Marine Corps Marathon
Arlington, VA
- Marathon, 8K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
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 … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Oct 25):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 59 | 67 | 77 | 64 | 80 |
| L (°F) | 41 | 46 | 50 | 60 | 62 |
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First Marathon
This was the perfect race to run for my first marathon. The course was easy to navigate and the scenery was simply amazing. The management of the event was also … MORE
This was the perfect race to run for my first marathon. The course was easy to navigate and the scenery was simply amazing. The management of the event was also phenomenal although I did hear they had some issues with the swag later in the day. Absolutely amazing race. I would not mind running this again.
Poorly planned and overcrowded
This was my 4th overall MCM, my last having been in 2013. This race has truly gone down hill since the last time I ran it. Pros: -Great swag: Medal, … MORE
This was my 4th overall MCM, my last having been in 2013. This race has truly gone down hill since the last time I ran it.
Pros:
-Great swag: Medal, blanket, and cape
Cons:
-Ran out of everything (fuel, water, and swag) for runners at the back of the race.
-Way too crowded not only with runners, but with spectators. They allowed too many runners into the field due to it being an anniversary. Spectators were allowed to crowd the running lanes.
-Direction after the race was nonexistent. Get in the next endless line and hope it’s where you need to go.
-Transportation via the Metro after the race is brutal. Do yourself a favor and walk (if you can) a few blocks away and get an uber. It took me almost 2 hours to get back to my hotel after the race using the Metro.
Fabulous Race! Fabulous Weekend!
The Marines do a WONDERFUL job putting this on! Very well organized! Yes, it is crowded...but it is so worth running it at least once! It is a great race … MORE
The Marines do a WONDERFUL job putting this on! Very well organized! Yes, it is crowded…but it is so worth running it at least once! It is a great race run through Virginia & DC. The weather was perfect this year too!
Awesome Race
The People’s Marathon was all it was cracked up to be! This was a huge race with over 40 thousand runners but well organized. Marines were everywhere and helpful. And … MORE
The People’s Marathon was all it was cracked up to be! This was a huge race with over 40 thousand runners but well organized. Marines were everywhere and helpful. And the crowd support was amazing from start to finish.
Meaningful Race, 50th was too big
This is a race every marathoner should run at least once. The chance to run with the Marines and honor those who have sacrificed for us. While I am grateful … MORE
This is a race every marathoner should run at least once. The chance to run with the Marines and honor those who have sacrificed for us. While I am grateful the race went forward during the government shutdown, there were logistical issues as a result. The large field caused some issues as well. Even so I am glad that I ran the race.
Best Medal Ever!!
This was a top notch race celebrated with an amazing MCM 50th Anniversary race medal! Perfect marathon course with an abundance of lively support from the Marines and spectators. Thank … MORE
This was a top notch race celebrated with an amazing MCM 50th Anniversary race medal! Perfect marathon course with an abundance of lively support from the Marines and spectators. Thank you!!
A must!
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this race! This happened to be my first marathon. I would absolutely do it again! This year that I ran was … MORE
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this race! This happened to be my first marathon. I would absolutely do it again! This year that I ran was the 50th Anniversary of the race. They had made a fantastic medal for this one, and yes, you could say that I would sleep with it under my pillow if it was comfortable. lol. It has always been a little bit of a dream to visit Washington DC and this race was definitely an incentive to do so. Spectators were nothing short of fantastic and I felt them carry me along the way. Yes, there were a lot of people participating and spectating, and things weren’t exactly how people wanted them to be, but it should be expected with such a large crowd. The organizers couldn’t have done a better job with a race this size. Plenty of hydration stations. I didn’t use their fuel, but they seemed sufficient enough. Marines were hollering out and cheering on the runners, which made for a fun and motivating experience. A marine placing our medals around our necks at the end, made this experience extra special. The sites along the way… the wear blue run to remember mile at the 12th mile, was emotional. The after race “party” had a lot of vendor tents and food provided. Quite crowded, but was exciting. This was a bit of a dream come true for me and I fulfilled it, thanks to this race! So many people participating in it, so definitely plan ahead and arrive early. The metro was very helpful, but congested and delayed close to race time and right afterward. That was really it for tips and things to be aware of. Everyone who is thinking about it should try it!
First time marathoner!!
This was my first marathon (so, obviously my first MCM). While there were some hiccups, overall, I thought it was one of the coolest things I've ever accomplished! I did … MORE
This was my first marathon (so, obviously my first MCM). While there were some hiccups, overall, I thought it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever accomplished! I did not love the Expo. It was too crowded and the check out line was rediculous BUT with THAT many runners signed up, it was to be expected! I loved that we were greeted by Marines and received our bibs from Marines! So cool! The crowd was electric! My neck hurt so bad after the marathon from rubber necking to read all the signs and see all the people and landmarks! My sister and I did this together in honor of her two sons who are Marines (one active duty!). She broke her foot over the finish line from exhaustion so we didn’t get to enjoy the finisher festival with all the photo ops but the whole thing, overall, was just so cool! I didn’t finish as fast as I had hoped BUT I finished and now I have my baseline!
Do yourself a favor and RUN.THIS.MARATHON!
AMAZING FIRST MARATHON EXPERIENCE!
The Marine Corps Marathon was my first marathon, and I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From start to finish, it was everything I hoped for and more. … MORE
The Marine Corps Marathon was my first marathon, and I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From start to finish, it was everything I hoped for and more.
I stayed in the Arlington/Rosslyn area and getting around was a breeze—Metro was incredibly easy to navigate, even for a first-timer. I went to the expo on Friday with zero issues (took the shuttle from the Metro). While the expo organization was smooth, the swag was definitely underwhelming—designs felt limited and not quite as exciting as I hoped. Still, everyone was friendly and helpful, and it was quick in and out.
Race morning was organized beautifully, with the only hiccup being how insanely packed the Metro was at the Rosslyn station. The start area logistics were seamless, clear, and well-controlled. The weather was perfect. On-course support was outstanding—lots of well-stocked water and nutrition stops, and yes… plenty of Marine eye candy at every station to keep the energy high! The crowd support was powerful and constant; there were very few lonely stretches, and the cheering sections really carried you forward.
The Blue Mile was one of the most emotional and inspiring parts of the course. It’s impossible not to feel humbled and motivated running through that tribute.
The finish line experience and family meet-up area were just as smooth—easy to navigate, quick to reunite with supporters, and no confusion at all.
If I had one suggestion, the race website could use a redesign—information was there, but not always easy to find. Nothing major, just something that could make the experience even better.
Overall: phenomenal race, phenomenal organization, phenomenal experience. I’d absolutely recommend MCM to anyone, especially first-timers. A truly unforgettable day!
Great experience, with growing pains.
Overall a great experience, awesome crowds, and an approachable marathon for a first time marathoner. MCM expanded in size as a result, there were some growing pains such as an … MORE
Overall a great experience, awesome crowds, and an approachable marathon for a first time marathoner. MCM expanded in size as a result, there were some growing pains such as an overcrowded expo, and some confusion over the starting area, but overall a very positive experience.
Exceptional organization + iconic views
The course takes winds it's way around some of DC's best known landmarks, though the last few miles are dull. The event organization is amazing and atmosphere electric. MORE
The course takes winds it’s way around some of DC’s best known landmarks, though the last few miles are dull. The event organization is amazing and atmosphere electric.
Amazing experience
This was my first marathon and I had an amazing experience. This year there were nearly 40,000 runners, and it was definitely congested at times, I think the race coordinators … MORE
This was my first marathon and I had an amazing experience. This year there were nearly 40,000 runners, and it was definitely congested at times, I think the race coordinators did a pretty good job with the execution of the race. The water stations remained stocked even for me who finished in the bottom 25% of runners. We could’ve used some more port-a-potties throughout the course, but this was mostly due to the influx of runners this year. It was easily forgotten by the phenomenal crowds throughout the course. They were lively and cheering from the first finisher until the last. The cherry on top for me was the marines throughout the course and especially the one who gave me my medal. This is why I chose this marathon and why I plan to do it again next year.
Best Marathon - Logistics nightmare
Race is premier- one of top races of my 100+. Great course - time went by smoothly Great spectators/support Logistics - 1/4M line for package p/u, crowded expo - packed … MORE
Race is premier- one of top races of my 100+.
Great course – time went by smoothly
Great spectators/support
Logistics – 1/4M line for package p/u, crowded expo – packed start – spectators walking through race course – cattle herd from finish to exit 1/2M away
THE BEST-Yay for the people’s marathon!
What an incredible race experience! The Marine Corps Marathon is exceptionally well organized—from public transportation and the start area logistics to hydration and nutrition along the course. And yes, there … MORE
What an incredible race experience! The Marine Corps Marathon is exceptionally well organized—from public transportation and the start area logistics to hydration and nutrition along the course. And yes, there were plenty of porta-potties (a detail runners truly appreciate!).
The course scenery is outstanding, and the swag is fantastic—I love the finisher fleece blanket, the shirt, and the medal. The crowd support was phenomenal: cowbells, hilarious signs, and constant encouragement that made every mile feel meaningful.
I was especially moved by the photos of fallen Marines along Hains Point—humbling and powerful. The atmosphere throughout the race is inclusive, supportive, and full of community spirit. Even slower runners feel celebrated and welcome.
Overall, the race left me feeling energized, grateful, and proud to have taken part. A superb experience—highly recommended.
Great course with fun crowds
This was a great course and the crowds were super energized the whole way through. The finisher's area was a bit of a nightmare to navigate after and meet up … MORE
This was a great course and the crowds were super energized the whole way through. The finisher’s area was a bit of a nightmare to navigate after and meet up with family, but otherwise a very well organized event. Would run again.
Best Race
Excellent Race. Running through the nation's capital with 35K+ fellow runners and cheering Marines was electrifying. The Blue Mile was emotional, honoring fallen heroes. MORE
Excellent Race. Running through the nation’s capital with 35K+ fellow runners and cheering Marines was electrifying. The Blue Mile was emotional, honoring fallen heroes.
Got me hooked on marathons
Super crowded for a lot of the race, lots of weaving. Crowd was amazing and ample water stops. Bathrooms along course were packed. Swag at the end was super cool. … MORE
Super crowded for a lot of the race, lots of weaving. Crowd was amazing and ample water stops. Bathrooms along course were packed. Swag at the end was super cool. Great energy overall I plan to run again next year!
Felt Strong
I can see why this race and special and why people run this race multiple times. This is run by the USMC, so they assisted with check in at the … MORE
I can see why this race and special and why people run this race multiple times. This is run by the USMC, so they assisted with check in at the expo, water stops, and handing out medals.
The course ran throughout the city and there were a million spectators! So it, was so hard to see everyone and get in between runners. We started at the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, continued through Rosslyn before journeying into the District to tour Georgetown and the National Mall. We ran back towards Arlington to pass the Pentagon, tour Crystal City and finished uphill at the Marine Corps War Memorial.
The finish line was packed, so we shuffled outside of the finish line area, which was just for runners (yay!) We were given a blanket, jacket, a snack pack, and beer. Overall this is was a fun race! I definitely could see myself doing this one again, especially since the weather was perfect and the course is mostly flat!
Fantastic Organization amazing view
Course is trick, but the view and the amazing staff and supporters all along the course helps a lot. Organization was perfect. It is fantastic having the marines receiving you … MORE
Course is trick, but the view and the amazing staff and supporters all along the course helps a lot. Organization was perfect.
It is fantastic having the marines receiving you in the finishing line. I missed a better quality post race party though. But definitely I will do it again.
Spectacular race
The race was perfect for 2025. Extra porta potties at the start line near the metro tracks was a huge improvement over 2024. The Osprey flyover in 2024 was missed … MORE
The race was perfect for 2025. Extra porta potties at the start line near the metro tracks was a huge improvement over 2024. The Osprey flyover in 2024 was missed and it would be great to see it back in a future race. Conditions on the course were perfect.