Alterations Allow Runners More Time to Get to 14th Street Bridge

The Marine Corps Marathon announced course changes for the Sunday, October 26 event, affording runners more time to get to the 14th Street Bridge prior to its 2 pm reopening to vehicular traffic. The new course guides runners to the 14th Street Bridge just after mile 21, nearly one mile sooner than previous years. Altering the course became necessary when construction began in the Pentagon parking lot, traditionally used for mileage at the beginning and end of the Marine Corps Marathon.

"In the past, runners spent a significant amount of time circling the Pentagon and keeping an eye on the clock to get to the 14th Street Bridge before getting swept up in the stragglers bus," said Race Director Rick Nealis. "The alterations significantly untangle the Arlington side of the course and virtually eliminate any concerns over not 'beating the bridge.'"

A 200-foot incline will be introduced at mile 3.5 when runners turn into the Navy Annex. The third-of-a-mile uphill guides runners to Henderson Hall before sending them back down the very same hill. Additionally, the Marine Corps Marathon course includes a minimal return to East Potomac Park after a two-year absence, utilizing just two miles of park roads. Other changes include bumping the course back to Independence Avenue from the Mall; taking runners closer to the Jefferson Memorial by incorporating Basin Drive; adding Army Navy Drive and Old Jefferson Davis Highway in mile 23-24; and pushing the finish line back fifty feet.

A complete course map is viewable at www.marinemarathon.com.

The Marine Corps Marathon, also known as "The People's Marathon," is the seventh largest US Marathon and the tenth largest in the world. The 28th Marine Corps Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2003 in Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Other events include the Healthy Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 25 and the MCM5K on Sunday, October 26. www.marinemarathon.com.