Event Overview

Marine Corps Marathon

Marine Corps Marathon

Voted "Best Marathon for Families", the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Organized by the United States Marine Corps, the MCM is the fifth largest marathon in the United States and tenth largest in the world. Hosted by nearly 2,500 U.S. Marines and Sailors, the MCM annually welcomes participants from all 50 states and more than 50 countries. Since its inception in 1976, more than 380,000 military and civilian runners have participated in "The People's Marathon", a nickname earned for the run's status as the largest marathon not offering prize money. The event serves to spotlight the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps, promote health and fitness and generate community goodwill.

Runners and spectators of the Marine Corps Marathon can expect an
exciting new change in the event held on October 25, 2009. As the Aquafina Green Team comes to town for the second straight year, Aquafina will set up twenty-five recycling kiosks, with support staff, in high- traffic locations throughout the Finish Festival area in Rosslyn, Virginia. The colorful recycling kiosks stand six-feet tall, and will collect up to 2,700 plastic bottles each. For a fourth year, Arlington County will collect cardboard and plastic recyclable materials at the race finish as well as at all Arlington-based water points. Aquafina will also be providing water for all 35,000 particpants.

“The MCM is excited to partner with Aquafina for this initiative as part of our campaign to create not only healthy people but a healthy environment,” said Rick Nealis, Race Director. This new program will work in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Services of Arlington County to promote recycling at this year’s race.”

The MCM’s recycling efforts in 2008 resulted in the collection of more than four tons of recyclable materials. The addition of the Aquafina recycling kiosks is expected to increase that number significantly.

For information on this year’s Marine Corps Marathon, please visit www.MarineMarathon.com.