Active duty and reserve service members can register for the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon early with a discounted entry fee of $80 through the MCM Web site from March 2 - 31. The 34th annual event features a 26.2 mile course showcasing the legendary landmarks of the nation's capital as it travels throughout Washington, DC and Arlington, Virginia.

"The Marine Corps Marathon is proud to once again offer special registration for all of the military runners, as a thank you for their continued dedication and service to our country," said Rick Nealis, Race Director.

Held on October 25, 2009, the MCM is limited to 30,000 participants and is expected to fill up quickly. The short registration process includes accepting a waiver, completing the form, clicking through payment and receiving a confirmation e-mail. Confirmation e-mails will include a runner's registration number, imperative to access e-confirmation cards online beginning in September. E-confirmation cards are required at Packet Pick-up, part of the Health and Fitness Expo prior to the MCM, to retrieve race materials. Additionally, runners registering as part of the active duty promotion will need to present their military ID at Packet Pick-up.

The $80 active duty registration fee includes all race materials, bib, mock neck participant shirt, free virtual trainer, goodie bag, and timing tag with ten split locations, provided by ChronoTrack Timing Systems, Inc.