All runners will receive the official MCM E-card by email. The digital ticket includes the bib number assignment. Runners may show the E-card on a phone or print and bring the E-card to the Health & Fitness Expo to obtain the official participant bib. It is encouraged that runners monitor spam filters and junk email folders in case the email is diverted from the inbox. Proxy pick-up, or someone other than the runner picking up the bib, is available for runners unable to attend the Expo. This procedure is
detailed on the E-card. Only the registered individual may participate in the MCM or MCM10K with the official assigned bib. Substitutions are unauthorized.

If you already have it, download the upgrade. If it's not on your phone, its time to install the MCM App, available for all iPhone and Android mobile devices. The App offers access to essential information including course maps, transportation information, event schedules, runner tracking capabilities, social media feeds, weather updates and event-day results.

Motigo is a free iPhone app that will play MCM-specific and personalized cheer messages during the event. The MCM has recorded GPS-enabled motivational and information messages that will play over a runner's favorite music while running through specific locations on the MCM course. Runners can also invite friends and family to record personalized audio cheers.

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.

MCM and MCM10K runners and spectators will be required to access the start areas through screening points. Limiting the number of items brought to the start line will greatly reduce the wait time at these inspection points. 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. As always, if you see something, say something.

The howitzer blasts to signify the starts of the MCM and MCM10K at 7:55 a.m. The wheelchair and hand cycles will begin at 7:45 a.m., that's five minutes later this year. All wheeled athletes must display a four-foot flag from their chair or cycle. The MCM course will remain open until 3:15 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" will be required to board the straggler buses and be driven to the event finish area.

To the Expo
  • The MCM Health & Fitness Expo held on Fri., Oct. 23 and Sat., Oct. 24 hosts Packet Pick-up at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for MCM, MCM10K and MCM Kids Run participants. Travel to the Expo by using Mt Vernon Square-Convention Center Station (green/yellow). Visitors must walk to the front entrance of the Convention Center on Mt. Vernon Place to access the Expo located in Hall C. There is no parking located at the Convention Center. Visit MCM partner, Parking Panda, the nationwide leader in online parking reservations, to secure a parking spot convenient to the Expo. Shuttles will run between the MCM headquarters hotel, the Hyatt Regency Washington, and the Convention Center on Friday and Saturday.

By Shuttle
  • 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-start shuttles 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.


By Metro


Use Uber
  • MCM is teaming up with Uber, the app that connects you with a reliable ride in minutes. New to Uber? Sign up with the promo code RIDEMCM for $20 off your first ride. Visit uber.com/go/ridemcm or download the Uber app and enter the
    promo code RIDEMCM.
     

In 2014, the MCM received gold certification for superior environmental practices. Let's not trash the MCM's reputation in 2015. All MCM participants are asked to refrain from dropping trash on the course. 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.

Whether a runner, or here to cheer for one, you'll have countless opportunities for history, culture and fun in Arlington. Enjoy world-class dining, shopping and nightlife around every corner. In addition to being the proud Home of the Marine Corps Marathon, Arlington invites you to experience national treasures like the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Air Force Memorial and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. With festivals in Crystal City and Rosslyn during and after the Marathon, Arlington's your starting line for national history and local flavor.

The MCM offers amazing tools to track runners during the MCM and MCM10K. Spectators and runners now can register to follow a marathoner's progress from the 10K, 20K, 30K, 40K and finish-line split locations in real time. Only finish time data will be pushed out for MCM10K participants. Follow one or multiple runners by signing up to receive updates by text or email or have updates automatically posted on a Facebook timeline or over a Twitter feed.

 

Runners and their guests may still purchase tickets to special events being held during MCM Weekend.

  • MCM bRUNch on Sat., Oct.24 includes brunch in the MCM VIP tent.
  • MCM Pep Rally presented by First Command on Fri., Oct. 23 features music, cheerleaders, light appetizers, prizes and expert speakers mixing and mingling.
  • Free! MCM Runners Conference presented by Leidos on Fri., Oct. 23 and Sat., Oct. 24 in the Carnegie Library, across from the MCM Health & Fitness Expo. Sign up for one or several of the expert sessions hosted by Jeff Galloway, MCM Director Rick Nealis or experts from MedStar Sports Medicine.
  • 10th annual MetroCooking DC show happens October 24-25 at the Washington Convention Center. Mix and mingle with celebrity chefs Giada De Laurentiis, Michael Symon, and Bryan Voltaggio! Enjoy local chef demos, bites from top restaurants, culinary classes, craft beer tastings, shopping from hundreds of specialty food vendors and more! Tickets available at www.metrocookingdc.com. Use the $5 discount Code MARINECORPS when purchasing General Admission tickets online.

 

  • Banners to Bags-Purchase a tote, gear bag or other specially-made products created from the actual banners that decorate the MCM finish line.
  • Seat Covers-Protect car seats from sweat with the MCM-branded SeatBrella� car seat protector. It is the perfect replacement for towels, T-shirts and garbage bags.
  • Photos-MarathonFoto will take in-action photos of every runner along the course for purchase as digital download or keepsake photo product.
  • Plaques- Showcase success of a mission accomplished with classic plaques and shadow boxes featuring the coveted MCM finisher medal, MCM logo and individual runner results data. Available for purchase at the Expo or online from Fond Memories.
  • Brooks Apparel- Brooks is looking forward to seeing runners at the Brooks Official Merchandise Area at the Health & Fitness Expo. In the meantime, uncover the best running shoes for you with this curious, interactive finder. It works like magic, yet it's rooted in the best running science to date.

Still time to sign up young runners between age 5-12 for the one-mile, just-for-fun MCM Kids Run presented by Virginia529 on Sat., Oct. 24 at the Pentagon North parking lot. Virginia529 provides superior, affordable, innovative, tax-advantaged college savings options to assist families and others in achieving their higher education goals...Know someone who just wants to help during MCM Weekend? Volunteer opportunities remain available including many new and exciting responsibilities...Celebrities during MCM Weekend include Dolvett from The Biggest Loser in the Brookstone Recovery Zone of the Finish Festival; and Pittsburgh Steeler Rocky Bleier and Washington Redskin Jeff Bostic in the Military Benefit Association booth at the Expo...Best of luck at Marine Corps Marathon! Stop by the TomTom booth to see first-hand how to improve your training and race time with a TomTom GPS Fitness Watch, the essential training tool. Discounted prices on select watches available exclusively race weekend. The only thing you have to lose is minutes off your time.

wear blue: run to remember will again execute the powerful wear blue Mile at mile 12, the most remote stretch of the course.  The wear blue Mile is a span of 3,662 steps in which tribute posters to over 150 of America's fallen service members will be followed by over 300 American flags, bearing the names of these brave men and women. wear blue: run to remember is a national non-profit that builds running communities across the country that honor the service and sacrifice of the American military. It will be a chance for all MCM runners to pause, honor, remember, and live more inspired. It is guaranteed to be the most patriotic mile on any marathon course in our nation. Be sure to visit the wear blue: run to remember expo booth and let your steps stride in honor and remembrance of the American military and all of our service members who have given their lives to our great nation.