Marine Corps Marathon weekend is almost here. The 26.2-mile race is hailed as “The People’s Marathon,” honoring all those who fight and represent our country, during one of the largest marathons in the world through Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
With 49 years of experience under their belt, organizers are taking this event to the next level. Runners will have two beautiful memorials added to their path.
In addition to the key event, the weekend also features multiple races, events and festivities for all ages. Whether you’re joining in a race or go to cheer on the participants, read on for everything you need to know.
MCM Weekend 2024 Races
Saturday, Oct. 26:
- MCM Kids Run: This one-mile fun run will be held Saturday for kids ages 5-12. Families have eight start time options between 9:20 and 11:40 a.m. This event also features family-friendly games, entertainment and mascots. Registration is $15.
Sunday, Oct. 27:
- MCM 50K: This ultramarathon begins at 7:15 a.m. on Sunday and runs the entire MCM course, with a 4.87-mile diversion at mile 4.5. It’s “the largest ultramarathon in the country and the only one held entirely in an urban setting,” planners say.
- MCM 10K: This 6.2-mile journey kicks off at 7:50 a.m. on Sunday at the National Mall. Participants must be 10 years old or older.
- MCM Wheels: This event begins at 7:50 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27 along Route 110 in Arlington, Virginia.
- MCM Duos: This event starts at 7:52 a.m. along Route 110 in Arlington.
- Marine Corps Marathon: The sound of the Howitzer will kick off the main run at 7:55 a.m. Runners will travel through a historic and scenic course ending at the Marine Corps War Memorial Circle.
See the complete schedule for the entire MCM 2024 weekend here.
Non-running events on MCM Weekend 2024:
Friday, Oct. 25:
- The MCM Health and Fitness Expo will be held both Friday and Saturday at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, where runners can pick up their race packets. You can also sample yummy nutritious food, test drive new technology, work out with the latest exercise gear and explore post-running recovery products. Friday’s hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- The MCM Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday will be held at 6 p.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton Washington D.C.-Crystal City in Arlington. This event will honor the newest inductees into the MCM Hall of Fame.
Saturday, Oct. 26:
- The MCM Health and Fitness Expo will be held both Friday and Saturday. (See above for details.) Saturday’s hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- A Mission Ready Lunch ($65) will offer families and participants a delicious and full meal to fuel up at the Maryland Ballroom at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland, on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 27:
- Celebrate at The Finish Festival, a short walk from the MCM finish line at the Marine Corps War Memorial in the Rosslyn area of Arlington. The celebration from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature food, beer, music and post-race services, plus live music at the Arlington stage. You can visit booths and find giveaways along N. Meade and N. Lynn streets, Fort Myer and Fairfax drives and Wilson Boulevard.
What’s the course map for the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon?
The marathon takes runners from near the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; into Washington, D.C. to travel along the National Mall and past the monuments. Then, participants will head back across the Potomac River to end at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn.
See other maps for MCM weekend here.
How to get around during MCM weekend via Metro, free shuttles or car
Getting to the Marine Corps Marathon starting line:…