"OORAH"ing the Runners and Marines 
A sincere thank you to the motivated runners who participated in the 37th MCM and MCM10K. The MCM appreciates the positive comments reflecting on an amazing day. In return, so many runners expressed their gratitude for the outstanding support and motivating presence of the Marines throughout the weekend. Together, the runners and Marines are living examples of courage and commitment.
    
     As usual, this is the marathon by which all others are measured. 
     I'm so proud to have an MCM medal to call my own!
     All the pain was worth the high fives from the Marines at the end.
     In every sense, it was more terrific than I had ever imagined. 
     Before yesterday I swore I would never run another marathon. Today, I swear I will never run another marathon EXCEPT Marine Corps.
2013 Registration Mnemonic
Do you have to be reminded about the swift two hour and 41 minute close out of registration earlier this year? Don't fall victim to rapid registration in 2013. Here's the info runners need to commit to memory: Registration for the 38th MCM opens on March 27. Active Duty discounted registration begins on February 23, the anniversary of the 1945 flag raising atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Runners who deferred from the 2012 MCM to 2013 may re-up between Feb 27 and March 24. MCM Runners Club will receive extended registration privileges beginning on April 3, after the MCM has closed out. The MCM will be held on October 27. Here's a quick mnemonic trick to remember the registration date: Go the extra mile (27) to MARCH with the Marines in 2013.

It Must Be Official. It's on Paper.
You ran, you got the shirt, you scored a medal and now, making it official, you can print out the finisher certificate. The 2012 MCM and MCM10K official finisher certificates are available to be downloaded for printing. Certificates include individual runner's time, overall place and overall gender place. An appreciation certificate for the MCM's dedicated volunteers corps is also available for printing.
The Greatest Half Marathon in History Opens Registration on January 23
You've just run a marathon, so picking up a spring half marathon and knocking it out before most of your friends will even crawl out of bed is a perfect way to celebrate your heightened level of fitness. Come join the Marines again, this time at the greatest half marathon in history, the Marine Corps Historic Half on May 19. Run 13.1 in timeless Fredericksburg perfectly situated less than an hour from both, the nation's capital and Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This run's got it all from historic sites to retail districts to Marine support and picturesque scenery. Not up for a whole half? The MCM hosts the Semper Fred 5K and the new Marine Corps Historic 10K on the same day. Both point-to-point courses incorporate the challenge of Hospital Hill. Registration opens for all events on January 23.
 

Grab a Guaranteed Spot in 38th MCM BEFORE Registration Opens
You could run to a computer on March 27 to register for the MCM or you could run 11.03 miles through beautiful Prince William Forest Park a few days prior to registration opening and earn a guaranteed spot in the MCM. The Marine Corps 17.75K will be held on March 23 in Prince William County offering a glorious bounty to all who finish the run - a guaranteed entry into the MCM. One caveat, though, use it quickly or lose it. This chariot will turn into a pumpkin in 96 hours, as the access expires just as MCM registration opens to the public. Grab a spot in the Marine Corps 17.75K (1775 was the year the Marine Corps was founded) starting on January 23.

Mud, Museum and Turkeys are Back. Unveiling New Tri.
You've participated in the big show-the Marine Corps Marathon. Now run with the Marines again, on their home turf in the MCM Event Series. In addition to the Marine Corps 17.75K, the MCM hosts four events throughout 2013 on or near Marine Corps Base Quantico. Run Amuck and the new Mini-Run Amuck on June 8 sends runners hurtling through mud and obstacles on the hills and trails of Quantico. The Crossroads 4-Miler finishes at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on September 7. The famed Turkey Trot 10K will be held on November 23. And be looking for details as they are unveiled for the new Quantico Triathlon, a sprint distance event, on August 17. Registration for all these runs opens on January 23. The Tri begins registering on May 15.
Holiday Cards Featuring Your MCM Photo
Relive the excitement of race day with photos from MarathonFoto. Taken in multiple locations along the course, as well as at the finish in front of the Marine Corps War Memorial, photos from MarathonFoto are searchable by last name and bib number. Order images on plaques, posters, prints, greeting cards, collages or feature a photo of your triumphant run and personalize a message on metallic paper holiday card.

Make Your Memories Last with Lasting Commemoratives
Original artwork adorns the unique product line offered by Lasting Commemoratives. This year's design features Miles the MCM mascot, many landmarks of the nation's capital, the Marine Corps War Memorial and confident runner images. Take time now to enjoy a 20 percent discount and free shipping by using promo code: Holiday2012. This offer is only good on new orders and may not be combined with other offers or promo codes. Act swiftly though as the offer expires on December 12.
Fond Memories-You Bet! Preserve Your MCM Experience 
Preserve the memory of completing "The People's Marathon" with a personalized frame or shadow box. All products include an additional medal! Use coupon code "expo" to receive a special discount.

Own a Piece of the 2012 MCM Finish Line
The banners from the MCM finish line have been recycled by priorLIFE into new, one-of-a-kind, environmentally-friendly products including reusable and useful messenger bags and patchwork tote bags. You carry the MCM finish in your heart. Now, you can carry it over your shoulder.

Limited Brooks MCM Apparel Remains 
From jackets and running shorts to shirts and finisher gear, the MCM Brooks store at the Expo and Finish Festival delighted runners with unique bold graphics, awesome clothing and strong colors. Limited quantities of your most favorite items remain available for purchase online. Keep running and proudly showcase your status as 'MCM finisher' with Brooks MCM apparel.
A Few Good Questions
A special thank you to all the runners who participated in the finisher survey. The information is important to the planning process.  Here's another very short survey (we promise!) with questions for runners.  Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts with the MCM once again. 

 


Good Wishes from the MCM
Navigating a calendar year can be like running a marathon. One needs to find the right pace and set ambitious goals. And when the year concludes, it often seems as if little more than a 5K has sprinted right past us. Here's hoping your 2012 exceeded your expectations. The MCM sends good cheer to you and your family for a year of accomplishment and success in 2013.