Registration for the 33rd Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) sold out on May 5 at 10:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time with 30,000 participants. Thousands of runners hit the MCM Web site, as registration opened on April 30 to ensure a spot on October 26 on the Arlington, VA start line. The five day sell out was the second fastest in event history. In 2005, the race closed in less than three days.

Jonathan Wesoky of Sterling, VA was the first runner to register online. Wesoky was one of 8,804 runners, or more than two runners per second, registered in the first hour of rolling registration.

"Runners are excited to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon, and their enthusiasm shows," said Rick Nealis, Race Director. "The MCM closed registration nearly a week sooner than last year!"

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 the MCM Web site for more information.

The 33rd MCM weekend includes the three-day Health and Fitness Expo at the DC Armory, the Healthy Kids Fun Run, the MCM 10K, Crystal Run, the MCM Finish Festival, and more exciting events still to be announced. Registration for the MCM 10K presented by Aetna and the Healthy Kids Fun Run presented by The Washington Post opens online at the MCM Web site beginning June 4.

Voted "Best Marathon for Families," the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship, and patriotism. Runners from all walks of life have participated in the world's largest marathon to not offer prize money, deservingly earning the nickname "The People's Marathon." The 33rd Marine Corps Marathon, to be held on October 26, 2008 in Arlington, VA, is presented by USAA, Brooks Sports, Inc., and CVS/Caremark. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.