Rock Creek Returns to MCM Course in 2013
For the first time since 2006, MCM participants will run Rock Creek Parkway as part of "The People's Marathon."  Having vacated this portion of the course during a construction phase, the MCM replaced Rock Creek with Canal Road, Georgetown Reservoir and the Palisades community in recent years.  This October, runners will return to the familiar route of making a right turn into Georgetown from Key Bridge leading to a tour of a tree-lined Rock Creek route that could consume as much as three miles of the course.  Official interactive course map and a flatter elevation chart will be available for advance prep later this summer. 
It's about Time
While there are no timing qualifications necessary to register for the MCM, there are strict pace requirements to maintain participation in the event.  All runners must maintain a 14 minute-per-mile pace to meet the two on-course check points.  Runners must reach the Gauntlet at mile 17.5 by 12:20 p.m.  Runners slower than the required pace will be detoured for safety reasons but will quickly rejoin the marathon course.  These participants may continue to run the MCM but will not complete an official marathon.  It is requested any runners rerouted at the Gauntlet not accept a finisher medal.  Of course, the battle cry for all MCM participants is to "Beat the Bridge," just after mile marker 20.  The 14th Street Bridge will reopen to vehicular traffic making it unavailable to runners after 1:05 p.m.  Any runners unable to "Beat the Bridge" will be required to board the straggler buses and be driven to the event finish area. Also worthy of note, the official start times are 7:40 for wheelchairs and handcycles and 7:55 for the runners.  The course will close at after seven hours at 3:00 p.m.

Jeff Galloway Takes over MCM's Twitter
Olympian and running expert Jeff Galloway takes over MCM's Twitter on June 24 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.  Got a training question?  Need running advice?  Look no further than @Marine_Marathon.  As many questions as possible tweeted to the MCM during that time will be personally answered by Jeff after he commandeers the MCM's Twitter feed.
No MCM for You?  Transfer is the Answer.
Registered runners who find themselves unable to participate in the MCM may transfer an entry to an unregistered, hopeful marathoner.  It is up to the runners to find each other to execute the transfer.  The MCM Facebook page is a great way to connect.  If the distance has become the issue, registered marathon runners may opt to run the MCM10K by shifting their entry from the MCM to the 6.2 mile event.  Procedures, deadlines and fees for both options are provided on the MCM Transfer Page.
Get a Good Start at the Right Hotel
The MCM Travel Desk offers discounted hotel rates for MCM Weekend with easy access to National Airport or the MCM Shuttles in Crystal City.  If you want convenient access to your hotel after crossing the finish line, Rosslyn hotels are for you.  If you want to be close to the Health & Fitness Expo presented by GE and the national landmarks in DC, stay at the MCM HQ Hotel, the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill or one of the other fine DC hotels.  Runners are urged to move quickly.  The MCM Travel Desk is selling much faster than last year.
Another Uphill Finish-and Free Photos!
Here's a great preparatory run for "The People's Marathon" that celebrates the Marine Corps spirit, oozes the Oorah culture of Quantico and finishes uphill just like the MCM. Register now for the Crossroads 4-Miler on Sept. 7 -- a point-to-point run that finishes outside the stunning National Museum of the Marine Corps.  Named after nearby Marine Corps Base Quantico, known as the "Crossroads of the Marine Corps," the run leads participants through Semper Fidelis Memorial Park just 50 days before the 38th MCM. Thanks to MarathonFoto, every runner will receive free digital photos from the course and the picturesque finish for free.

Run Around the Mall in the MCM10K
The MCM10K presented by Aetna offers runners the chance to run around (the Mall) and the same inspirational finish as the MCM at the Marine Corps War Memorial.  Mix in thousands of wild spectators, the Capitol, "Beat the Bridge" and a colorful run through Crystal City.  The MCM10K hosts 10,000 participants but registration sells out annually. Right now, the field is over half filled.  So tell running friends to move quickly for a spot in the "Six-Mile Haul from the Mall."

See Kids Run!  Run Kids Run!
Healthy Kids Fun Run is a one-mile run for children ages 5-12 on October 26, the day prior to the MCM.  Every kid gets a medal, shirt and healthy snacks.  As part of the fun, the Pentagon North parking lot is transformed into a family fitness festival including mascots, exciting activities, physical challenges and cool exhibits from Silver Diner, Sodexo, National Aquarium, Watermelon.org and more!  Even though you just figured out your summer camp schedule, take time to register now and make sure your kids are part of a great day.

Online Training Tool Now Available
Looking for direction to maximize your training for the MCM? Through the MCM website, runners may purchase online training plans designed for people of ALL experience levels from the first-timer to the seasoned veteran. The multi-platform program offers runners tools to log distances, social media integration, opportunities to earn badges and so much more.