MCM partner, HAILO, the world's highest rated taxi app, lets runners and spectators hail and pay for a taxi through a smartphone. Download the HAILO app and enter promo code MCM15 for $15 off the first ride. Offer expires November 1, 2014.  

 

Parking Panda, the nationwide leader in online parking reservations, will allow MCM runners, volunteers and spectators to purchase parking passes at convenient locations near the MCM start and finish lines and throughout the city. Access Parking Panda services through the transportation page of the MCM website or the MCM App. Be sure to check hours of operation to ensure garages are open when needed during MCM Weekend. Free parking is available in Crystal City at the corner of 23rd and Crystal Drive for the MCM.

Long recognized as the best beginner marathon, the MCM will inaugurate over 10,000 new marathoners in 2014. First timers are invited to charge into MCM Weekend by getting a ticket for the MCM First Timers Pep Rally on Friday, Oct. 24 from 7 - 9 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 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.

For a sneak peak at the MCM finish area, sign up for the MCM Runners bRUNch on Saturday, Oct. 25. 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." Anyone may register for the bRUNch whether or not they are participating in the MCM or MCM10K but space is at a premium so get a spot now. All participants will receive a commemorative bib and limited edition MCM coin. 

The MCM Runners Conference will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25 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. "Champions of Womens Running" will be held at 2:15 p.m. offering insights and advice for female participants. 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 plus a MCM pen and notepad. 

Sunday mornings leading up to the marathon, runners are invited to 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. 

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. 

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.

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. 23-25 at the DC Armory.

Sign up the kids for the super fun running extravaganza held the day prior to the MCM on Saturday, Oct. 25 in the Pentagon North parking lot. The MCM Kids 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.

It's more than just carbs. Get a seat at the MCM Carbo Dining In hosted by First Command. Limited spots remain available for this evening of good food, USO entertainment, prizes, ceremony and guest speaker Bart Yasso on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill....90 minutes of live coverage from the MCM start will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet beginning at 7 a.m... 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...The updated MCM App will be available in mid-September for iPhone and Android devices to amaze and inform runners and spectators...Turkey Trot 10K and Mile will be held on Nov. 22 on Marine Corps Base Quantico. Register now for this event that features the most colorful and unique participant shirt on the calendar.

The 2014 American Medical Athletic Association's Sports Medicine Symposium at the Marine Corps Marathon, held on October 24 in Arlington, VA, will provide up to 15 hours of Category 1 CME, AAFP Prescribed credit, and NATA credit hours. This one-day symposium offers a variety of learning opportunities with morning lectures followed by hands-on workshops for dry needling and ultrasound of the injured runner. During an onsite lunch, you can learn about medical care guidelines and assignments if volunteering at the Marine Corps Marathon or how to effectively run the marathon if you're hitting the pavement on race day. Lunch will be followed by a grand rounds discussion on "Marathons as a Mass Casualty Event" by the Boston Marathon medical director, as well as other interesting lectures on race-day topics. After an onsite dinner hosted by the AMAA, you will take part in an informative panel discussion on managing back pain in runners. Learn more.

The Beef Checkoff, through its Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI), is

currently looking for runners to participate in Team BEEF for the upcoming Marine Corps Marathon. Team BEEF offers many benefits and opportunities, such as covering a portion of the registration cost, supplying runners with a Team BEEF jersey, meal solutions and health benefits of including lean beef in an athlete's diet. All interested participants should visit the NEBPI Website for more information.

The MCM, recently recognized by the Virginia Green program, is committed to producing

an environmentally responsible event by claiming the throne as the classiest marathon. All participants are asked to support this effort by not dropping trash on the course, a noted bad habit of runners everywhere. Any water bottles, gel packs or other items must be discarded at trash receptacles situated at all water points. Bananas and other appropriate food items may be composted in the Finish Festival in Rosslyn thanks to sponsor, Turbana. As 60 percent of the MCM course is located on National Park land, MCM participants and spectators will be asked to "Stash the Trash" and "Can It" throughout the event. Volunteer positions are still available to support composting, clean-up and other green-ish jobs. Please help maintain the beauty and dignity of the National Parks and landmarks along the MCM course and contribute to the MCM's recertification bid with the Council for Responsible Sport.