Mark your calendar. On Wednesday, April 6, 2005, the Marine Corps Marathon celebrates its 30th anniversary by opening registration to 30,000 runners. This will be the largest race field ever for the annual event to be held on Sunday, October 30, 2005. The previously-utilized online lottery system will be replaced by online rolling registration enticing runners from across the country and around the world, on a first come, first served basis to be a part of "The People's Marathon."

Each of the past five years, the MCM routinely turned away at least 7,000 would-be marathoners as part of the two-month lottery process. The new rolling registration, while open to more participants, could close out in as little as 24 hours, more than two months sooner than previous years. Applicants may begin to register on marinemarathon.com starting at midnight EST on Wednesday, April 6 and click the link to registration. The process includes accepting a waiver, completing the registration form, clicking through a payment and receiving a confirmation email. Included in the confirmation email will be a registration number, imperative for each runner to print and keep to access e- confirmation cards online beginning in August. E-confirmation cards are required at event check-in.

"The 30th anniversary will be the biggest and best MCM yet with 30,000 runners on the 30th of October," promises Rick Nealis, Marine Corps Marathon director. "The weekend of festivities offers something for all runners, their families and the entire DC area to enjoy."

MCM weekend events include the two-day Runners' Expo (in a new location- DC Armory), the Healthy Kids Fun Run, MCM8K, Crystal City Street Spectacular and more exciting anniversary happenings.

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. Rolling registration begins on April 6, 2005 at midnight EST on marinemarathon.com .