Marine Corps Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon begins in Arlington, proceeds through Washington, D.C., and returns to Arlington to finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. This road marathon takes place on the last Sunday in October, just before the Marine Corps Birthday, and has been held annually since 1976. Known as “the People’s Marathon,” it does not offer prize money, has no entry lottery, and is open to runners aged 14 and older. With approximately 40,000 finishers, it is the third-largest marathon in the United States and the world’s largest no-prize-money race. The route offers a capital-area marathon rather than a closed stadium event: it starts in northern Virginia, goes through Washington, D.C., and concludes beside the Iwo Jima memorial. Marine Corps involvement extends beyond branding; the event was established to promote fitness, foster goodwill between the military and the public, and demonstrate Marine Corps organization on a significant civic stage. Colonel James L. Fowler initially proposed the concept as a Marine Corps Reserve Marathon, aiming for community outreach, recruiting, and providing local Marines a chance to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Charity runners, service members, club runners, and first-time marathoners all compete together.