Visit www.marinemarathon.com for more information.

To accommodate the record-breaking 30,000 runners at the 30th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) start, a two-wave system, based on bib number and color, will be implemented at the Sunday, October 30 event. The first wave, denoted by the color "scarlet", will start at 0815. The second "gold" wave begins at 0845. Runners will be notified of their designation in September when e- confirmation cards are accessible for download through the MCM website.

Only runners in the scarlet wave will be granted access to the start area along Route 110 under Arlington Memorial Bridge prior to 8:15 AM. Before the race, runners may wish to congregate in the new Runner's Village area of the North Pentagon parking lot. This pre-race location includes shuttle drop-off, baggage check, entertainment, water support and warm-up/stretching programs. Following the start of the Scarlet wave, gold wave runners will be escorted from Runners' Village to the start line. Runners in both waves will experience the full pageantry and patriotism of the MCM starting ceremonies.

Scarlet wave runners should take Metro to the Arlington Cemetery station or utilize the new MCM shuttle service from RFK Stadium parking lots to the North Pentagon parking lot. Shuttles will be available for both runners and spectators from the RFK Stadium parking lots beginning at 5:30 AM until 9:00 AM. Special runners only shuttles will ensure all runners reach the start line. The 15-minute shuttle ride delivers all runners at the North Pentagon parking lot. Plenty of free parking is available at RFK stadium near the DC Amory.

Gold wave runners may take Metro to the Pentagon station or utilize MCM shuttles from the RFK parking lot to the North Pentagon parking lot. Additional free parking is available in Crystal City at the corner of 23rd & Crystal Drive, convenient to the Crystal City Metro station. For the first time in MCM history, Metro will open at 5 a.m. on race morning to better accommodate runners.

"The 30th anniversary event promises to be our biggest and best yet," said Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "The two wave start and transportation changes are designed to best ensure runners have a safe and enjoyable marathon experience."

The two- wave system will not affect a runner's finish time. All MCM finish times are computed and tracked by the ChampionChip system. A runner's true finish time is assessed by chip time, however, gun time will be utilized in determining awards for the top three male and female finishers. All other awards are calculated by chip time. All runners regardless of wave will be required to maintain a 14 minute per mile pace in order to Beat the Bridge (the 1:45 p.m. reopening of the 14th Street Bridge at mile 21 of the course).

Runners will receive their bib number and wave assignment in September by downloading the e-confirmation card from the MCM website. Runners will obtain their bib number and race packet at packet pick-up at the MCM Runners' Expo presented by Caremark on October 28 and October 29. A scarlet or gold bib will designate the wave assignment. Further information will be posted at www.marinemarathon.com.

...Free Parking DC Armory/RFK Stadium
...Shuttles for runners and spectators to North Pentagon Parking Lot Crystal Drive and 23rd Street
...Convenient to Crystal City Metro station,only two stops from start.

Metro
Prices and maps available online at www.wmata.com Arlington Cemetery Station
...Best for Scarlet Wave Runners to access start line Pentagon Station
...Best for Gold Wave Runners to access Runners' Village Rosslyn Station
...Best for Healthy Kids Fun Run participants to access kids start location

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.