Marine Corps Marathon Marks 50 Years of Running With Purpose

This Sunday, Oct. 26, the Marine Corps Marathon will mark its 50th anniversary as the third largest race in the United States.

Known as “The People’s Marathon,” due to being the largest race in the world not offering a financial prize for top finishers, racers have the opportunity to pass by some of America’s most famous landmarks as they run through Washington D.C. and Arlington, Va.

The sold-out race was threatened by the ongoing government shutdown, but last week event officials confirmed the event will continue as planned.

“Get ready to run with purpose and finish with pride,” the Marine Corps Marathon said in an Instagram post.

Military.com reached out to event organizers for comment.

In the 50 years since its inception, almost 700,000 racers have completed the marathon. The Marine Corps Marathon team announced a record-breaking 40,000 registrations for this weekend. For comparison, last year's race had a crowd of over 16,000 racers.

What Participants, Attendees Can Expect

This weekend’s festivities kick off with the two-day Health and Fitness Expo at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, open to the public Friday and Saturday, where runners pick up bibs, attend clinics and browse gear.

The race is set to start at 7:20 a.m. on Sunday. Following the race,  participants, family and friends are welcome to attend the Marine Corps Marathon Finish Festival in downtown Rosslyn, Va. That will take place until 4 p.m.

The weather forecast looks promising, starting the day in the 40’s with a high of 50 degrees, cloudy skies and no precipitation. 

Spectators are encouraged to cheer throughout the course. The start and finish are located near the Arlington National Cemetery.

Roughly, the course is as follows: The first four miles will wind throughout Rosslyn; miles four through nine are in northwest D.C.; miles 10 through 20 go through D.C. sights like East Potomac Park and the National Mall; and the last 6.2 miles forge through Crystal City, Va.

Rich History

The event is known for its historical significance. In 1975, Gen. Michael P. Ryan signed a paper from Col. Jim Fowler which established the Marine Corps Reserve Marathon. 

In 1976, the Marine Corps Reserve Marathon became the largest first-time marathon in the U.S. with 1,175 participants. Two years later, the event was transferred to active-duty Marines, making the event what it's known as today.

Over the years, the Marine Corps Marathon has drawn not only everyday runners but also a roster of well-known participants. Some notable participants include Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas in 1980, Oprah Winfrey in 1994, former First Lady Jill Biden in 1998, and former Vice President Al Gore in 1997.

As the marathon celebrates its golden jubilee,  it continues to embody the values of endurance, discipline and unity that define the Marine Corps. As tens of thousands prepare to lace up Sunday morning, Washington will once again transform into a city of cheers, sweat and shared purpose.