MCM: Time to Muster

Don't wait for MCM Weekend, read the digital version of Salute , the official event program. Offers great insights for runners and spectators plus inspirational profiles, course maps and the latest on MCM technology.

The MCM has introduced a new App aptly titled “ Marine Corps Marathon App. ” Available for both iPhone and Android platforms, the app offers easy access to all essential MCM Weekend information including maps, spectator tips, schedules and transportation. Sign up to receive live runner tracking updates and access results throughout the event.

On the MCM Website and in the App, see a runner's progress visually represented by an icon moving along the MCM course map with MCM Map Track . With Track a Runner , follow one or more runners in real time and receive updates by text or email.

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.

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. Other great exhibits include lululemon , Hyundai , GEICO and Leidos . And everyone will want to take multiple selfies at the InstaWall. The Expo is hosted at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on Fri., Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Be there for the opening ceremonies on Oct. 25 at 9:30 a.m.

MCM and 50K runners should arrive at the Pentagon Metro station; while the MCM10K participants should use the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter station. The MCM will open the Metro system at 6 a.m. on event morning.

Free parking is available at 23rd and Crystal Drive in Crystal City on MCM Day. Shuttles will run from this location to Runners Village before the MCM and then between Crystal City and the Finish Festival. Want to reserve a paid parking spot somewhere along the course? Use MCM partner, SpotHero .

On the back of every bib is the UPS sticker that indicates the assigned baggage truck. Affix the sticker to the clear plastic drawstring bag when checking gear at UPS Drop-off in Runners Village. Any other type of bag will not be accepted. Remember if you see something, say something.

The MCM opening ceremonies begin at 7:20 a.m. The program highlights include the Leidos skydive with the American flag, the National Anthem performance by American Idol finalist Clark Beckham, the inspirational flyover and the four blasts of the Howitzer. Official starters include Congresswoman Deb Haaland, SgtMaj John Canley, Vice Admiral Jerome Adams, the 20 ^th Surgeon General of the United States and General David Berger, the 38 ^th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. The MCM10K will be started by SgtMaj Troy Black, 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

The MCM50K begins at 7:30 a.m. The MCM begins at 7:55 a.m. in Arlington, VA. MCM10K also starts at 7:55 a.m. on the National Mall. Wheelchair and handcycle participants begin at 7:45 a.m. with the Duos starting at 7:30 a.m. Marathoners and 50K participants 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. Additionally, 50K participants must reach the Georgetown Gauntlet on the DC side of the Key Bridge by 8:33 a.m. Click the timeline icon to access event schedule.

A scarlet, gold or green mark is featured across the MCM participant bibs. The color has been assigned to each runner based on the anticipated finish time as input during registration. Runners will only be afforded access to the specific start line corrals that match the color on their bibs. The corrals will be designated by corresponding color flags on the top of the corral signs. Corral assignments may not be altered at this time. Runners are free to move back in the corrals but may not move forward.

The MCM and 50K courses feature 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 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; Honey Stinger energy gels at miles 13 and 23; and Jelly Belly Sport Beans at mile 19. The 50K course includes a Sweet Spot Food Station featuring blueberry, apple, fat free bran carrot and gluten free chocolate muffins from TCMA for the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

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. www.getmotigo.com .

Runners and spectators will be required to access the start areas through safety check points. Runners must use the clear plastic bag issued at Packet Pick-up for at UPS bag check. Remember the entire MCM is a “no-drone” zone. As always, if you ‘ see something, say something .’

Stroll into the lounge area to interact with running experts at the MCM Ask Me Stage . The lineup includes MCM Director Rick Nealis, Ultramaraton Man Dean Karnazes, author Michael Clinton, MedStar sports medicine experts, veteran Jared McGowan and a live recording of the Pace the Nation podcast. Sessions occur throughout the Expo on Fri. Oct. 25 and Sat. Oct. 26. The Ask Me Stage will be located in Hall C on the exhibit floor of the Health & Fitness Expo.

run to remember returns to Hains Point at Mile 12 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 wearblueruntoremember.org for more information about wear blue’s mission, finding a local wear blue community, and running MCM in blue.

NBC Sports Washington hosts live coverage from the MCM start beginning at 7 a.m. Tell friends and family to watch.

To exit after the MCM, use Metro from Rosslyn (blue/orange/silver) or take free shuttle to Crystal City from the corner of Oak Street and Wilson Boulevard in the Finish Festival.

Hospitality includes Wegmans bottled water, HomePlate Peanut Butter, Fyffes bananas, Jimmy Bars and more. Plus runners will receive the MCM recovery jacket. Remember to recycle and compost. The Finish Festival in Rosslyn features live music, food samples, info tent, family link-up, 26.2 Beer Garden and UPS Baggage Pick-up. Ring the MCM PR Bell, if you earned it. Visit the Cigna Health Improvement Tour.

The Marathon of Monuments is almost here! MarathonFoto can help you get a head start with 3 great pre-race offers. Don't miss this chance to save up to 25% on our most popular photo packages! Visit MarathonFoto.com. Offer ends 10.27.19

MCM Weekend runners will now be able to personalize their finisher medal with their name and unique finish time. The iTAB is a small engraved plate that slides onto the medal ribbon with a unique iTAB buckle. Participants can order an iTAB at: the www.itab.us.com webpage and search for “Marine Corps Marathon” under the event tab.

Silver Diner will celebrate all MCM Kids Run participants with a delicious burger just for running with the Marines.

USAA is a Proud Sponsor of the Marine Corps Marathon, because we admire the courage and commitment of the United States military and the grit it takes to run. Please stop by the USAA booth at the expo, sign our inspiration wall, and get a photo with an Iwo Jima backdrop. Best of luck to all of the runners! #RunWithTheMarines.