Registration has opened for the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon. In previous years it had sold out in approximately two weeks, so hurry if you want to experience it.
Funny how this post came about. I was looking at some photos from last years marathon. A group of us from Track Shack in Orlando had run it. In one of the group pictures, taken prior to the race, I thought I spotted "Marathon Chris". Last October I did not know who she was. It wasn't until the Winter Park Road Race 10K this past March that I met her. With the help of Maddy, I was able to get the photo to Chris. In a subsequent e-mail Chris asked if I had done a post on the marathon. I had not since I only started this blog in February. Bingo! Do my recap as a promotion for the marathon.
I have run eight marathons and and as far as overall satisfaction, this was the best! I was able to stay with friends in Arlington. The condo overlooked the Marine Corps Monument and the finish area. The expo was very well organized, what else would you expect from the Marine Corps. I was able to have a reunion with six of my high school classmates. Gathering with about twenty runners from Orlando at the start was fun and exciting.
The course was excellent, great support along the way. For anyone who has not run this marathon, you finish up a steep hill the last one-quarter mile. There are signs painted on the road to encourage you up the hill. There are thousands of spectators and Marines cheering you to the finish. You look up the hill and see the Marine Corps Monument at the finish, very emotional. Marines are stationed just past the finish line "presenting" the finishers medal to you. It is not handed to you like all the other marathons I've run, you stand in front of a Marine officer and they place the medal around your neck.
If you're thinking about running, sign up now.
10 comments:
Wow... if that doesn't give you chills, I don't know what will. I have to tell everyone, I talked to the "Geezer" at length when he got back from Marine Corp. He was on Cloud 9 for weeks. So my advice is "RUN MARINE CORP"
: )
MCM was my second marathon and the race was unbelievable!!! If you have a chance to run it I highly recommend it. Very emotional indeed - I was in tears after the finish. The crowd support throughout was super, not just at the finish but in Crystal City around mile 21 - right when you want to stop, there are crowds lining the street to cheer you on - there is no way you can stop!!!
I've been thinking of running the MCM--I'm from the D.C. area and have always wanted to do it. I guess I will get off my butt and make my decision about it soon, I had no idea it filled up so fast although it doesn't surprise me!
Great post, Jim!
My favorite big race!! Yes, even more than Boston (eek!). The Marines do a fabulous job organizing it. Every moment was sheer enjoyment for me and then to be topped off by receiving a medal from one of our nation's finest -- JUST AWESOME!!!
I just checked out the MCM website. In less than 6 days the marathon has "SOLD OUT".
MCM is my favorite marathon. The crowd support is top notch and it is very easy for family and friends to see you at numerous points along the course.The time passes quickly as you run from one monument to another and the best is having the medal placed around your neck from one of America's finest....can't beat that! I have run/walked MCM 2X and have run the 10K with my then 12 year old grandson----he was awed to have 2 Marines stand next to him for a picture. That moment for me was priceless and yes, I had tears in my eyes and have them right now as I think back to that day.
I would have registered for MCM again this year but am confirmed for NYCM (deferred in the last 2 years).
MCM last year was right there with my 2 NYC's and 4 Bostons. I've run in 3 marathons with Jimmy and take it from me he's a true gentleman and a great runner. (Hi Jimmy) -Scott M from Massachusetts
Sounds like a great race - maybe one day.....I'll get back to DC and run this race.
I actually just signed up the other day. This will be my 1st marathon and it will be on my birthday. What kind of person pays to run 26.2 miles for their birthday??
I figure being a Navy Corpsman why not make this my first in honor of my brethren whom I serve with.
Found this post from a google search. Loved it. Was looking into running this in October. Was pretty bummed today when I didn't make in into NYC but not any more this race looks wonderful! :)
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