Photo above by Jim Kelly of the 2005 Marine Corps Marathon
start on Highway 110

The Marine Corps Marathon has announced a new partnership with the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) of Arlington, VA that will expand on-course activities hosted in the Crystal City area on race day, Sunday, October 28. The partnership also includes a new post-race celebration concert.

Crystal Run, formerly the Crystal City Street Spectacular, will combine live music, restaurant tastings and child-oriented activities beginning at 9:00 am. Youth will be engaged by the Rock Wall, Moon Bounce, NASCAR No. 2 BB&T Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and arts and crafts with the National Children's Museum.

This family friendly fall festival is a great place to catch marathon runners at miles 21 and 22 of the course, and MCM10K runners at miles 2 and 3 of the course.

After finishing their race, runners can reward themselves for a job well done by joining spectators and the local community for the new MCM Post Race Celebration and concert beginning at 4:30 pm. Located on Crystal Drive, near 23rd Street in Arlington, VA the new Post Race Celebration will include live music headlined by the Spin Doctors!

"With more than 12,000 spectators coming to Crystal City for this event, the strategic expansion of this partnership was a natural for us," said Angie Fox, Executive Director of the Crystal City BID. "Crystal City has quickly become one of the most popular places to watch and cheer on the runners. After some of the longer and lonelier stretches of the race, we're packed with supporters who take advantage of the ample free parking, great sidewalk restaurants, and family-fun activities. We're poised to keep the fun going by adding in the nationally- known entertainment on the backend. It's sure to be a great party."

Plenty of free parking is available in Crystal City. Crystal Run is easily accessible from the Crystal City Metro Station.

About the Crystal City BID: Established in April of 2006, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is creating a soul for Crystal City. A public-private partnership, the BID is providing a higher level of service to visitors, workers and residents in Crystal City - driving to become world- class destination in both Arlington and the greater DC region.

About the Marine Corps Marathon: Voted "Best Marathon for Families", the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Runners from all walks of life have participated in the world's largest marathon to not offer prize money, deservingly earning the nickname "The People's Marathon." The 32nd Marine Corps Marathon to be held on October 28, 2007 in Arlington, VA is presented by USAA, Brooks Sports, Inc., and CVS/Caremark. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.

Photo above by Drew Woodrich: Stuart Walker relaxes after the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon.

Read about the 2006 race and view more photos.