About the race
The Marine Corps Marathon, known as "The People's Marathon", is run in Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., usually on the last Sunday in October. The organiser lists the 2026 edition for 25 October 2026. It is the third-largest marathon in the United States and the largest in the world that offers no prize money.
History
Colonel James L. Fowler proposed the event in a memo in October 1975 to build goodwill between the Marine Corps and the community and to showcase the service. The first race took place on 7 November 1976, with 1,175 participants finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Kenneth Moore won that inaugural race. The race is run by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization.
The course
The route starts in Arlington on Route 110, passes through Rosslyn and heads onto Spout Run and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. After crossing Key Bridge into Georgetown, runners go down M Street and later out and back along Rock Creek Parkway, then pass the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Memorial. Halfway comes at Hains Point in East Potomac Park. The course then passes the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin, the Martin Luther King Jr. and FDR memorials, and loops the Capitol Reflecting Pool, with a view of the Washington Monument and Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. The race has a "Beat the Bridge" checkpoint at mile 20 before it returns to Virginia over the 14th Street Bridge. The final 10 km runs through Crystal City, past the Pentagon and alongside Arlington National Cemetery, ending with an uphill finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial.
Distances
Alongside the marathon the weekend includes the MCM10K, which starts on the National Mall and joins the marathon course for the last stretch. The organiser also lists other events through the year, including a 17.75K, the Quantico 12K and the Marine Corps Historic Half.
Entry basics
The race has no entry lottery and is open to anyone over 14, according to Wikipedia. The organiser's page says registration is open for events listed there, and promotes the race as a good one for beginners.
Where to watch
The Finish Festival in Rosslyn welcomes runners, spectators and the community with food, music and entertainment. Along the route, busy areas include Georgetown, the National Mall, Crystal City and the finish near the Marine Corps War Memorial.
Weather
Late October is autumn in the Washington area. Mornings can be cool and crisp, though the conditions vary from year to year, so check the local forecast close to race day.
SourcesMarine Corps Marathon home · Wikipedia: Marine Corps Marathon