description Marine Corps Marathon Overview
The Marine Corps Marathon is an annual 26.2-mile race held in the Washington, D.C. area since 1976. Organized by the United States Marine Corps, the event is known as "The People's Marathon" because it does not offer prize money and maintains a relatively open registration policy. The course passes numerous landmarks in the nation's capital and is one of the largest marathons in the United States that does not use a lottery system for entry.
insights Ranking position
Marine Corps Marathon ranks #14 of 247 in the Marathon ranking, behind Sydney Marathon, ahead of Paris Marathon.
help Marine Corps Marathon FAQ
Why is the Marine Corps Marathon called The People's Marathon?
It is the largest marathon in the world that does not award prize money. The event emphasizes recreational runners and military service rather than a professional prize purse.
Where does the Marine Corps Marathon finish?
The traditional finish is near the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, commonly called the Iwo Jima Memorial. Reaching it requires runners to climb a final hill after passing landmarks in Arlington and Washington, D.C.
Was the first Marine Corps Marathon always called that?
The inaugural 1976 event was called the Marine Corps Reserve Marathon and had 1,175 participants. It officially became the Marine Corps Marathon after responsibility passed to active-duty Marines in 1978.
Does the Marine Corps Marathon course pass the National Mall?
Yes. The course typically takes runners through Arlington and central Washington, including sections near the National Mall and its museums and monuments.
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