Marine Corps Marathon

About the race

MCM is called the People's Marathon, and that reputation is earned — 30,000 runners, finish-line Marines placing your medal, and some of the most patriotic miles in the sport. It winds through Arlington, Georgetown, and past the major monuments of the National Mall before finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial near Arlington Cemetery. It's also harder than the map suggests.

Course profile

850 feet of total elevation gain — more than Boston, far more than Chicago or Berlin. Georgetown's hills, the Key Bridge crossing, the approach along the National Mall, and the stretch near Memorial Bridge at miles 20–22 all contribute. Miles 20–22 arrive when your legs have nothing left. If your long runs have been on flat roads, MCM will expose that in the final 10K.

Race-day conditions

Late October in D.C. is 45–60°F — ideal conditions. D.C.'s residual fall humidity runs higher than drier venues like Sacramento or Chicago. The 2011 edition ran warm. Plan for a range and don't assume the calendar guarantees cool weather.

Using the predictor

MCM runs 1.8% slower than Berlin — roughly 3–4 minutes on a 3:30 finish. Most runners are surprised by this. The hill profile is the reason, and it hits you in the final miles when it costs the most. Budget for it in your pace plan before race day.

Common questions