The Marine Corps Marathon, also called "The People's Marathon," provides an inspirational race location, course and history that makes it a special event for participants. You don't plan to run a 26.2-mile marathon without having a reason or expectation. What it feels like to run the Marine Corps Marathon may be different for each participant.
Pre-race
The 30,000 marathon participants start gathering two to three hours before the start. While seeing the mass of people may be intimidating at first, the enthusiasm and race nerves you feel are the same for most participants. Racers who know each other will gather in groups, and most sit on the ground to save their feet for the race. The United State Marine Corps horse-mounted color guard provides entertainment to keep your mind off the long race ahead while you are waiting for the start.
Race Corrals
Racers begin lining up in the starting corrals approximately one hour before the start of the race. Each participant receives a starting corral assignment based on the estimated finish time indicated on the registration. It is best to be into a line early for one of the many portable toilets before heading to the starting corrals. The lines form quickly and can create a long wait. You will find some participants have nervous energy and want to chat during the corral wait, or want to zone out with headphones to meditate before the race.
Marathon
Marathon runners are required to maintain a 14-minute-per-mile pace to stay in the race. There are checkpoints at mile 17.5, "MCM Gauntlet," and mile 20, "Beat the Bridge". You may hear some of the slower runners talking about making it past these points during the race. While running the Marine Corps Marathon, you will find many entertainment points that include singers, musicians or performers. The entertainers vary each year, but you can always count on the cheering, music and excitement at these points to keep you going to the next mile. There are spectators along most of the course cheering on participants and calling out the names printed on the bibs. Some areas have a higher concentration of spectators depending on how easy it is to access the course. Runners get a last burst of energy when they hear the loud cheering and see the finish line arches ahead.
Finish Line
Crossing the finish line is an emotional event that may bring tears to your eyes. There are several photographers taking pictures so you can purchase a memory after the race. The first stop after crossing the finish line is having a finisher's medal hung around your neck. This is where reality hits that you just completed a marathon.
After the Race
The post-race may create a chaotic experience depending on the number of runners finishing at the time you move through the area. It is common to find congestion around the refreshments, photo area and bag claim. Medical staff often asks you how you are doing to make sure you are not in need of assistance. You may feel like you are in a daze until you reconnect with family and friends.
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