The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) sold out on Friday, June 9 with a record 34,000 participants for the October 29 event. Thousands of runners hit the MCM Web site, www.marinemarathon.com, as registration opened on May 17 at noon eastern to ensure their spot on the Arlington, VA start line. Dan Jones of Manassas, VA was the first runner to register online. Jones was one of 13,258 runners, or nearly 4 per second, registered in the first hour of rolling registration.

"I am thrilled that we are able to welcome 34,000 runners to this year's event- 4,000 more than in 2005," said Rick Nealis, Race Director. "The longer registration time allowed more runners to register online, and contribute to the total record race field which includes the MCM runners club, 2005 deferments, active duty registration and our important charity partner program."

For those runners who missed online registration, a limited number of entries remain available through the MCM charity partner program. Visit the MCM charity partner page on www.marinemarathon.com for more information.

The 31st MCM weekend includes the two-day Health and Fitness Expo at the DC Armory, the Healthy Kids Fun Run, the MCM10K, Crystal City Street Spectacular and more exciting events still to be announced.

Voted "Best Marathon for Families" by HerSports Magazine, 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 31 st Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 29, 2006.