Runners should look in their inboxes this week for the MCM and MCM10K e-Card. Every runner will learn their bib number assignment. Runners must present the e-Card either on a phone or a printed version at Packet Pick-up to obtain the official participant bib.  A scarlet, gold or green stripe will be featured across the bottom of MCM participant bibs . The color has been assigned to each runner based on the anticipated finish time as input during registration (this can't be changed). Runners will only be afforded access to the specific start line corrals that match the color on their bib. The corrals will be designated by corresponding color flags.

Health & Fitness Expo The MCM Health & Fitness Expo presented by Cigna features more than 150 exhibits and booths including the Cigna Health Improvement Tour plus Packet Pick-up, the Wegmans Launch Zone and the MCM Brooks store . The Expo is hosted at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on Friday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. –  6 p.m.

Take Metro to the Eisenhower or Van Dorn Metro station for a free shuttle ride to the Expo --- or park at National Harbor. Pay parking is available in National Harbor and at the Gaylord. Prince George’s County Police will be stationed around National Harbor to minimize traffic delays.  Learn about MCM free parking in Crystal City, as well as shuttle routes to the MCM start. MCM runners should arrive at the Pentagon Metro station; while the MCM10K participants should use the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter station. There is no designated parking or shuttle for the 10K. 

The MCM is opening Metro at 6 a.m. on event morning. The 43rd MCM starts with the wheelchair and hand cycle division at 7:45 a.m. The MCM begins at 7:55 a.m. in Arlington, VA. MCM10K also starts at 7:55 a.m. but on the National Mall. Marathoners must reach the DC Gauntlet by 12:33 p.m.; Beat the Bridge by 1:15 p.m.; and pass the Crystal City Gauntlet by 1:49 p.m.  The MCM course features 13 water points with lemon-lime Gatorade and water from Walmart. Added to this year’s course along the 14 th Street Bridge at mile 21 is the new cupless water station. Runners will be encouraged to use their own containers and refill while ‘Beating the Bridge.’ Food stations include oranges at mile 9; Carb Boom energy gels at miles 13 and 23; and Jelly Belly Sport Beans at mile 19.

Now available for the upcoming MCM, runners, supporters and loved ones from afar can sign up  to receive live split updates sent by text or email, posted on a Facebook timeline or delivered over a Twitter feed. The service will track every MCM and MCM10K participant. If you plan to run the MCM listening to your favorite playlist, then you must download the Motigo app for added motivation of personal cheers from friends, supporters and loved ones. A personal support crew can record audio messages to be played just for you during the run. Add to your experience a limited number of MCM audio course highlights. Available for iOS and Android . Low battery drain.

There are still a few seats for the MCM’s fantastic pasta dinner on Sat. Oct. 27 at the Gaylord National Resort. Endless carbs, a delicious buffet, entertainment by the American Bombshells and featured speaker world-class marathoner Michael Wardian.    Free speaker sessions throughout MCM Weekend featuring running experts, health specialists and MCM Hall of Famers. Walk-in access is available or sign up in advance to reserve a free seat to attend one of the Runners Conference sessions on Fri. Oct. 26 or Sat. Oct. 27. The Runners Conference will be located in Hall C on the exhibit floor of the Health & Fitness Expo .

MedStar | Pacers Join MedStar Sports Medicine and Pacers for the final training run and workshop on Thursday, October 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the MedStar facility in DC. One of MedStars expert physical therapists will speak on the topic: Race Hard, Recover Strong: What to do After the MCM. A four-mile group training run will follow the discussion. Representatives of the MCM Organization will also be in attendance to answer questions.

run to remember returns to Hains Point at Mile 11 honoring the lives of 300 fallen service members with a powerful living memorial.   During this powerful on-course experience, runners are invited to say a name, remember a face, and be inspired by the courage of these heroes. Visit  http://wearblueruntoremember.org   for more information about wear blue’s mission, finding a local wear blue community, and running MCM in blue. Marine Corps Base Quantico is opening its famed Medal of Honor Golf Course to host the Medal of Honor 8K on December 8. The field is limited so register now and get unprecedented access to tour the greens and #RunWithTheMarines.  

It's official... You’ve done the training, now it’s time to get the gear! The official 2018 MCM collection is now available. Runners from the DC area can purchase apparel at local specialty running stores Pacers and PR Running and find out about the remote bib pick-up program.

Picture Perfect MarathonFoto is the proud photographer of the Marine Corps Marathon. As you run past the most iconic national landmarks, be sure to smile at MarathonFoto photographers in yellow vests and see your big finish at MarathonFoto.com !

Vaseline® Jelly protects and locks in moisture to help dry skin heal. Runners say  Vaseline® Jelly  can help protect against chafing – one of the more common discomforts that can come with long-distance running. Try applying a generous layer of Vaseline® Jelly to the affected skin areas (like inner thighs) before starting your run!'  Join the insanity that is the Marathon Maniacs , a running club with over 14,700+ dedicated runners all around the world who are looking for a challenge. Finish three marathons in 90 days to qualify. Do you have what it takes? Join online at www.marathonmaniacs.com .  Visit the Maniacs booth at the Health & Fitness Expo to learn about the MCM pace team.

Carmine’s Italian Restaurant is the perfect place for pre-marathon carb loading. Featuring all your traditional pasta favorites such as spaghetti, penne, and rigatoni . Located in DC’s Penn Quarter. Make your reservations today or place your take out order with delivery in the DC Metro Area. 202-737-7770  carminesnyc.com  Spectators can watch the MCM from 31 stories up and see expansive views of the course with the inclusive food and drinks brunch package at the brand new Observation Deck at CEB Tower located in Rosslyn, location of the Finish Festival. Tickets are on sale now for this VIP experience or visit The Observation Deck other times during MCM Weekend . Discount tickets are available to all MCM participants, spectators and members of the military.

Bring Your Songs Along Can’t run without your favorite beats? The Forerunner® 645 Music running watch lets you store music right on your watch. And it has more ways to improve your performance, such as advanced running dynamics (when paired with the Running Dynamics Pod) and performance monitoring tools that let you know if your training plan is optimal or if you could stand to kick it up a notch.

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