The mission of the MCM is to promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill, and showcase the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps.

[2] The event typically occurs on the final Sunday in October, a few weeks before the United States Marine Corps' birthday on November 10.

On October 17, 1975, MCM founder Colonel James L. Fowler wrote a memo to his supervisor, Major General Michael P. Ryan, outlining his idea of creating a Marine Corps Reserve Marathon to promote goodwill between the military and the post-Vietnam community.

With Gunnery Sergeant Breckenridge acting as an ambassador for the marathon effort, local jurisdictions approved of the event.

Through the efforts of the marathon coordinators and with support from Secretary of the Navy, J. William Middendorf, the inaugural running of the MCM was held on November 7, 1976.

The new route laid the foundation for the traditional scenic run, starting in Arlington County, Virginia, winding its way around key landmarks in the nation's capital, and returning for the finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

The MCM and all associated events continue to promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill and showcase the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps.

The 2020 in-person edition of the race was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with all registrants given the option of transferring their entry to 2021, 2022, or 2023 or obtaining a full refund.

Runners experience a climb on Langston Boulevard in the first few miles of the course, but are rewarded with a descent along Spout Run and the GW Parkway.

After crossing Key Bridge into Georgetown, runners used to turn toward the Palisades Community when the course followed Canal Road, up to the reservoir and down MacArthur Boulevard.

The course proceeds approximately 2.5 miles north on Rock Creek Parkway before turning back, then passing the Kennedy Center.

Runners then pass the back of the Lincoln Memorial before continuing on Ohio Drive into East Potomac Park'sHains Point at the halfway mark.

After a loop around the reflecting pool in front of the U.S. Capitol, runners continue along the south side of the National Mall past the Smithsonian Castle.

The MCM10K and MCM begin simultaneously with MCM10K runners joining the final leg of the marathon course, sharing in the iconic finish up the hill to the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Transportation from the Finish Festival includes shuttles to Crystal City, Virginia, Metro access at the Rosslyn station, and taxi service.

Once children have completed the run, they can visit Camp Miles, a festival area with healthy activities and games promoting physical fitness.

Winning schools receive a donation to their physical education department presented by MCM partner Sodexo.

Held in the two days prior to the MCM, the Health and Fitness Expo features more than 200 booths and interactive displays for runner enjoyment.

[16] Held annually on the eve of the Marine Corps Marathon, the Carbo Dining In serves up last minute inspiration and excitement as well as carbohydrate fuel for MCM morning.

Held at the headquarters hotel, the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the dinner welcomes world class speakers and Marine Corps - style entertainment.

Previous motivational addresses have been provided by Robert Swan, OBE, Dave McGillivary, Kathrine Switzer, Larry Rawson, Deena Kastor and Roger Robinson.

Add in appearances by Miles and Molly, the MCM bulldog mascots, amazing prize giveaways, and the camaraderie of fellow runners, this becomes the perfect way to prepare for "The People's Marathon.

[18] Key:    Course record (in bold) † = Short course Among the notable finishers are:[20] The Marine Corps Historic Half (MCHH), held in Fredericksburg, VA, takes participants on a 13.1 mi (21.1 km) journey from the retail hub of Central Park through historic downtown streets, up Hospital Hill, and back to waiting Marines at the finish line.

The Healthy Lifestyle Expo will be held in conjunction with the Marine Corps Historic Half during the days prior to the event.

Located at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, this free event is open to the public and will showcase health, fitness, food, and exercise through featured vendors such as Mary Washington Hospital, Geico, and Jelly Belly Sport Beans.

[22] On March 31, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon and all the events planned with it were canceled when Virginia Gov.

However, on April 27, 2020, the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon became a virtual event with the help of their technology partner, haku.

March 25 - The first run of the event series, the Marine Corps 17.75K, offers participants the unique opportunity to secure a golden ticket, which is a guaranteed spot in the 2017 MCM.

The Challenge Cup is a competition between the United States Marine Corps and the British Royal Navy/Marine running teams.

2001 Marine Corps Marathon The status of the 2001 MCM was in serious question until three weeks prior to the scheduled event day.