Interactive Course Map Includes Location of Key Points for Runners and Spectators
QUANTICO, VA (Aug. 25, 2014) – The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is introducing the 2014 Marathon course and online interactive map for the 39th running of the event on Sunday, Oct. 26. The 26.2 mile journey will begin in Arlington, VA and travel along spectacular National Park landscape throughout the nation’s capital to the finish on the Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn, VA. The dynamic online map, created in partnership with Bethesda, MD-based web software and interactive services firm, Geocentric, is accessible on the MCM website (www.marinemarathon.com).
Runners will take note of limited changes to the 2014 course including the introduction of an even greater view of the US Capitol as this year’s course now turns them from Pennsylvania Avenue onto 1st Street Northwest, just below the grand dome along Mile 19. A second change occurs over the final portion of the course along Mile 23 in Crystal City, with a new up-and-back run along 12th Street South, as it becomes Crystal Drive. Runners are sure to enjoy plenty of motivation along this portion of the course as the Crystal City Family Festival is hosted in the streets. The final change is the eastern approach to the Pentagon from the newly developed Long Bridge Drive.
The 2014 MCM course will again boast the beautifully tree-lined route along Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, reintroduced in 2013. This scenic area of the route over miles 6 to 9 remains on the National Register of Historic Places.
The MCM zoomable map includes a clear depiction of each mile marker and other significant information such as the location of each of the 12 water points, 10 on-course aid stations and four food stations situated along the route.
“For veteran participants as well as first-timers, the MCM course encompasses all of the most incredible sights and scenery that Arlington and our nation’s capital have to offer,” says MCM Director Rick Nealis.
Overall, the MCM course takes runners on a memorable journey through Rosslyn to historic Georgetown, along the picturesque Potomac, to the tip of Hains Point, onto the National Mall and parallel to the country’s most significant landmarks, and all along spectator-lined streets. Runners will complete their final goal by crossing the finish line at the Marine Corps War Memorial.
Marathon participants will gather on Route 110 in Arlington, between Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon. Opening ceremonies begin at 7:30 a.m. Wheelchair and hand cycle participants will start at 7:40 a.m., with MCM runners being launched at 7:55 a.m.
Further details about the 39th MCM course and MCM Weekend are available at www.marinemarathon.com. An interactive version of the MCM10K map also is available online.
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), the third largest marathon in the United States and eighth in the world, is voted the “Best Marathon in the Mid Atlantic” and “Best Marathon for Spectators.” The MCM honors the dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism of its participants. Also known as “The People’s Marathon,” runners from all walks of life participate in the MCM, the largest marathon not to offer prize money. The 39th MCM sponsored by Arlington County, Brooks and GE, will be held on Oct. 26, 2014 in Arlington, VA. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement is implied.