Deferment and Transfer forms now available online at www.marinemarathon.com

The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) has announced a new deferment policy for the 31 st anniversary race. The transfer and deferment policies allow registered runners unable to participate in the sold-out October 29 marathon to transfer their bib number to another runner seeking entry or defer their entry for a guaranteed spot in the 2007 event.

The new deferment policy allows registered runners to postpone their 2006 run for a guaranteed spot in the 2007 MCM. By deferring an entry, runners will now convey the registration fee to 2007. In previous years, the entry fee did not transfer from year to year. The deferment request form is located at www.marinemarathon.com and must be returned along with a $20 deferment fee by October 10.

"Things happen - injuries, business trips, even deployments 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 Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "These policies offer as many runners as possible the opportunity to be a part of the Marine Corps Marathon."

To transfer a bib number, registered runners must complete and mail in the MCM transfer form available at www.marinemarathon.com. The form requires the information of the registered runner and the runner receiving the transferred number. MCM will send a transfer application to the new runner, which must be returned with the $20 transfer fee by September 21.

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 31st Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 29, 2006