Marine Corps Marathon
October 25, 2026
Arlington, Virginia (start) / United States Marine Corps War Memorial (finish) · Arlington, USA
About
Managed by the U.S. Marines on an iconic course in Arlington, VA, and the nation's capital, the Marine Corps Marathon is the third largest marathon in the United States. Known as 'the best marathon for beginners' and 'The People's Marathon,' it is the largest marathon in the world that doesn't offer prize money.
Pick your distance
Everything below adapts to your choice
Start
Arlington, Virginia (start) / United States Marine Corps War Memorial (finish)
Weather
Cool 13°C
Why this race
- One of the largest marathons in the US (top 3 by finishers)
- Iconic DC/Arlington course with decades of history, 'The People's Marathon'
- Not a WMM or WA Platinum/Gold label, but a globally recognized flagship US race
- US flagship marathon slot typically goes to NYC/Boston/Chicago, so this fits regional_established
If you like New York City Marathon or Chicago Marathon, you'll like this one.
Pack this
- Two 500ml handheld bottles + electrolyte tabs
- 4-5 gels timed for miles 6, 12, 17, 22
- Long-sleeve throwaway layer for cool 13°C corral wait
- Bib, timing chip, and photo ID for security screening
- Anti-chafe balm (Body Glide) and pre-taped feet
What you should know
- Expect airport-style security and bag screening at start; a clear gear-check bag is mandatory and lines run long.
- Course has a 'Beat the Bridge' cutoff near mile 20 at the 14th Street Bridge; miss it and you're rerouted off-course.
- Overall course limit is roughly 7 hours from final wave start, so slower runners should line up in earlier corrals.
- Hilliest sections are miles 1-2 on Lee Highway and the Rosslyn climb at mile 26 to the Iwo Jima finish.
- Cool 13°C start feels cold in corrals but warms quickly; dress for running temp and shed throwaways before the gun.
The information shown here is based on the most recent listing we could find, and may change. Always confirm details on the event's official site before registering.