Photo by Jim Kelly

The Marine Corps Marathon announced it will offer a new pasta experience for runners and guests, located outside the MCM Health and Fitness Expo at the DC Armory, called the "Pasta Mess Tent". A quick, affordable carb-n-go buffet for the whole family, the Pasta Mess Tent will feature pasta, salad, side vegetable, beverages and dessert from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on October 27 and October 28. Tickets are $11, available as part of MCM online registration and will be available for purchase beginning in early June.

"Every runner knows the importance of carbohydrate intake before a long run to increase energy," explained Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "The Pasta Mess Tent will offer runners a quick, convenient opportunity to appropriately carbo-load with their families the day before their big race."

Two seatings of the more traditional, upscale pasta party event for the MCM, renamed the Carbo Dining-In, will be held on October 28. In the spirit of traditional military formal dinners called "Dining-In", runners are invited to capture the marathon- eve energy at this special evening including an elegant pasta dinner buffet, entertainment, guest speakers and prizes. Tickets are $26 per person and available online at www.marinemarathon.com beginning in early June. Seatings, limited to 800 guests each, will be held at 4:30 and 6:15 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.

Other MCM Weekend events include the MCM Health and Fitness Expo at the DC Armory, the Crystal City Street Spectacular, the MCM Speaker Series, the new MCM10K and the Healthy Kids Fun Run.

For more information on all MCM activities, visit www.marinemarathon.com.