The Marine Corps Marathon is recruiting for Race Directors Boot Camp. Enlist at marinemarathon.com.

The Marine Corps Marathon is looking for a few good race officials to enlist in the Marine Corps Marathon Race Director Boot Camp, a three-day conference held on October 28-30, 2005 in Washington, D.C. Boot Camp takes race directors through field exercises and training needed to accomplish the mission of staging a world-class event.

Recruits will participate in recon exercises at the MCM Runners' Expo, experience execution of the mission first hand with their VIP pass on Race Day and learn operational tactics through seminars with expert drill instructors. Briefs will cover a wide range of topics including information technology, marketing, economic impact, operations and leadership.

Recruits trade the chow hall for a dining experience and networking opportunity on the Spirit of Washington's Marine Spirit Dinner Cruise and are also invited to put on their civilian attire for a mixer with the Boot Camp Commanding Officer. Instead of camies, boot camp participants will receive the coveted uniform of a MCM mock-neck shirt and an opportunity to take the ultimate PFT (physical fitness test) with an entry into the closed out MCM or the MCM 8K.

"Batten down the hatches race directors. It's time to toughen up. This ain't no VIP schmoozefest, you're in Marine Corps Marathon Race Directors Boot Camp now!" warns Rick Nealis of MCM Boot Camp.

Up for the challenge? Applications and additional information including partner hotels are available online at marinemarathon.com. Cost for the weekend is $285.

The Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 300,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." The 30th Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 30, 2005.

Visit marinemarathon.com for more information.

For media information, contact Beth Cline, Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations Coordinator at (703) 432-1165, or Elizabeth.Cline@usmc.mil .