Photo: Runners finish the 2003 Marine Corps Marathon near the Iwo Jima Memorial.

Save Time - Make a Plan
Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) organizers are encouraging participants to arrive early for the MCM Runners' Expo at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City (October 28-30) and the MCM start on Sunday, October 31, 2004. The MCM is introducing new access procedures to help ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend of events.

"It is highly beneficial for everyone involved in the event to pre-plan for new event entry procedures and arrive early," stated Rick Nealis, Marine Corps Marathon Race Director. "The MCM greatly appreciates the cooperation of our runners, spectators and guests."

EXPO: The MCM Runners' Expo, held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City on October 28-30, hosts more than 100 running, fitness and health vendors. All runners must attend the Expo to obtain their race bib, timing chip and participant shirt. Runners are encouraged to attend the Expo on Thursday evening, October 28 or Friday morning, October 29 to alleviate overcrowding and lengthy lines that occur on Friday and Saturday. Expo hours are Thursday, October 28 from 4 to 8 p.m.; Friday, October 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, October 30 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

MARATHON: MCM runners should plan to arrive at the Arlington, VA start area at least two hours prior to the 8:30 a.m. start on October 31 to allow adequate time for baggage and security checks. Additionally, runners should allot additional time to find the appropriate starting corral in the event's new startline set-up. Runners will be placed into 14 corral sections based on anticipated finish time.

Parking/Shuttles: Race day parking will be available adjacent to Crystal Drive at the end of 23rd street in conjunction with the MCM-coordinated shuttle service to and from the start/finish area on race day. Shuttle service is for runners only from 5:30 - 9 a.m. The shuttles will deliver runners to the rear of the corrals on Route 110. Spectators may utilize shuttles starting at 9 a.m. The post-race shuttle runs from North Meade Street at the finish line to Crystal City.

Access to the start line corrals will be limited to runners only. It is recommended that all runners use the Arlington Cemetery Metro or the MCM Shuttle from Crystal City. Runners/spectators taking the Rosslyn Metro can enter the start/finish area along the North Meade/Route 50 area just up the hill from the Iwo Jima Monument. Signs will provide direction to runner-specific access points. Spectators may view the start from Route 110, north of Arlington Memorial Bridge. The Arlington Memorial Bridge will be closed to all spectators this year during the start.

The Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 293,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon."

Beginning at the Iwo Jima Monument in Arlington, Virginia, the MCM course is beautifully scenic, guiding runners around the Pentagon, past the Capitol Building, down the National Mall and by the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Runner's World Magazine ranks the Marine Corps Marathon among the 10 Best Beginner Marathons