Why is your participation in the MCM unique? Memorable? Meaningful? Powerful? WTOP, the proud radio partner of the MCM, wants to learn runner stories of motivation and accomplishment to feature in on-air and online special reports. Share your story with the MCM and WTOP. 




The best pasta dinner in the marathon world. On MCM-eve, enjoy a carb- load buffet dinner with USMC ceremonies, live entertainment from the Quantico Marine Band and guest speaker, the Ultramarathon Man who will participate in the inaugural MCM50K, Dean Karnazes. Have dinner with the Marines and share a night of motivation and camaraderie at the Gaylord National Resort on Sat., Oct. 26. Purchase tickets now .
Enjoy special rates on hotels close to the MCM. Stay at the Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor, the headquarters hotel, or in Arlington, close to the MCM start and finish. MCM shuttle services will run from National Harbor and Crystal City to the start free of charge on event morning. Plus, those who book a hotel through the MCM Hotel Desk will be eligible for special MCM Weekend offers. 



MCM Weekend begins on Friday, October 25 with the opening of the Health & Fitness Expo presented by Cigna at 10 a.m. at the Gaylord National Resort. The Expo remains open until 8 p.m. On Saturday, October 26, the schedule includes the Expo (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), the MCM Kids Run at the Pentagon North Parking Lot and the MCM Carbo Dining In at the Gaylord. On Sunday, October 27, the MCM50K starts at 7:30 a.m. followed by the MCM and MCM10K at 7:55 a.m. Metro will open at 6 a.m. on event morning. 
Registered runners may transfer an entry through September 29 to a non-registered runner. Procedures, deadlines and fees are detailed on the MCM Transfer Page. Make a connection with hopeful runners on the MCM Facebook page. Transfers keep information accurate for age awards and medical assistance, if needed. Swapping bibs compromises the safety of others. Runners may also transfer to a different distance event as space allows through September 15. If interested, look into shifting your participation to the 10K, MCM or 50K.
Unable to participate in this year’s MCM or MCM50K after all? The deferment program affords runners the opportunity to push an entry to the 2020 MCM for a fee. By forgoing participation this year and deferring an entry to the following year, runners can avoid the Lottery process. A limited number of deferments are available with the program opening on August 14 and remaining available until all deferments have been claimed or the designated closing date of September 29 has been reached. 


Cigna is a proud presenting sponsor of the Marine Corps Marathon. We salute the veterans participating in this race and thank you for your service and sacrifice. Because you were there for us, we want to be there for you, even if you’re not a Cigna customer. Cigna's 24/7  Veteran’s Support Line  is available to all veterans, their families and caregivers. It’s our way of helping protect the well-being of the people who protected our nation.  We are on duty right now. Cigna's free Veteran Support line is available 24/7 at 855.244.6211
For the first time ever, the Runcoach online program and app are now FREE for all MCM runners. The Runcoach program has helped thousands of MCM finishers run their best on event day. This is a uniquely qualified program that combines a dynamic app with real coaches to guide you every step of the way.     






VOLUNTEER
Invite your friends and family to lend a hand and work alongside the men and women of the Marine Corps as a volunteer during MCM Weekend. A variety of roles and responsibilities with the take-away reward of knowing you helped thousands achieve their MCM goals. Sign up today as an individual or group.
Run 6.2 on the same day as the MCM and finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. The MCM10K starts on the National Mall and includes pageantry at the start line, crowds along the course and celebrations at the finish. The medal is amazing, too. Registration is open .





Hosted on the day prior to the MCM, this one mile fun run hosts young runners ages 5-12 at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. Snacks, medals, shirts, mascots, family festival, games, activities and more! Best of all, the Marines are right there to help the kids warm up, run the course and then award the special medal. The MCM Kids Run presented by Virginia529 is for proud parents and inspired kids. Make this a part of your family’s special weekend at the MCM.
Hosted at Officer Candidates School on Quantico. Swim the Potomac, bike 20K, run 5K across the Marine Corps Base and earn an awesome medal at the  Quantico Tri or run the  Quantico 12K , a 7.4 mile distance challenge at just the right time during Marathon training.  Registration is open now . There’s also a one mile run for participants of all ages. Registered athletes and their guests, especially first time Triathlon participants, may purchase tickets to the Motivational Dinner on the night prior to the event. Hear from a featured speaker, enjoy a delicious meal and get important Tri information. 
The moment the Marine places a medal around a runner’s neck at the base of the Marine Corps War Memorial is the defining moment of ‘Mission Accomplished.’ A moment of personal triumph can be personalized even more by purchasing the iTab ribbon buckle . Slide onto the medal’s ribbon to showcase the runner’s name and finish time.
Garmin makes watches for the elite, the plodders and everyone in between. Check out the diverse line of Forerunner running watches that can help you get the most out of your training for the Marine Corps Marathon. 



Visit Pacers Running now through July 15 and receive $20 towards any $100 purchase of full priced gear. Visit the friendly staff at any of the five DC metro locations for advice on training gear and join the free weekly runs. Valid in store only; exclusions apply. Code: MCM2019. Pacers will also be hosting MCM training runs in partnership with MedStar Sports Medicine beginning in July. Info coming soon.
Get your training season off to a good start by putting that nagging injury behind you. Receive a FREE injury screen with MedStar Sports Medicine! Let one of MedStar’s running-injury experts evaluate you for FREE on Thursday, July 11th. Stop by MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre (Building 1) between 6:30 – 8:00pm for a free evaluation. To make an appointment, call 888-44-SPORT.

Honey Stinger will be featured at two of the on-course food stations for the MCM. Additional food products include oranges from Wegmans and Jelly Belly Sport Beans.