Actor Sean Astin, star of "Rudy," "Lord of the Rings" and recently, "Moms' Night Out,"
will participate in the 39th MCM. Astin served as the honorary starter at the 2013 Marine Corps Historic Half, completing the 13.1 mile run in 2:11:58. On May 23, Astin tweeted: "My Quest Continues: October 26th @Marine_Marathon Sub 4." Let Sean hear from the MCM Nation -- tweet your motivational messages to him @Run3rdSean.

MCM registered runners no longer able to participate in the event may now officially transfer their entry to a Marathon hopeful or switch into the MCM10K. It is up to the individuals to find each other to execute a runner-to-runner transfer. The MCM Facebook page is a great way to connect. When transferring an entry, runners do not receive a refund on registration fees from the MCM. Any such monetary transactions must be handled directly between the transferring runners.

The registered runner must complete the online form located in the MCM's "Transfer Guide: from Runner to Runner" on the transfer page of the MCM website. MCM runners will follow the detailed instructions provided and include the new runner's information. An email will be sent to the transfer recipient with an individualized link. The new runner must complete the form and register for the 39th MCM within 72 hours. The new runner will also pay a $40 fee to finalize the transaction. There are no fees for the runner initiating the transfer.

Later this summer, the MCM will offer the deferment option for runners wishing to participate in 2015 instead of 2014. The MCM deferment option will be available beginning Aug. 1 and will conclude when the program reaches capacity. The fee to defer to the 40th MCM is $60. 

Runners are invited to post on Instagram in-training and in-action photos in front of scenic locations, wearing MCM apparel or highlighting a scene certain to inspire. Be creative and use #RunWithTheMarines. Photos posted by July 11 will be collected and incorporated into the "MCM Faces of Motivation" video to be released in August. Remember to add the hashtag to the image. 

The MCM Travel Desk offers discounted hotel rates for MCM Weekend at properties 
close 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 prefer 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 Washington 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.

All runners will attend the MCM Health & Fitness Expo at the DC Armory from October 23-25 for Packet Pick-up. The Expo is a showcase for more than 200 vendors featuring exercise, wellness, gear, apparel, technology and more. Other MCM Weekend events include the MCM Runners bRUNch, a light 5K run on Saturday, Oct. 25 from the National Mall to the MCM finish line. Brunch with featured speaker Bart Yasso will be hosted in the MCM VIP Tent. Registration for this event begins in September. Other events also opening registration then include the MCM Runners Conference, a forum for runners and experts to talk all things marathon and MCM, and the First Timers Pep Rally on Friday, Oct. 24, where the MCM celebrates those logging their first 26.2 mile run with food, music, giveaways, games and a host of experts to help build confidence and excitement. 

The MCM10K presented by Aetna is runs around the National Mall and finishes at the Marine Corps War Memorial on Oct. 26. The event field is nearly 40 percent filled so tell running friends to move quickly for a spot in the "Six-Mile Haul from the Mall." Those registered for the 39th MCM can choose to transfer their participation to the MCM10K. There is no additional fee to transfer from the MCM to the MCM10K.

The MCM Kids Run is a one-mile run for children ages 5-12 on Oct. 25, the day prior to the MCM. Every kid gets a finisher 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, Watermelon.org and more! Even though fall seems so far away, don't lose track of this meaningful opportunity for your youngster. Take time to register now and make sure your kids are part of this wholly positive experience. 

Looking for an online coaching plan that is personalized and dynamic? Has the ability to sync miles with a GPS enabled app? Adjusts workouts as you progress? Has qualified coaches to answer questions? The MCM runcoach program is for you. For just $20 get 20 weeks of training - a savings of 80 percent for MCM trainees.