A run on portions of the actual MCM Route to prepare for race day is one of the best ways to get in the spirit of the 33rd Annual Marine Corps Marathon.

It is well recognized that visualization of a race course is a valued training tool. How about actually running the route as part of your Marine Corps Marathon preparation? Available for a limited time only for Marine Corps Marathon trainees, let one of City Running Tours' well versed and course-savvy running guides show you the way. Along the way, they will point out sites and inside scoop that you can remember as you do the Marathon on October 26th. You can start/finish at metro stops that will actually be recommended for race day. Impress your running companions with your knowledge as a result of your "advance" work. Leave the details of hydration, snacks, sun protection etc. up to the guide – you will also go home with a photo as proof of your effort.

All runs are one on one – just the guide and you. If you have a group let us know and we will plan accordingly. We run at your pace and our guides can go as slow or fast as you feel comfortable. We can also provide for run/walk if that is your preference.

City Running Tours has prepared three specific routes that will be a part of the actual MCM route. In all cases we highly recommend, if not included, you take the Hains Point extension. This is a 4-5 mile portion of the course that has a reputation for being tough. In 2008 it will be earlier in the route (Miles 11-15) however, it is something to be reckoned with. And, it would be a tremendous advantage to have covered the distance prior to October 26th. City Running Tours will make it well worth your while.

All of the following distances are estimated and Miles noted in italics are approximate Mile Markers on the MCM Course.

MCM 2008 – POTOMAC RIVER AND WASHINGTON CHANNEL – 10.24 miles
You will meet your guide at the Rosslyn, Virginia Metro station. From there you will join the MCM course at approximately Mile 4.5. Proceed across Key Bridge – with a fabulous view of the DC side of the Potomac Waterfront – including the Kennedy Center, which you pass later (at this point you can do the Canal Extension Miles 5-9). Proceed below the Whitehurst Freeway, pass the Georgetown Harbor and re-join the actual route at Rock Creek Parkway (Mile 10) enroute to the Lincoln Memorial. After passing under Memorial Bridge, Ohio Drive enters West Potomac Park. This will be Miles 11-15 around Hains Point. Exiting East Potomac Park you will join Maine and Independence Avenues. Between Miles 16 and 17 go around the Lincoln Memorial – viewing the distant Capitol building (the far eastern end of the course) and return to Virginia via the Memorial Bridge. You will then be back on familiar terrain - re-joining Route 110 to the final Mile 25-26.2 and the Finish Line. A recovery walk to the Rosslyn or Arlington Cemetery Metro will conclude your "experience".
Optional extension:
Canal Extension – add 4.14 mi (total 14.38 mi)

MCM 2008 – POTOMAC RIVER AND C&O CANAL – 8.96 miles
Meet your guide at the Rosslyn, Virginia Metro station. From there you will join the MCM course at approximately Mile 4.5. Proceed across Key Bridge – with a fabulous view of the DC side of the Potomac Waterfront – including the Kennedy Center, which you pass later. Route Miles 5-10 incorporates the steepest hill you will encounter and a fantastic opportunity to run the C&O Canal Towpath that parallels a section of the course. Having gone by the Georgetown Harbor you will re-join the actual route at Rock Creek Parkway (Mile 10) enroute to the Lincoln Memorial (at this point you have the chance to take the recommended extension to Hains Point Miles 11-15). In both cases you will proceed around the Lincoln Memorial – viewing the distant Capitol building (the far eastern end of the course) and returning to Virginia via the Memorial Bridge. You will then be back on familiar terrain - re-joining Route 110 taking you on the final Mile 25-26.2 and the Finish Line. A recovery walk to the Rosslyn or Arlington Cemetery Metro will conclude your "experience".
Optional extension:
Hains Point – add 5.59 mi (total 14.55 mi)

MCM 2008 – NATIONAL MALL AND MONUMENTS – 7.59 miles
Meet your guide at the Foggy Bottom Metro on 23rd Street near Washington Circle. Start down K Street turning left at 25th, right on Virginia Ave. and join the route at Mile 10 –Rock Creek Parkway. Follow Parkway past Kennedy Center enroute to Lincoln Memorial. (at this point you can add in the Hains Point Extension Miles 11-17). After a magnificent view of the Reflecting Pool and National Mall proceed towards Constitution Ave. Aside from being a gorgeous thoroughfare many well-known buildings are in view. At the Washington Monument access the National Mall – traveling the full length – to the front of the Capitol (Miles 17-19). Return via other side of the Mall (Miles 19-21.5). At 14th Street the MCM Route will turn left to the bridge and Crystal City. We shall re-join the course on Independence Ave. and return via 23rd Street to Foggy Bottom Metro. Or you can opt for the Finish Extension and the Metro in Rosslyn or at Arlington Cemetery.
Optional extensions:
Hains Point – add 5.59 mi (total 13.18 mi)
Finish Extension – add 2.03 mi (total 9.62 mi)
Both Hains Point and Finish Extension – (total 15.21 mi)

MCM - CUSTOM
If you have specific requests for sites and/or distances that you wish to cover, such as the loop in Crystal City or more mileage, please contact us (see below for email address and phone number). We will gladly design a custom route for you.

Remember this is only available to Marine Corps Marathon trainees at a temporary, reduced price! Click below to begin your training:

 

No Federal or Marine Corps endorsement of sponsor is implied.