Marine Corps Marathon

Washington, D.C.District of ColumbiaUnited States

Next race

Sunday, 25 October 2026

7:55 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Point-to-point road

Elevation

Hilly · 213 m gain

213 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 16k finishers on a point-to-point road in Washington, D.C., United States. The course runs from the Pentagon in Arlington to the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima). The route crosses the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington, D.C., passing the Lincoln Memorial, National Mall monuments, and Hains Point before finishing in Arlington. Rolling terrain with climbs on Memorial Bridge and at Hains Point.

Marine Corps Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 16k finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid autumn
11–16°C · humidity 65–80%
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Course records: Men: 2:14:01 — Jeffrey Scuffins (1987)Women: 2:37:00 — Olga Markova (1990)

Course & terrain

Marine Corps Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Marine Corps Marathon is a point-to-point course from the Pentagon in Arlington to the Marine Corps War Memorial, crossing Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington and passing the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, Georgetown, and Rock Creek Park. The Mall miles are the easiest running, while Memorial Bridge and Rock Creek Park are the tougher sections. Crowd support is strongest on the National Mall, at the bridge, and at the Iwo Jima finish where Marines line the closing stretch.

Marine Corps Marathon route map

Registration

Marine Corps Marathon entry requirements

MCM is held on the last Sunday of October. Entry is by lottery, which opens in the spring and closes quickly. The field is approximately 20,000–25,000 runners. Charity entries are available through the Marine Corps Marathon Foundation and affiliated charities. Military personnel, veterans, and their family members should check the official marinemarathon.com for any dedicated military entry pathways, which have varied by year.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Marine Corps Marathon elevation profile?: The Marine Corps Marathon has 213 metres of total climbing and 203 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is hilly, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
Where can I find the Marine Corps Marathon route map?: This page includes a Marine Corps Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Crosses the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington, D.C., passing the Lincoln Memorial, National Mall monuments, and Hains Point before finishing in Arlington.
How long is the Marine Corps Marathon?: The Marine Corps Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Point-to-point road from the Pentagon in Arlington to the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima).
What time does the Marine Corps Marathon start?: The 2026 Marine Corps Marathon starts at 7:55 am local time on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What makes the Marine Corps Marathon unique among US marathons?: The Marine Corps Marathon — nicknamed 'The People's Marathon' — offers no prize money to any finisher, elite or otherwise, reflecting its community and service ethos. It is organised and operated by the United States Marine Corps, with Marines serving as race directors, course marshals, and finish-line medal presenters. Every finisher's medal is placed around their neck by an active-duty or reserve Marine — a tradition that reduces many participants to tears, especially veterans and military families.
What is the Marine Corps Marathon course route?: The course starts near the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and passes through some of the most symbolically significant real estate in the United States. Runners cross the Potomac River into Washington DC, pass the Lincoln Memorial, run along the National Mall with the Capitol dome in view, loop through Georgetown and Rock Creek Park (the hilly woodland challenge of the race), and return via the Mall. The finish is at the Iwo Jima Memorial (Marine Corps War Memorial) in Arlington — a profoundly moving location.
When is the Marine Corps Marathon and how do I enter?: MCM is held on the last Sunday of October. Entry is by lottery, which opens in the spring and closes quickly. The field is approximately 20,000–25,000 runners. Charity entries are available through the Marine Corps Marathon Foundation and affiliated charities.
Is the Marine Corps Marathon course suitable for a personal best?: The MCM course is not flat. Rock Creek Park (approximately miles 20–22) contains significant hills that arrive very late in the race, and the Georgetown section also has rolling terrain. Total elevation gain is around 213 metres. Runners prioritising a personal best should temper expectations — Washington DC's geography prevents a Chicago-style flat loop. Runners prioritising emotional impact, historic scenery, and a deeply meaningful finish location should move MCM to the top of their list.
What is the atmosphere like along the MCM course?: Running past the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and the Capitol building creates a distinctive atmosphere among major city marathons. Arlington National Cemetery is visible from portions of the course. The finish at the Iwo Jima Memorial — depicting one of WWII's most iconic moments — with a Marine placing your medal is genuinely moving. The military families, veterans, and active-duty service members in the crowd give MCM a patriotic character rarely matched elsewhere on the marathon circuit.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

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