News & Notes
Marathon day is fast approaching and we are very busy here at marathon headquarters getting ready for the big day. In the weeks to come, we will outline some of the questions that we get from runners. We will continually update the race web site and add information to the FAQ section to address numerous issues.

There is a new course map that has been added to the race Web site that outlines the mile markers, kilometer markers, fluid stations, GU stations, first aid locations, and bathroom locations.

Postcards confirming your registration are being sent via regular mail to all runners starting next week. You will be able to find your bib number on-line the first week of March. If you register after March 1, 2003 you will not receive a postcard in the mail. If you do not receive your postcard by the end of February, please let us know by calling our offices at (703) 528-8176.

If you have family or friends who are still thinking about registering for either the marathon or the SUNTRUST Team Relay registration will close March 19, 2003.

Here are some of this week's questions:

Will the Metro be opened early for runners?

Yes, the Metro will open at 5:30 a.m. for runners to get into the city and to the start line. The closest Metro stop to the start line is the Foggy Bottom Metro Station on the Blue & Orange Line.

You can also use the Arlington National Cemetery Station on the Blue Line.

If we are driving, where can we park?

You can park in the Pentagon North Parking but your car will be searched that morning and you will need to add some additional time as a result. From the north parking lot, it is an easy walk to the start line. NO SHUTTLES WILL BE PROVIDED.

Are there hotels offering discounts to participants?

Yes, we have four host hotels for the marathon. All are located near Metro stops for easy and hassle-free transportation to the start line and easy access back to the hotels via Metro.

The three hotels with rooms still available are the Washington Hilton Hotel & Towers, the DoubleTree, and the Hilton Garden Inn. All of these hotels are offering discounted rates well off the normal rate in Washington during the high of the international Cherry Blossom Festival.

We encourage you to take advantage of these rates and book your room today. Please check out the race web site for telephone numbers and booking codes. You must inform them that you are running in the Washington, DC Marathon to take advantage of the discounted rates. Just as last year these room sell out quickly as we approach the big day.

Does the marathon have an airline partner offering discounted rates?

Yes, American Airlines, the official airline of the Washington DC Marathon, is offering participants and family members discounted rates. American is offering great deals from around the country to Washington, DC for the marathon. As the largest carrier in the US, no matter where you are coming from American can get you here.

For the telephone number and priority booking codes please come to the race web site and click on Travel/Tourism and then Airlines for all the information on how to book your flight on American Airlines.

How will runners be positioned at the start line?

Those running the full marathon will be positioned according to expected finish times, with Relay Team Members positioned behind all marathon runners.

What kind of sports drink will be served and what is the flavor?

Gatorade is the Official Sports Drink of the Washington DC Marathon and will be providing Gatorade at all our fluid stations. The flavor is Lemon Lime.

Do you have energy gel stations and who is providing the product?

We are so very pleased to have GU as the Official Energy Gel of the Washington DC marathon. GU will have two stations positioned on the course at between mile 9 & 10 and Mile 17. So start training with GU today.

The Washington DC Marathon Health & Fitness Expo

Runners are required to pick up their race packets at the Washington DC Marathon Sports and Fitness Expo!

The 2003 Washington DC Marathon Sports and Fitness Expo will have upwards of 70 merchants on hand including the largest shoe and apparel companies. In addition, there will be presentations and talks given from the main stage on medical alerts, course talks, and other such topics. A climbing wall will be accessible for all to try, and the mascots from the Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Capitals will be wandering around the site.

SUNTRUST Team Realy

Registration for the Team Relay has been brisk! Much enthusiasm, support, and a high number of registrations has been yielded by this crowd. The marathon welcomes the teams of the Dashing Divas, Capitol Punishment, and Speedy Geezers along with ALL relay team participants to Washington, DC in March. If you are interested in running in a relay team but have not yet registered, we encourage you to do so sooner rather than later as the slots are filling fast. Please consult our web page at for more information

Country of Honor

Part of Washington DC's uniqueness lies in its international flavor, as a seat of world power and home to numerous embassies and consulates. For the 2003 race, Iceland has been chosen as the marathon's Country of Honor. Male, Female and Wheelchair winners of the Washington DC Marathon will be presented by the Ambassador of Iceland with Victory Wreathes created from a beautiful Icelandic flower. Icelandic representatives will be present at the two day Sports and Fitness Expo.

Official Charity of the Marathon

Make a difference in someone's life!

Metro TeenAIDS, the "official charity" of the Washington DC Marathon, is the only community-based organization in the Washington, DC area focused solely on the needs of young people as they relate to HIV and AIDS. The charity's programs are grounded in public health and youth development research focusing on Street and Community Outreach, Early Disease Intervention, Education, and Community Building. Metro TeenAIDS targets most of its effort on reaching those low-income, minority youth (male and female, ages 13 to 24) who are at highest risk for the behaviors which can lead to HIV infection. The charity has gained a vivid understanding of the specific barriers these young people face in accessing HIV/AIDS prevention services, including economic, sociocultural, psychological, and community barriers. Metro TeenAIDS staff believe that strong HIV prevention programming must be built on strengths - community pride, survival skills, desire to succeed, strong community systems, churches, and mosques.

If you would like to run for this organization, please visit their web page. There you will find different ways of pledging monetary support. And, thank you for your interest in the "Official Charity" of the Washington DC Marathon.

Packet Pick-Up

DC Armory Friday, March 21 12:00 Noon to 9:00 pm Saturday, March 22, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

If you have any comments or questions, please contact us at (703) 528-8176.