The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) has announced the return of the transfer policy. The transfer policy will allow registered runners unable to participate in the sold-out October 28 marathon to transfer their bib number to another runner seeking entry. The program is available from August 1 through September 21.

"This change is in direct response to runner feedback," said Rick Nealis, race director. "Runners asked for the MCM to allow transfers again in 2007 and we responded!"

To transfer a bib number, registered runners must complete and mail in the MCM transfer form available at www.marinemarathon.com. The two-part form requires the personal information of both, the registered runner and the transfer recipient. It also serves as the new runner's application. The form must be completed and returned, along with the $20 transfer fee, by September 21.

Registered runners can also defer their 2007 run for a guaranteed spot in the 2008 MCM. By deferring an entry, runners convey the registration fee to 2008. The deferment request form is located at www.marinemarathon.com and must be returned along with a $20 deferment fee by October 5.

"Things happen- injuries, business trips, even deployments for those runners who are also members of the Armed Forces, and the deferment and transfer policies allow runners to delay a year or give someone else the chance to run in their place," says Nealis. "These policies offer as many runners as possible the opportunity to be a part of the Marine Corps Marathon."