The Marine Corps Marathon is the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t come with a cash prize. This would earn the MCM the nickname “The People's Marathon." Founded by Col. Jim Fowler, a Marine looking to promote the U.S. Marine Corps in 1976, it’s held in Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., every year. Runners can enjoy various national landmarks along the route while Marines cheer them on. Voted as the “Best Marathon in the Mid Atlantic,” “Best Marathon for Charities,” and “Best Spectator Event," the memories made during the MCM are unlike any other race. Read next:Team Red, White, and Blue Helps Veterans Prioritize Health & Wellbeing

When Is Marine Corp Marathon?

The Marine Corps Marathon 2022 date is set for October 30. Hand cyclists will get started at 7:50 a.m. while runners will get going at 7:55 a.m. for the 47th edition of the marathon. The kids' run is the day before on October 29, as festivities will be going on all weekend long!

How Long Is the Marine Corps Marathon?

Marathon runners line up between Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon on Route 110 for a 26.2-mile course certified by USA Track & Field (USATF). The celebration continues after the rest at the Finish Festival, where runners, officials, and spectators come together in celebration. The Marine Corps Marathon route is considered to be a challenging one by runners, especially with an early hill there to set the pace. Though most of the course is flat, you’ll need to train and stay focused if you’re going to break any PRs or simply finish strong.

Get To Know the MCM

The Marine Corps Marathon course has seen famous faces, such as Oprah and politicians, grace its stage. The MCM is also noted for its environmental and social initiatives. While the Marine Corps Marathon is an annual event, there are other events that occur throughout the calendar year. This includes other races that runners can participate in. The MCM is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon and is open to runners ages 14 and up. Each year, around 30,000 participants take to the streets of Arlington to show support for the USMC. Every state is represented, and there are typically runners from 50 countries in attendance. The Marine Corps Marathon is held towards the end of October each year, as it is only a few weeks from Marine Corps' birthday. In 2020, the MCM was canceled due to COVID-19. The year 2021 would see the event canceled again for the same reason. But now, the MCM is back with plans for running to commence in 2022, and steps towards organizing the 2023 edition are already forming. Runners are treated to spectacular landmarks throughout the event, as the course runs near and through many popular locations, including the following:

• Kennedy Center.
• Lincoln Memorial.
• Jefferson Memorial.
• Tidal Basin.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial.
• FDR Memorial.
• The National Mall.
• Korean War Veterans Memorial.
• National World War II Memorial.
• Washington Monument.
• Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History.
• National Gallery of Art.
• The reflecting pool in front of the U.S. Capitol.
• Smithsonian Castle.
• Crystal City.
• Pentagon Memorial.
• Arlington National Cemetery.
• Marine Corps War Memorial.

Marine Corps Marathon 2022 Registration

If you’re looking to register for the MCM, you’ll be sorry to learn that it’s too late for this year. Registration for the 47th Marine Corps Marathon and MCM50K is closed, but both live and virtual registration for the MCM10K is available. Either way, the MCM is a great event. Whether you're a runner, volunteer, or spectator, it’s a great way to enjoy recreation and patriotism while supporting the USMC. Be sure to follow along with the results of the 2022 Marine Corps Marathon and begin training for the 2023 rendition next year! Suggested read:Prove Your Mettle at the National Veterans Golden Age Games