Susannah Kvasnicka of Great Falls won the 2005 race in 2:47:10.

Photo by Jim Kelly

The Marine Corps Marathon announced today the exciting line up of performers at 31st annual event on October 29, 2006.

"The biggest Marine Corps Marathon requires the biggest lineup of entertainment," said Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "Considering runners are coming from all 50 states and 52 countries, we wanted to make sure there was something on the course for diverse musical tastes."

The MCM course will host ten high school bands, five radio stations, ten live concert s, the Marine Corps Base Quantico band, two DJs and non-stop entertainment across the entire course on race day. The national anthem will be performed by former national guardsman and country music artist Luke Stricklin. An Osprey flyover will accompany Stricklin's performance during the opening ceremony.

Marine Corps Marathon - Sunday, October 29

7:25 a.m.    Leatherneck Pipe and Drum Band  Route 110/Start 
7:53 a.m.    National Anthem by Luke Stricklin       Route 110/Start 
8:15 a.m.    A Life Among Ghosts     30th Street Stage 
9:00 a.m.    Jeff Watson & Downtown  Crystal City Street Spectacular 
10:00 a.m.   Wonderjack      Beat the Bridge Stage 
10:15 a.m.   Chopteeth       Finish Festival 
11:00 a.m.   Welbilt Crystal City Street Spectacular 
11:30 a.m.   Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales      Finish Festival 
12:00 p.m.   Dr Fu   Final Mile Stage 
1:00 p.m.    Doug Segree Band        Crystal City Street Spectacular 
1:00 p.m.    Luke Stricklin  Finish Festival 
2:00 p.m.    Members Only    Finish Festival 

About the Bands
LEATHERNECK PIPE AND DRUMS- In 1991, former Marines Doug Mallon and Ted Grundman were inspired to create the Leatherneck Pipe and Drums. Originally formed with just seven pipers and three drummers, the group represented Marine Veterans from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Fifteen years later, more than 30 members are part of the Pipe and Drum group that will energize the crowd before Sunday's marathon start.

A LIFE AMONG GHOSTS- An energetic rock 'n' roll band from Northern VA. Although reminiscent of great 90's rock artists such as Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, and the Smashing Pumpkins, their music has a modern hook.

JEFF WATSON & DOWNTOWN- Anticipating the resurgence of classic R&B and the soul explosions of the 1960's, a group of talented singers, musicians and songwriters established a musical powerhouse with a revolving door. The players come and go, but the influence of this group on contemporary music continues, as does their strong support of a great American musical heritage.

WONDERJACK- Returns to the Beat the Bridge stage at Mile 20 of the MCM course as part of the promotion for their latest EP - "Shoot out the Lights" with local and regional performances in the area. Wonderjack is a dynamic four piece original modern rock band known for "energetic performances" and "tight arrangements and harmonies".

CHOPTEETH- A 14-piece afrofunk orchestra that builds on some of the funkiest, most hip-shakin' West African popular music on the planet. The core of the Chopteeth sound is Afrobeat: a big- band funk invented by Fela Kuti in 1970's Nigeria. Afrobeat is a spicy stew of modern jazz, Yoruba tribal music and burning rhythms. Chopteeth then mixes in classic Ghanaian funk, Senegalese rumba and Jamaican ska and stirs it all thoroughly to create a massive groove.

WELBILT - A Modern rock, roots-reggae and dancehall grove sound. They have been singled out by DC101 as the most promising independent group in the region on the strength of blistering live performances and a self-produced EP with a contagious brand of upbeat modern rock.

ANHEUSER-BUSCH CLYDESDALES- Known as the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch, the Clydesdales were first introduced to in 1933 as part of a celebration to announce the repeal of Prohibition. Today, the Budweiser Clydesdales annually appear at more than 300 events, including the MCM Finish Festival adjacent to the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden.

DR FU- A dynamic, female-fronted rock cover band based in Northern VA able to deliver songs ranging from Al Green & Stevie Wonder to AC/DC & Metallica.

LUKE STRICKLIN- Best known for his current single "American By God's Amazing Grace" off his debut album, 22-year old Luke Stricklin has been featured everywhere from CNN and Fox News to Newsweek and The Today Show. Stricklin's hit single, "American By God's Amazing Grace" was initially recorded during his down time, while deployed in Baghdad, Iraq, on a $10 microphone linked to fellow National Guardsman and song co-writer J.R. Shultz's laptop. Through the power of email and word of mouth, the song reached country stations back home in the U.S. and just days after Stricklin returned, he recorded the song, and signed a record contract.

DOUG SEGREE BAND- Powerful, passionate acoustic-rock/pop based songs from an all-star band with great jams. Whether performing solo or with his band, Doug Segree has been a mainstay in the Mid-Atlantic region (MD, DC, VA, and DE).

For race information go to www.marinemarathon.com.