the official site.

Sources and Official Information

All race details in this guide were pulled from the following official sources. Always confirm before registering or traveling — the MCM site is the source of truth and details do change.

• marinemarathon.com — homepage
• Marine Corps Marathon event page
• MCM Weekend Events schedule
• MCM 8K event page
• Charity Program
• Official FAQ
• Wikipedia — Marine Corps Marathon (history, records, past winners)

This guide is unofficial. Some details may be dated by the time you read this. Always verify with the official race site before making travel, training, or registration decisions.

Want a personalized training plan for a goal race like MCM? Explore my online coaching — Steve Carmichael, RRCA/USATF Certified Running Coach.