See the 2003 Story on the Marine Corps Marathon.

2004 Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) participants will be sporting a fresh look in newly redesigned finishers medals and original race bibs at the October 31 event in Arlington, VA. The new medals features the MCM's triangle-shaped Iwo Jima Monument encircled by a ring that reads "29th Marine Corps Marathon." The reverse of the medal boasts the event date and provides space for engraving a name and finishing time. Fond Memories Graphics will be engraving medals for finishers on Route 110 during the marathon. This new style replaces the dog tag shaped medal, which has been in use since 1995. The only exception occurred in 2000, when a 25th anniversary medal was used to commemorate the special anniversary.

MCM runners will also notice the very first camouflage running bib. A faded green cammie design accents the background of the new look bib. The bottom of each bib is color-coded based on bib number. These colors (red, blue, green, yellow, white, orange) will guide runners to the appropriate truck to check baggage at the new start line baggage check and aid in retrieval of bags at the finish.

"These aesthetic updates give the MCM bibs and medal a real signature look," stated Rick Nealis, Marine Corps Marathon Race Director. "They are part of our constant effort to provide innovation and excellence to every aspect of the event."

The Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 293,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon."

Free Symposium at the MCM Expo, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Crystal City Tidewater Room

Friday, October 29 Speaker: Topic 


11:30 am    Jeff Galloway: Race Day Strategies 
12:30 pm    Craig Vanderoef, Brooks: First Marathon Training 
 2:30 pm    Video: USMC 2004 Sports Hall of Fame 
 4:30 pm    John "Penguin" Bingham & Jenny Hadfield: Marathon for Mortals 
 5:30 pm    Dr. Mike Moses: Remedies for Injuries 


  
Saturday, October 30 Speaker: Topic 


11:00 am    Darris Blackford: Clif Pace Team Concepts 
12:00 pm    Jeff Galloway: Race Day Strategies 
 1:00 pm    Rick Nealis: Race Director's Update 
 2:00 pm    Melissa Johnson: Olympic Dreams 
 3:00 pm    Craig Vanderoef, Brooks: Advantages of Technical Running Apparel 
 4:00 pm    Bill Roberts: Common Medical Problems and Caridac Arrest 
 4:20 pm    Bill Roberts: Heat Stroke in the Marathon 
 4:40 pm    Bob Sallis: Exercise Associated Collapse 
 5:00 pm    Joe Chorley: Hyponatremia in the Marathon 

Photo by Drew Woodrich: Khalid Khannouchi, American marathoner, handed top finishers their MCM medals at the 2002 marathon finish line.