Marine Corps Marathon

Marine Corps Marathon Countdown

199

Days

04

Hrs

12

Min

23

Sec

Next Race

October 25, 2026

200

days to go

Known as "The People's Marathon," the Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the United States and the biggest in the world that offers no prize money. Organized by the U.S. Marine Corps, the course winds past the Pentagon, the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, and finishes near the iconic Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

Est.

1976

Distance

42.195km / 26.2mi

Course

Loop

Surface

Road

Elev. Gain

140m

Elev. Loss

140m

Field Size

~20,000

When

October

Time Limit

6h

THE COURSE

Gain

+140m

Loss

-140m

MI 0

KM 0

Pentagon Start

The race begins near the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, with runners crossing the Potomac into Washington, D.C. early in the race. The flat opening miles build anticipation for the iconic landmarks ahead.

ELEV: 30ft

MI 0

KM 0

Pentagon Start

The race begins near the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, with runners crossing the Potomac into Washington, D.C. early in the race. The flat opening miles build anticipation for the iconic landmarks ahead.

ELEV: 30ft

MI 8

KM 12.9

National Mall & Capitol

Runners pass the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and loop around the U.S. Capitol. This stretch through the heart of American democracy is the emotional centerpiece of the course.

ELEV: 15ft

MI 8

KM 12.9

National Mall & Capitol

Runners pass the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and loop around the U.S. Capitol. This stretch through the heart of American democracy is the emotional centerpiece of the course.

ELEV: 15ft

MI 14

KM 22.5

Hains Point

The out-and-back along Hains Point on the Potomac River can be mentally challenging with limited crowd support, but the waterfront views and flat terrain provide an opportunity to settle into pace.

ELEV: 5ft

MI 14

KM 22.5

Hains Point

The out-and-back along Hains Point on the Potomac River can be mentally challenging with limited crowd support, but the waterfront views and flat terrain provide an opportunity to settle into pace.

ELEV: 5ft

MI 22

KM 35.4

Crystal City Underground

The course passes through the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington. The enthusiastic crowds packed into this corridor provide a massive energy boost in the final miles.

ELEV: 25ft

MI 22

KM 35.4

Crystal City Underground

The course passes through the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington. The enthusiastic crowds packed into this corridor provide a massive energy boost in the final miles.

ELEV: 25ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Iwo Jima Memorial Finish

The finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) is deeply moving. Marines place finisher medals around runners' necks, making it one of the most emotional finishes in American marathon running.

ELEV: 40ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Iwo Jima Memorial Finish

The finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) is deeply moving. Marines place finisher medals around runners' necks, making it one of the most emotional finishes in American marathon running.

ELEV: 40ft