Whether the wishbone broke in your favor, you blew away a stray eyelash or tossed a penny in a fountain; whatever you did worked to get you through the MCM Lottery and officially registered for the 39th Marine Corps Marathon. Congratulations! The Class of 2014 has been assembled and boasts inspired runners from every state and 51 countries. It is humbling and exciting to see the annual enthusiasm individuals have for participating in "The People's Marathon." This outpouring of interest is not overlooked by the hard-charging Marines, who spend the year reviewing after actions, employing best practices and preparing to execute the operations plan for the best organized marathon with your success in mind. Oorah!
On May 5, the MCM hosts Olympian and famed marathon trainer Jeff Galloway for two free marathon training workshops. Through his best-selling books, numerous articles, fitness retreats and training programs around the world, Galloway has coached over 300,000 runners to successful marathon and half-marathon finishes. The "Run-Walk-Run" method Galloway developed has a better than 99 percent success rate. Learn from the man himself, ask your big marathon training questions and embrace Jeff's can-do attitude by attending either of the seminars hosted by the MCM. Galloway will speak at Little Hall aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico at noon and then at the United States Navy Memorial theatre in the nation's capital at 6:30 p.m. 
While filling out the MCM Lottery registration form, did you picture yourself running in the
awesome MCM training shirt designed by Brooks, but didn't feel confident about making the Lottery? Were you prepared to purchase the runcoach personalized, adjustable online training program, but wanted to wait until you received your MCM confirmation? Was the special offer from MarathonFoto too good to pass up, but you reluctantly held back pending your official registration. Could you taste the MCM-eve pasta dinner, but took a pass until you knew you were part of MCM Class of 2014? Well, now that you're in, go back and get the MCM training shirt or cap, purchase the online trainer, splurge for the photo package or grab tickets to Carbo Dining In. All are available for a limited time.
If a running partner or motivated friend didn't get into the 39th MCM through the Lottery, spread the word that spots are still available by registering with one of the MCM Charity Partners. Join a charity team to assist in raising funds and awareness by training for and completing the MCM. It is an opportunity to turn a big accomplishment into something even bigger and run for causes that support Marines and their families, health initiatives, research efforts and countless more deserving initiatives. 
The MCM Hotel Desk offers specially priced hotel rates for MCM Weekend. If you want your hotel to be convenient to the start or finish lines, Arlington hotels are ideally situated. If you want to be close to the Health & Fitness Expo presented by GE as well as the landmarks of the nation's capital, stay in a DC property including the MCM HQ Hotel, the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. Runners are urged to move quickly. The MCM Hotel Desk is already selling at a faster pace than previous years. 

Registered runners who find themselves unable to participate in the MCM may transfer an
entry to an unregistered, hopeful marathoner through the event's unique Transfer Program. It is up to the runners to find each other to execute the transfer. The MCM Facebook page is a great way to connect. Beginning on June 11, registered runners may transfer an entry through the online transfer form. A fee of $40 will be charged for this service. Another option is the deferment program, a capped service offering a limited number of spaces for runners wishing to participate in 2015 instead of 2014. The MCM's limited deferment option will be available beginning August 1 and will conclude when the program reaches capacity. The fee to defer is $60. 
Now registered, everybody's attention has turned to training and preparing for "The People's Marathon." MCM Weekend, though, is only part of the fun. Enjoy the chatter, conversation, networking and motivation of the MCM Community on several social networks. Join 95,000 friends looking for inspiration and information on the MCM Facebook page. Interact and inquire over Twitter. Share images via Instagram. Most importantly, as you progress toward your goal, let everyone know you are going to #RunWithTheMarines.
You don't have to wait six months to experience the thrill of a #RunWithTheMarines. Boasting a patriotic start line bathed in stars and stripes, a course packed with crowds (some on their front porches), a technical competitor shirt and a stunning finisher medal, the Marine Corps Historic Half has become a favorite running destination for motivated runners from Virginia and across the country. The 2014 Historic Half to be held on May 18, 2014 takes runners on 13.1 mile journey through the quaint downtown streets, up the now famous Hospital Hill to awaiting Marines at the Historic Half finish line. A quick drive of just 50 minutes from DC and Richmond to the greatest half marathon in history! Registration costs $65 now, but the price jumps to $85 beginning on April 1. The Historic 10K and Semper Fred 5K will also be held on May 18. 
The MCM10K presented by Aetna is big. Big crowds. Big sights. Big finish. Run around
the National Mall and cross the same inspirational finish as the MCM at the Marine Corps War Memorial. The MCM10K hosts 10,000 participants and sells out annually. So tell running friends to mark down May 21 when registration opens for the MCM10K. 
As registered runners initiate training for the 39th, MCM, all should be aware of time requirements to successfully complete the 26.2 miles. All runners must maintain a 14 minute-per-mile pace to "Beat the Bridge," just after mile marker 20. The 14th Street Bridge will reopen to vehicular traffic making it unavailable to runners after 1:15 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. The "Gauntlet," a timed check-point at mile 17.5 employed in previous years, will not be enforced in 2014.... Be a part of the MCM experience by working alongside the men and women of the USMC. Volunteers have fun, meet Marines and enjoy the thrills of event day without having to log any training miles. Join the motivated masses as an individual or a group on the course, at Packet Pick-up, at the start or finish. Sign up now to volunteer for Marine Corps Historic Half in May or Run Amuck in June...Got an interesting or motivational story about your participation in the MCM? Share the details on the MCM Share-A-Story page...Own the finish, literally. Purchase a tote or messenger bag made from the actual banners that decorated the MCM finish line. The repurposed banners are made by PriorLife.