All runners will receive the official MCM E-card by email starting October 8. The digital ticket includes the runner's bib number assignment. Runners may show the E-card on their phones or print and bring the E-card to the Health & Fitness Expo presented by GE to obtain the official participant bib. It is encouraged that runners monitor their spam filters and junk email folders in case the email is diverted from the inbox. The E-card will be sent by an usmc.mil email address. Proxy pick-up is available for runners unable to claim their own bibs. This procedure is detailed on the E-Card. 

The redesigned MCM App is available for all iPhone and Android mobile devices. The App

instantly delivers essential information including course maps, transportation information, event schedules, runner tracking capabilities, social media feeds, weather updates and event-day results. 

MCM and MCM10K runners and spectators will be required to access the start areas through

safety check points. Limiting the number of items brought to the start line will greatly reduce the wait time at this inspection point. Runners are required to use the clear plastic drawstring bag issued at Packet Pick-up for the event-day bag check. Backpacks, suitcases or any other type of bag will not be accepted at UPS Drop-off and may not be left unattended. For marathoners, 10K participants and spectators, the following items are prohibited from entering any MCM event location: glass containers, masks and flammable liquids. Runners may continue to bring a personal supply of fluids. Different in 2014, hydration backpacks will be allowed on the course. 

Why wait until MCM Weekend to read Salute, the official MCM event program. Scroll

through the digital, interactive version of the program now to learn about the event schedule, transportation, spectator tips, course maps, technology and more. Each story includes quick links to online resources with additional details. 

The howitzer blasts to signify the starts of the MCM and MCM10K at 7:55 a.m. The wheelchair and hand cycles will begin the MCM at 7:40 a.m. The MCM course will remain open until 3 p.m., just more than seven hours after gun time. Marathoners must reach the 14th Street Bridge and successfully "Beat the Bridge" just before mile marker 20 by 1:15 p.m. Any runners unable to "Beat the Bridge" should board the straggler buses and be driven to the event finish area. 

Long recognized as the best beginner marathon, the MCM invites first timers to purchase a

ticket to the MCM First Timers Pep Rally on Friday, October 24 from 7- 9 p.m. at the Hyatt

Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Appetizers are provided. A very small admission fee will be charged for runners and guests. Bart Yasso from Runner's World is joined by other in-the-know experts, plus great music, giveaways, social media wall and the exclusive commemorative first timers pin and temporary tattoo. Limited space remains. 

The MCM Health & Fitness Expo presented by GE held on Thursday, October 23 through

Saturday, October 25 hosts Packet Pick-up at the DC Armory for MCM, MCM10K,on October 23 and 24 for MCM Kids Run participants. Runners will receive the official bib, the event program, commemorative patch and UPS baggage sticker at Packet Pick-up, located this year in the lower level of the DC Armory. Runners also will receive a special offer coupon from Chipotle. The Packet Pick-up level is for runners only and is accessed from the main expo hall. Safety screening points will be set up outside the main entrance to the Armory. Inside the venue, after collecting the official shirt, clear plastic bag and Sample Row goodies, runners may visit more than 200 booths including the MCM Brooks Store.

Shuttles will run throughout the weekend from DC Armory to the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, the MCM headquarters hotel and location of several MCM Weekend events. Free parking is available at the Expo, located at the DC Armory. On MCM Day, free parking is available in Crystal City at the corner of 23rd Street and Crystal Drive. Marathoners parking in this location may take the pre-race shuttle from Crystal City to Runners Village in the Pentagon North parking lot beginning at 5:30 a.m. After the MCM, shuttles depart from the Finish Festival in Rosslyn returning runners to Crystal City. These shuttles load at the corner of Oak Street and Wilson Boulevard. There is no designated parking or shuttle service for the MCM10K.  

For runners wishing to park in a location other than Crystal City use Parking Panda, the

nationwide leader in online parking reservations. Once purchased, parking passes for the MCM are 100% guaranteed so no need to be concerned about where to park on event morning. Be sure to check the hours of operation at selected locations before purchasing to ensure the facility is open early enough to allow plenty of time to arrive at the start on the morning of the MCM. 

The Metro system will open at 5 a.m. on event morning. Marathon runners should use the

Pentagon Station (blue/yellow) to access the start line through Runners Village in the Pentagon North Parking lot. This location hosts pre-event UPS Baggage Drop off. The Arlington Cemetery (blue) station will not open until 8:30 a.m., after the official MCM start. On event day, this station may only be used to access to finish area or to leave after the event. The MCM10K start is convenient to the Smithsonian Metro (blue/orange/silver). The Finish Festival is located at the Rosslyn station (blue/orange) and the Crystal City family festival at Mile 23 is at the Crystal City station (blue/yellow). Purchase the commemorative, reusable Marine Corps Marathon OORAH SmarTrip card. Each reusable plastic card comes pre-loaded with $8 in stored fare value for a total price of $10. 

Bring your MCM confirmation email or bib to any City Sports in Washington DC or Maryland to receive 26% off one item. Valid in store from October 24 to October 31. Standard exclusions may apply, see store for details. 

All MCM participants are asked to refrain from 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.

Dunkin Donuts is now serving rewards! Sign up for DDPerks and receive a free medium

beverage for joining. Plus, get rewarded for every Dunkin' run by earning points for every

purchase. Be sure to make Dunkin' part of your MCM Day by grabbing a glazed or chocolate

Munchkin at the Munchkin Mile Station at Mile 24. And visit the Dunkin booth in the Finish

Festival... 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 at www.hailocab.com and enter promo code MCM15 for $15 off the first ride. Offer expires November 1, 2014. HAILO will have a specially designated pick-up location in the Finish Festival at Lynn and 19th Streets...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 MCM Kids Run on Saturday, Oct. 25 in the Pentagon North parking lot. The MCM Kids Run hosts young runners ages 5-12 for a one-mile, just-for-fun run. Registration is still open and includes a participant shirt, medal, snacks at the finish provided by Sodexo and more... 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...At the finish line, runners will receive hospitality including Gatorade, Aquafina,

Turbana banana, Dole fruit cup and Fitful replenishment box with a granola bar, almond pops, white cheddar cheese dip, corn chips, fruit snacks and the keepsake "Mission Accomplished" recovery jacket...Get ready to smile on course. Here's the MarathonFoto photo locations.