The Marine Corps Marathon announced today a reduced 2007 online entry fee of $80, a nearly 10% rollback from 2006. Registration includes all race materials, a free subscription to the online virtual trainer, a $10 discount on a MCM Pasta Mess Tent ticket, bib, mock neck participant shirt, and single use souvenir commemorative chip. Online rolling registration begins May 9 at noon at www.marinemarathon.com.

The 32nd MCM will be held in Arlington, VA and the nation's capital October 28. "Since 2002, the MCM race field has increased every year landing as 4th largest marathon in the US and the 7th largest marathon in the world and for that the Marines thank the running community," said Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "The MCM mission is to promote physical fitness and the entry fee savings is intended to provide additional incentive for individuals to commit to training for and finishing 'The People's Marathon'."

In addition to the entry fee rollback, registered runners will receive a free subscription to the online virtual trainer, designed by Olympian Jeff Galloway. Runners will opt-in for daily or weekly emails featuring training tips to achieve a variety of finish time goals, plus health, fitness and nutrition messages. Runners may also access an online training log and community message board.

"While similar online programs are sold for a fee by other events, the MCM remains committed to supporting every runner beginning at registration and culminating at the Marine Corps War Memorial finish line," said Nealis. "Every registered MCM runner will have the opportunity to do their best, whether that means just crossing the finish line or setting a personal record." Runners from across the country and around the world can register on a first come, first served basis by clicking the link to registration on the MCM web site. The process includes accepting a waiver, completing the registration form, clicking through a payment and receiving a confirmation e-mail.

Confirmation e-mails will include a runner's registration number, imperative to access e-confirmation cards online beginning in August. E-confirmation cards are required at event check-in. Runners in the national capital region can avoid the anticipated online frenzy and register early at the MCM Registration Rally at Pentagon Row on May 8 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. 1,000 guaranteed entries will be available to would-be marathoners. The third annual Registration Rally will feature food sampling, health and fitness products, giveaways from Pentagon Row merchants, live music and more! Runners must be present to register and entries will not be accepted after 1:00 p.m.