An annual indulgence.  A glorious excursion.  A relentless diversion.  A must do.  A can do.  A will do.  It's not just 26.2 miles.  It's the Marine Corps Marathon.  Declare intent between March 24-30 and let the Lottery usher in another dedicated pursuit of glory at the United States Marine Corps War Memorial.    Registration for the 41st MCM will be conducted through online lottery opening from March 24 at noon through March 30 at noon (Eastern). As part of the registration process, runners will be requested to set up a MCM registration account.    The 41st MCM will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30 starting in Arlington, VA, home of the MCM.    Registration costs $135 plus a processing fee.  During registration, runners may purchase a discounted photo package from MarathonFoto; bold blue "With Purpose" and heather grey "Mission Focus" MCM training T's by Brooks; online training program from runcoach; or tickets to the Carbo Dining In, pre-event pasta dinner to be held on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Gaylord National Resort, the new MCM headquarters hotel.   No charges for registration or training items will be incurred until a runner is officially registered.  Runners may notice a $1 verification check on their credit card accounts as part of the lottery registration process.  This doesn't represent actual charge but simply serves to verify the account information.  Notification emails will be sent throughout the day on Wednesday, March 31 beginning at noon.   Entries cannot be withdrawn after selection, nor can they be refunded. However, runners may shift an entry to another interested party once the MCM Transfer Program opens on June 13 at noon.     Those who register for the MCM Lottery but are not selected may still participate in the MCM by affiliating with one of the MCM Charity Partners, beginning in April. That's right. You can register now for the 2016 MCM by purchasing the MCM VIP package. With limited availability remaining, the VIP package bundles two guaranteed MCM entries with two nights at the Gaylord National Resort and tickets to MCM Weekend events including the Carbo Dining In pasta dinner with private pre-event reception and MCM Runners bRUNch with 5K run. Other VIP amenities include exclusive shuttle service to the MCM start and pre-MCM hospitality tent. The deadline to purchase is April 15. Runners run. Family, friends and supporters volunteer. Encourage others to work alongside the men and women of the USMC as a volunteer. This essential workforce has fun, meets Marines and enjoys the thrills of event day by contributing to the accomplishments of others. Individuals or groups may sign up for a position on the course, at Packet Pick-up, at the start or finish lines of the Marine Corps 17.75K or Historic Half, or just register to be notified of future MCM opportunities. A new and completely rebuilt MCM website was launched earlier this year allowing for easier access to event information.  To learn more about MCM events or to register for a specific run, visit the MCM website and click on the "event" tab in the header. Choose one of the MCM events and quickly access details and registration links housed under the drop down menus. Showcase your 2016 marathon mission by wearing training apparel from the 2016 MCM Brooks line. Motivating artwork that reads "Mission Focus" or "With Purpose" decorates relaxed fit, moisture wicking podium short and long sleeve T-shirts for men and women. "With Purpose" stretch-woven, adjustable training hats will also be available for purchase during Lottery registration.  No charges will be incurred until a runner is officially registered for the 41st MCM.  Make arrangements now to secure your hotel room for MCM Weekend. The MCM Online Hotel Desk is open with special rates for MCM participants. Choose an Arlington property to be close to Metro, as well as the start and finish lines or stay at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, debuting as the MCM HQ Hotel. A new transportation plan will be revealed later in spring providing details regarding shuttles, parking and access to MCM activities hosted at National Harbor. You don't have to wait until fall to experience the thrill of running with the Marines. Great crowds, lovely scenery, historic sites, awesome medal and the challenge of beating Hospital Hill. The Marine Corps Historic Half happens on May 15, 2016 in Fredericksburg, VA. Sign up now for the hugely-popular springtime run organized by the Marine Corps Marathon.  Register now for $90 and opt to purchase the limited-edition heather gray technical training shirt with red accents featuring the motivating phrase "Can Do." Turn the Historic Half into a weekend getaway and book a hotel in Fredericksburg. Introducing the new Semper 5ive presented by Navy Federal Credit Union, a five-mile run held the same day as the Historic Half on May 15, 2016.  Registration is $40 and is now open.  The Semper 5ive point-to-point course begins in Fredericksburg's downtown before a mighty climb up Hospital Hill, the now-famous 200-foot incline located on the campus of Mary Washington Healthcare. You've seen photos on social media of your mud-covered friends. Now, it's time to get your hands dirty and register for Run Amuck, the four- and two-mile mud and obstacle events to be held on June 4 aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. Take to the hills and trails in the messiest, muddiest and most grueling MCM event featuring more than 20 wild obstacles, mud pits and authentic down-and-dirty Marine Corps PT experiences. Registration fees are $50 or $30 depending on the distance. For MCM runners who train during the warm spring and hot summer months.  Protect car seats from sweat with the SeatBrellaR car seat protector.  It is the perfect replacement for towels, t-shirts and garbage bags. Waterproof, soft, lightweight, easy on and off, comfortable to sit on, washable and durable. No more legs sticking to leather seats! No more sweaty car seats! The MCM-branded SeatBrella is available online and available for 20 percent off by using promocode MCM20.