FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marine Corps Marathon Today Unveils Flatter Course for
38th MCM on Sunday, October 27, 2013
The Marine Corps Marathon is today releasing the course for the 38th MCM on
Sunday, October 27 in Arlington, VA and throughout the nation's capital in
Washington, D.C. The new interactive course map is available at
www.marinemarathon.com.
38th Marine Corps Marathon Unveils Flatter Course Event Returns to Scenic
Rock Creek Parkway Resulting in Reduced Elevation
QUANTICO, VA (Aug. 20, 2013) - The 38th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) course
will feature a flatter course and a new approach to the U.S. Capitol. The
notable change in course elevation occurs from Miles 6 through 9 with
runners now travelling north on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway to Beach
Drive and then venturing back along the Parkway on roads that are
relatively flat.
Previously, runners would turn left onto Canal Road after crossing the Key
Bridge to Georgetown before scaling a 150-foot grade around the Georgetown
Reservoir between Miles 7 and 8. The MCM course now will send runners
immediately into the welcoming throngs of spectators along Georgetown's
renowned M Street prior to entering Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway on a
route that has not been part of the MCM course since 2006. The beautifully
tree-lined Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway was developed in the 1920s and
'30s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
"This new course offers more spacious and flatter roadways for runners as
they travel through National Park landscape and under historical bridges,"
says Rick Nealis, MCM Director. "Georgetown, especially M Street, remains
important to our runners and, annually, the hot spot for spectators and
supporters."
Another slight modification in the MCM course occurs along Mile 19 on the
National Mall with the marathon route now running on 3rd Street to
Constitution and then directly in front of the majestic U.S. Capitol along
1st Street. Runners will continue to travel adjacent to the Capitol and
then head onto Maryland Avenue and back onto 3rd Street capturing views of
the Smithsonian Museums and other notable landmarks.
All MCM participants must maintain a 14 minute-per-mile pace throughout the
marathon as the course closes seven hours after the start. Wheelchair and
hand cycle participants begin at 7:40 a.m., with the 38th MCM immediately
following at 7:55 a.m. on Route 110 in Arlington.
The interactive 2013 MCM course map created by Bethesda, MD-based
Geocentric now is available at www.marinemarathon.com.
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is the third largest marathon in the United
States and voted "Best Marathon in the Mid Atlantic" and "Best Marathon for
Charities." The MCM honors the dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism of
its participants. Also known as "The People's Marathon," runners from all
walks of life participate in the MCM, which is the largest marathon not to
offer prize money. The 38h MCM sponsored by Boeing, Brooks and GE, will be
held on October 27, 2013 in Arlington, VA. No federal or Marine Corps
endorsement is implied.
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