History of Marine Corps Marathon in Timeline

The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is an annual marathon in Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia. Organized by the U.S. Marine Corps, the MCM promotes physical fitness and community goodwill, while showcasing the Marines' organizational capabilities. It attracts participants and spectators alike.

1943: Year Marine Corps Women's Reserve was created

In 1943, the Marine Corps Women's Reserve was created, an event which Molly the MCM mascot proudly displays on her bib number 1943.

1960: Gunnery Sergeant Alex Breckenridge lends support

In 1960, Gunnery Sergeant Alex Breckenridge, a member of the 1960 Olympic Marathon Team, lent his support. With Gunnery Sergeant Breckenridge acting as an ambassador for the marathon effort, local jurisdictions approved of the event.

October 17, 1975: Colonel Fowler Outlines Idea for Marine Corps Reserve Marathon

On October 17, 1975, Colonel James L. Fowler wrote a memo proposing the creation of a Marine Corps Reserve Marathon to Major General Michael P. Ryan. The aim was to promote goodwill between the military and the post-Vietnam community, showcase the Marine Corps, serve as a recruiting tool, and enable local Marines to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The marathon also aims to raise money for various charities.

November 7, 1976: Inaugural Marine Corps Marathon Held

On November 7, 1976, the inaugural Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) took place with 1,175 participants running through northern Virginia and finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Kenneth Moore of Eugene, Oregon, won the event with a time of 2:21:14 and was awarded a trophy by Secretary Middendorf. This marked the beginning of the MCM's tradition and its finish at the Iwo Jima memorial.

1976: Marine Corps Marathon Established

In 1976, the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) was established. It has since become the fifth largest marathon in the United States, known as "The People's Marathon" for being open to runners ages 14 and above and not offering prize money. The 50K Ultramarathon race is the largest in North America.

1976: Inaugural Marine Corps Marathon

In 1976, the inaugural running of the Marine Corps Marathon took place.

1976: Inaugural MCM finish

Since the inaugural running of the Marine Corps Marathon in 1976, the finish has remained unchanged. For the last 10 kilometers, runners enjoy the color and energy of Crystal City in Arlington County, Virginia. At The Pentagon, runners pass in close proximity to the Pentagon Memorial honoring the victims of 9/11. Finally, the course unfurls alongside the Arlington National Cemetery then offers a final, up-hill challenge to the finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

1977: Course Changes and Increased Participation in the MCM

In 1977, marathon organizers examined the course for the Marine Corps Marathon and secured permits to run through Washington, D.C. The new route set the foundation for a scenic run through key landmarks, starting in Arlington County, Virginia, winding through the nation's capital, and finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial. With the course changes and positive publicity, the second MCM attracted 2,655 runners.

1978: Challenge Cup Competition Initiated at MCM

In 1978, the Challenge Cup competition was initiated at the Marine Corps Marathon. It is a competition between the United States Marine Corps and the British Royal Navy/Marine running teams, with an 1897 Victorian silver cup awarded to the winner each year. The cup was donated by the British in 1978.

1979: First Female Active Duty Marine Wins MCM

In 1979, 1st Lieutenant Joanna Martin became the first female active duty Marine to win the Marine Corps Marathon. Martin, from Woodbridge, VA and stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, finished with a time of 2:58:14.

1982: MCM Coordination Moves to Marine Corps Base Quantico

In 1982, the Marine Corps Marathon race coordination was transferred from the Marine Corps Reserve to active-duty Marines at Marine Barracks. Continued growth led to a move south to Marine Corps Base Quantico, where the MCM headquarters has remained since then.

1998: Female Division Added to Challenge Cup Competition

In 1998, a female division was added to the Challenge Cup competition at the Marine Corps Marathon. The competition involves adding the finish times of the top three runners for each team, with the lowest total time declared the winner.

2001: 2001 MCM Proceeded Post-9/11 with Heightened Security

The 2001 Marine Corps Marathon status was in question until three weeks prior to the scheduled event day due to the 9/11 attacks. The Commandant of the Marine Corps approved the event with a new security plan. Mile five of the course offered runners a view of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Over 15,000 runners from 50 states and 39 countries participated in the 26th annual Marine Corps Marathon.

2006: Marine Corps Marathon Introduces MCM10K

In 2006, the Marine Corps Marathon introduced the MCM10K, a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) run starting at the National Mall in Washington, DC. The MCM10K and MCM begin simultaneously with MCM10K runners joining the final leg of the marathon course, sharing in the iconic finish up the hill to the Marine Corps War Memorial.

2009: Wyatt Boyd Previously Held MCM10K Course Record

Wyatt Boyd of Washington, DC, previously held the MCM10K course record of 00:32:54 which was broken in 2011.

2010: Introduction of MCM Pep Rally

In 2010, the Marine Corps Marathon introduced the MCM Pep Rally, open to all marathon runners. The evening offers the chance for runners to receive last-minute information and inspiration from an expert panel of runners, coaches, Clif Pace Team leaders, Brooks consultants, and MCM staff members, among others.

2011: Miles the Bulldog Completes MCM10K

In 2011, Miles the Bulldog, one of the Marine Corps Marathon mascots, added "10K Finisher" to his resume by completing all 6.2 miles of the MCM10K.

2011: New MCM10K Course Record Set

In 2011, Reuben Mwei set a new MCM10K course record with a finishing time of 00:30:37. Reuben Mwei is a native of Kenya residing in Acworth, GA.

2011: MCM Sells Out in 28 Hours

In 2011, the Marine Corps Marathon sold out within 28 hours of registration opening, filling the 30,000 runner capacity.

2012: MCM Sells Out in Record Time

In 2012, all 30,000 registrations for the Marine Corps Marathon sold out within 2 hours and 41 minutes.

2012: MCM10K Sells Out

In 2012, the Marine Corps Marathon MCM10K event sold out with 10,000 registered runners, demonstrating its growing popularity since its inception.

2013: RACE IT Awarded Marine Corps Marathon Contract

In 2013, RACE IT, race services division of Competitor Group, Inc., was awarded a multi-year agreement to provide registration services to facilitate online entries for the MCM.

2014: MCM uses a Howitzer for starting gun and includes Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter

In 2014, The Marine Corps Marathon featured a 105mm Howitzer as the starting gun. Medal of Honor recipient, Kyle Carpenter, parachuted to the start and delivered a 7,800 square-foot American flag.

2014: Shadow Run Held in Afghanistan

In 2014, a Marine Corps Marathon shadow run was held at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. The Marine Corps Marathon is a top stateside military event with sanctioned shadow runs.

2014: Lottery Introduced and RACE IT Awarded Registration Contract

In 2014, the Marine Corps Marathon introduced a lottery system for applicants. RACE IT, the race services division of Competitor Group, Inc., was awarded a multi-year agreement to provide registration services for the MCM.

2014: Quantico Tri Introduces Chip Timing

In 2014, the Quantico Tri, a sprint distance event held aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, introduced chip timing to provide more accurate results for participants. The event includes a 750-meter swim, a 20 km bike course, and a 5 km run. The Quantico Tri also features the Quantico 12K run through the trails of Officer Candidates School.

2016: Al Richmond Completes Every MCM Since 1976

As of 2016, Al Richmond of Arlington, VA, was the only individual to have completed every Marine Corps Marathon since its inaugural running in 1976. Richmond is a retired US Marine.

2017: Devil Dog Double introduced in Historic Half

In 2017, the Devil Dog Double was introduced to the Marine Corps Historic Half (MCHH). Runners competing in this challenge would complete both the Semper 5ive and the Historic Half on Sunday, May 21.

2017: 2017 MCM Event Series

In 2017, the MCM Event Series featured five weekends of events held aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico and the surrounding community. The events celebrated the accomplishment of distance running and showcased the organizational excellence of the United States Marine Corps.

2017: Marine Corps 17.75K

In 2017, the Marine Corps 17.75K, was the first run of the event series, offers participants a guaranteed spot in the 2017 MCM. The event celebrates the founding of the United States Marine Corps in 1775 and travels through Prince William Forest Park in Dumfries, VA.

2017: Quantico 100 Introduced

Introduced in 2017, the Quantico 100 celebrates the 100th anniversary of Marine Corps Base Quantico. Participants have 100 minutes to log as many miles as possible during this evening run.

October 27, 2019: 44th Marine Corps Marathon took place

The 44th Marine Corps Marathon took place on October 27, 2019.

2019: Jordan Ramirez Completes MCM

In 2019, Jordan Ramirez, who was the youngest runner at age 10 to complete 7 marathons on 7 continents, also completed the Marine Corps Marathon, making him the youngest to run it.

March 31, 2020: Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon Canceled Due to COVID-19

On March 31, 2020, the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon and all associated events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, following Virginia's "stay at home" order.

April 27, 2020: Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon Becomes Virtual Event

On April 27, 2020, the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon transitioned to a virtual event with the support of their technology partner, haku, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: 2020 Marine Corps Marathon Cancelled Due to Pandemic

In 2020, the in-person edition of the Marine Corps Marathon was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Registrants were given the option to transfer their entry to 2021, 2022, or 2023 or obtain a full refund.

2021: 2021 Marine Corps Marathon Cancelled Due to Pandemic

In 2021, the in-person edition of the Marine Corps Marathon was cancelled due to the pandemic. Registrants were given the option to run the race virtually, transfer their entry to 2022, or obtain a full refund.