The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is managed by the U.S. Marines on a course through Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, DC. It is the third largest marathon in the United States, and the largest marathon in the world that offers no prize money, which earned it the nickname "The People's Marathon." Runners from more than 50 countries take part every year.
There is no lottery. General registration opens at a set date and time on the official registration platform, after priority windows for returning participants, active duty service members and MCM Runners Club members. Charity partners, partner travel agencies and the Marine Corps 17.75K also offer guaranteed entries. For the official entry and all details, head to the Marine Corps Marathon website.
Key dates
- Registration WindowExpected Apr 2027
- Race dayOct 25, 2026
Windows are shown to the month until the organiser confirms them. Subscribers get the exact day, by email, on the morning it opens.
This year's registration has closed. The next window is expected Apr 2027. Set up a BibsAlert now and we'll email you the moment the Marine Corps Marathon registration reopens, so next time you're first in instead of locked out.
How to enter the Marine Corps Marathon
The Marine Corps Marathon has several routes to a bib. None of them is a lottery.
1. General Registration (First-Come, First-Served)
General registration opens on the official website at a set time, and places go in order of registration. It includes a Military Service Members category. The standard entry fee is about $240. Optional refundable registration can be added when you register.
2. Priority Registration
Before general registration, recent MCM Weekend participants, active duty service members and MCM Runners Club members get their own registration windows. Eligible runners receive a unique registration link by email.
3. MCM Runners Club (Guaranteed Access)
Runners who have finished at least five Marine Corps Marathons can join the free MCM Runners Club. Members get guaranteed registration access every year, during a designated window, with a dedicated link sent by email.
4. Marine Corps 17.75K (Access Granted)
Finishers of the live Marine Corps 17.75K, held in Prince William Forest Park, earn "Access Granted": an emailed link that guarantees entry into that year's Marine Corps Marathon. Runners must be 14 or older on MCM day, and the link cannot be passed to another runner.
5. Charity Partners
MCM Charity Partners hold guaranteed entries. Contact a charity directly to learn about its fundraising requirement and registration process. Charity bibs are available until the charity deadline or until that charity's places run out.
6. Partner Travel Agencies
Runners traveling from abroad can register through one of the official partner travel agencies, which offer guaranteed entry as part of a travel package.
The course
The course starts and finishes in Arlington and tours the landmarks of the nation's capital in between.
- Start: Between the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
- Finish: Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, VA
- Distance: 26.2 miles (42.195 km), USATF certified
- Start Time: 7:20 a.m.
- Pace requirement: 14 minutes per mile, and runners must clear the course gauntlets
From the start, runners pass through Rosslyn and cross into the District to tour Georgetown and the National Mall. Around mile 20 comes the "Beat the Bridge" gauntlet before the 14th Street Bridge, which takes runners back to Arlington, past the Pentagon and through Crystal City. The race finishes uphill at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Because the course is USATF certified, official finish times can be used to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Why run the Marine Corps Marathon?
- The People's Marathon: No prize money, and the third largest marathon in the United States.
- Run with the Marines: The course is managed by the U.S. Marines.
- Iconic landmarks: Georgetown, the National Mall, the Pentagon and an uphill finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial.
- The wear blue Mile: At mile 12, the course is lined with photographs and flags honoring fallen service members.
Missed out?
Spots for the Marine Corps Marathon sell out fast. If you missed this year's window, you still have options:
- Charity & partner entries: Many races reserve guaranteed places with charity partners and official tour operators, even after general entry sells out. Check the official website for partners.
- Try a similar race: Check the related races below for races with similar entry types, dates, or locations.
- Be ready next year: Set up a BibsAlert so you don't miss the moment registration opens.
Questions runners ask
Is the Marine Corps Marathon a lottery?
No. General registration is first-come, first-served: it opens at a set date and time on the official website. Returning participants, active duty service members and Runners Club members get earlier registration windows.
Is there a time limit?
Runners must keep a pace of 14 minutes per mile and clear the course gauntlets, including Beat the Bridge at mile 20. Runners who miss the DC or Crystal City gauntlet are diverted off the certified course and are not recognized as official finishers.
Can I transfer or defer my entry?
The Marine Corps Marathon Organization does not permit transfers or deferrals for the current events: all registrations are final. Refundable registration can be purchased when you register, or within five days after. Check the official website for the current policy.
How do I get guaranteed entry?
Finish five Marine Corps Marathons and join the free MCM Runners Club, which gives guaranteed registration access every year during a designated window. Finishers of the live Marine Corps 17.75K also earn guaranteed entry, and charity partners and partner travel agencies hold guaranteed entries.
Is the Marine Corps Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. The course is USATF certified, so official finish times can be used to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Looking ahead
General registration for the Marine Corps Marathon opens on a date announced on the official website, after the priority windows for returning participants, active duty service members and Runners Club members. Since it's first-come, first-served, registering when it opens is the safest way in. Set up a BibsAlert to get notified when registration opens.