Recognized for impeccable organization on a scenic course managed by the US Marines in Arlington, VA and the nation's capital, the Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the US and the world. Known as 'the best marathon for beginners,' the MCM is the largest marathon in the world that doesn't offer prize money, earning its nickname, “The People's Marathon.”
The Marine Corps Marathon was the 6th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 7th largest in 2022.
This year 4.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 3.2% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Marine Corps Marathon the 391st highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 310th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.47 ranks it as the 280th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 6th fastest course in Virginia.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Marine Corps Marathon a PR Score of 98.47. This PR Score ranks it as the 216th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 6th fastest in Virginia.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Marine Corps Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 232 feet (70m) Min Elevation: 2 feet (0m)
Best marathon for first timer
Run Virginia and DC, tour the monuments
2500 US Marines on course plus 2000
volunteers- you will have the support
Excellent expo!
MCM, MCM50K and MCM10K
Use the metro and book hotels early
The MCM Four Star packages are well worth the $$
Disappointed's review of 2023 Marine Corps Marathon.
1 /
5 Stars
Review
Poor communication from race.
Terrible expo. 90 min to get there/ hour plus in line Runner village equals portapotty People fell out left and right due to heat and humidity.
Volunteers on course know nothing.
Post race support non-existent.
Do not bother- it's all a hype race.
Terrible
Take all your own food. Zero real food support afterwards.
Jim T.'s review of 2018 Marine Corps Marathon.
1 /
5 Stars
Review
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE
This race had/has enormous potential to be a top 10 race in the country, but until the event organizers fix the arrival and start line issues, I don't recommend this marathon to anyone.
I started out from my hotel (Le Meridien) about 3/4 mile away, at 5:30 AM for a 7:55 AM start. Took the Metro from Rosslyn to the Pentagon as suggested. Got there early. Stood on the platform and waited for the train that was supposed to be there at 6:00 AM. It showed up at 6:15, and it was packed door to door, front to back. Had to wait for the next train which showed up 15 minutes later. Got on that train and when I got off at the Pentagon stop, there were literally thousands of people trying to exit the metro platform using two sets of escalator stairs that were turned off. It took a good 10 to 15 minutes to just get out of the Metro building. Once outside the building, everyone had to walk about 2 miles to the security checkpoint, another 1/4 mile to the gear bag drop point, and then another half mile beyond that, to the start area. I arrived at my start position (no dilly dallying in between) with literally two minutes to spare. I had to use the porta potty before the gun, so I actually missed the official start. No time to warm up or gather myself mentally. In all, I walked about 3 miles before the race, and at least to me, walking is more taxing on my legs than running.
With 30,000 runners, and no true staggered corral starts, the course was too crowded. Shoulder to shoulder with other runners probably 80% of the way. I actually had a woman wearing earbuds, paying more attention to her music than those running around her, trip me and we both went down hard. Beyond that, it was a lot of ducking and dodging other runners and runners-turn-walkers all the way to the finish line. The other major problem with the course is my Garmin measured out my race at 26.73 miles and that was with me running the tangents the best that I could. Some friends of mine that are elite class measured out at 26.67 miles. So, I have to believe that the official measurements are not correct. I always expect to run about an 1/8 to 1/4 mile more than 26.2 miles, but a half mile is ridiculous.
Lastly, and just as critical, was the fact that one of the nutrition stops were out of Boom gels. The volunteers (who by the way were the best part of this race) were left empty-handed, and at this point in the race (16 - 17 miles in) to arrive at a nutrition stop to find it empty is not a good thing if you were banking on that being available.
WHAT I LIKED
Not much. The volunteers, marines and civilians alike, were fantastic. You couldn't get much more support than what was given. Aside from the empty nutrition stop I referenced above, the other stops were well-tended and supplied. Finish metals are attractive.
Race Tips
If you're registering for this race to compete, don't register. if you're registering for this event to cruise around DC and take some sites in while listening to music thru your earbuds, then sign up. If you sign up to try to compete, then the best advice I can give you is to study the course turn by turn ahead of time, and run the tangents the best you can. Bring your own fuel. Prepare yourself to be patient because you will need a lot of patience weaving in and out of other runners along the way.
Stay in Arlington near the Rosslyn section. Most convenient location to the start and finish line. I found a restaurant called the Tombs on 36th St. NW in Georgetown that was great. Actually the best part of my whole trip. Great food, great atmosphere, and great prices. Awesome! Le Meridien was a great hotel. A little artsy for my taste, but very nice inside. Very well appointed and clean. Helpful staff.
SBC's review of 2018 Marine Corps Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This is a great, well-supported race that I would travel to again. A previous reviewer complained about the start, but I walked the short distance from Le Meridien at 6:40am and was at the start line, with bathroom break by 7:30. The pacers were impossible to find, so be prepared to run your own race - my Garmin did clock in at 26.7 miles, like other runners, hmm? Its a great course with some early hills and the last 1/2+ mile uphill, but with good crowds, music and beautiful sites to keep you motivated.
It would be helpful if there could be 5 or 10 minutes more between the wheelchair and main start.
The expo is in a great space and organized, but for anyone staying near the start/finish with no carit is a 30 minute trip to Maryland with no public transportation.
Marine Corp was one of my favorite races, if nothing but to finish between a line of marines congratulating and cheering on each and every runner.
Race Tips
The first 3 miles are rolling/uphill, so pace accordingly - its hard to find space and pacers are very difficult to find - at least this year.
I walked to the race from LeMeridien (Rosslyn), easy and quick. Leave a little time to go through security. There is only one way in or out to runners village and start line. They will check all bags.
Kathleen's review of 2018 Marine Corps Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I loved everything about this race! Running along side marines, remembering those who gave their lives for us as you ran the Blue Mile, great crowd support, bands, aide stations and water/Gatorade/fuel stations. Marines everywhere encouraging and supporting you!
Cons: people peeing on the side of the course, complaints about the finisher shirt.... come on people! Think about what this race represented instead of being so picky!
Race Tips
It is a challenging course with a hill early on, a few later on the course and at the very end. Run the tangents as it was longer then 26.2
