Marine Corps Marathon
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Marine Corps Marathon
The Marine Corps Marathon is an annual marathon organized by the U.S. Marines that runs through Arlington, VA and the nation’s capital. The course passes notable points including the Pentagon and the Marine Corps War Memorial. The event is known for its organization and is described as one of the largest marathons in the world and the third largest in the United States. It is also the largest major marathon that does not offer prize money and is nicknamed The People’s Marathon.
For the 51st Marine Corps Marathon there are specific participation and registration conditions. Runners must maintain a required pace of 14 minutes per mile and must complete designated gauntlets. The Marine Corps Marathon Organization does not permit transfers or deferrals for the 2026 events. The standard entry rate for the 51st event is $240. Charity partner entries provide guaranteed access and charity registration has a deadline of July 31 for the 51st event. The MCM Runners Club is open to runners who have completed at least five Marine Corps Marathons and provides guaranteed annual registration access. Seeded runners must submit a certified marathon result from within three years. Refundable registration protection is available through a third party and requires documentation to support a refund request; certain situations such as general concerns about illness or event cancellation are excluded. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
