Transportation/Metro cards
Getting around on Metro during MCM Weekend is easy.  Service begins at 5:00 a.m. for MCM runners and spectators on event morning.  Prior to MCM Weekend, runners are encouraged to purchase a SmarTrip card, the permanent, rechargeable card used to pay Metrorail and bus system fares. It's plastic, like a credit card, and is embedded with a special computer chip that keeps track of the value of the card.  On Metro, each trip taken with a SmarTrip card cost $1 less than those taken with a paper farecard. 
Join the Party at the First Timers Pep Rally  
Long recognized as the best beginner marathon, the MCM will inaugurate over 10,000 new marathoners in 2013. First timers are invited to charge head first into MCM Weekend at the MCM First Timers Pep Rally on Friday, Oct. 25 from 7:00  - 9:00 p.m. at the MCM HQ hotel, the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Get questions answered, calm the nerves and meet fellow newbies.  The program will include running experts like Jeff Galloway and representatives from Clif Pace Team and Brooks plus great music, giveaways and games.  All first timers receive a limited edition commemorative MCM first timers pin. Free appetizers will be provided. Cash bar and light dinner menu  also will be available. A small admission fee is charged for runners and their guests.

Sign up NOW for 5K Warm-up Run and Brunch During MCM Weekend
For a sneak peak at the MCM finish area, sign up for the MCM Runners bRUNch on Saturday, Oct.  26. Kicking off on the National Mall the morning prior to the MCM, the bRUNch begins with a 5K warm-up run and concludes at the Marine Corps War Memorial.  bRUNch will be served adjacent to the finish line with an entertaining talk led by Bart Yasso, Chief Running Officer of "Runner's World."  Registered and non-registered runners may register but space is limited so get a spot now. All participants will receive a commemorative bib and limited edition MCM coin provided by Warrior Chip.
MCM Runners Conference Hosts Two Sessions
The MCM Runners Conference will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the MCM HQ hotel, the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The conference will consist of two 60-minute sessions.  "Intro to the MCM" at 1  p.m. will address MCM-specific topics and questions led by Rick Nealis, MCM  Director. "Final Prep with Jeff Galloway" will be held at 2:15 p.m. offering confidence-building insights and advice. MCM Runners Conference sessions are free, however, runners must register online to attend. Participants may choose to attend both discussions. All attendees will receive a special limited edition MCM coin provided by Warrior Chip.
City Sports Training Runs
Every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. leading up to the marathon, runners can meet at City Sports Georgetown for a long training run. Weekly distances will increase weekly, reaching as many as 20 miles, in preparation for the MCM. All paces and abilities welcome!  Food and water stops provided, as well as a safe place to store belongings.  Win great prizes, get helpful advice and enjoy the camaraderie of training for the MCM with City Sports and Brooks.

Look for e-Cards in Early October
In early October, runners will find the MCM e-card in their in-boxes.  The digital confirmation includes the runner's bib number assignment and quick link to essential MCM Weekend information.  Runners must print the e-card and bring to the Health  & Fitness Expo presented by GE to obtain the official participant bib or be prepared to display it on a mobile device.  Now is the time to confirm an email address to ensure receipt of the e-Card.  Please send any personal information updates to marine.marathon@usmc.mil with data update and runner last name in the subject line.  Please be sure to include date of birth for record identification.

Train with What's on Course
While ramping up for the MCM, train with Gatorade Endurance Formula - the lemon-line flavored sports drink that will hydrate MCM runners on course. Gatorade Endurance Formula is scientifically formulated to meet the needs of endurance athletes.  It contains a five-electrolyte blend including nearly twice the sodium (200 mg) and more than three times the potassium (90 mg) compared to original Gatorade Thirst Quencher. Drink Gatorade Endurance Formula to help sustain hydration, maintain proper fluid balance and help replace key electrolytes lost in sweat during long distance training and racing.  Fuel pre-race training with Gatorade Endurance Formula and other Gatorade Endurance products.

On the Mark with the Clif Pace Team
The Clif Bar Pace Team helps you finish your best marathon ever. These selfless runners act as friend, coach and mentor throughout the MCM. Join the Pace team by signing up online or at the Health & Fitness Expo presented by GE on Oct. 24-26 at the DC Armory. Good luck with your training and we will see you on race day.

Sign up  Young Runners for Healthy Kids Fun Run 
Sign up the kids for the super fun running extravaganza held the day prior to the MCM on Saturday, Oct. 26 in the Pentagon North parking lot.  The Healthy Kids Fun Run hosts young runners ages 5-12 for a one-mile all-out effort that features mascots, Marines and a family festival with healthy snacks, fitness challenges, educational exhibits and exciting activities.  Registration is still open and includes a retro participant T-shirt, awesome medal, snacks at the finish provided by Sodexo and more.

Stride Art Is Coming to the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon
Navy Federal Credit Union celebrates the Marine Corps Marathon and every branch of the military with a picture perfect finish. To commemorate the marathon, Navy Federal Credit Union will create an interactive digital art experience called STRIDE ART. After the run, be part of the fun. Stay tuned for more information to come about STRIDE ART.
MCM News Sprint
Drawing upon historical weather data, NBC4 hosts a preview forecast for MCM Weekend ...90 minutes of live coverage from the MCM start will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet beginning at 7:00  a.m...America's premier a cappella stylists and the United States' vocal ambassadors to the world, the Liberty Voices will perform the National Anthem during MCM start line ceremonies. The group is also performing in concert on the eve of the MCM on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7:00 p.m. at DAR Constitution Hall.  Tickets are on sale now...Track A Runner and Runner Broadcast Service enabling live split data to be transmitted by text, email, Facebook or Twitter will be available beginning in early October...New MCM Weekend App will be unveiled at beginning of October...MarathonFoto offers pre-event discounts up to 35 percent off MCM photos and other products.  Stop by the MarathonFoto expo booth for great deals.  Runners should remember to place the official bib on the center of the race-day shirt for easy identification in all the great photos along the course.