Marine Corps Marathon

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eryn23

75 posts since
Apr 25, 2006

Apr 7, 2007 12:46 AM

Marine Corps Marathon

Anyone doing this one? It is a race that I'm VERY interested in doing, which has been peaked even more since I learned that my Team in Training chapter is doing it as an event this year.

However, I am not sure if I feel like starting marathon training again so soon. Hate to pass up the opportunity though....I know there are lots of experienced marathoners on this board so let me know your thoughts on this race, if you don't mind

Thanks alot everyone!

lbigrunner

51 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

1. Apr 8, 2007 9:50 AM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

I ran it a couple of years ago and am planning on running this year with my wife. The course is great except for the finish, kinda up hill, but it's over quick! Support is Great, and a lot stuff to see, that keeps your mind off the miles. As far as the training....it's only 18 weeks out of your life!

Simon

Altair

39 posts since
Feb 9, 2006

2. Apr 9, 2007 9:25 AM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

I agree it's a great race. I've done it the past 2 years. This year my schedule doesn't allow it, or I'd be back again. Finish line is a little tough, all uphill. The start also has a long but not steep uphill in the first couple of miles. Other than that, the course is flat and a real tour of DC landmarks. The Marines do a great job. The race is marred only by finish-line disorganization/crowds, but one of these years they have to get it right, so why not this year?!

dzillas

57 posts since
Mar 22, 2004

3. Apr 26, 2007 12:13 PM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

I'm thinking of running the marine corp, it's between that and philly. I live in philly, but wouldn't mind going down to DC -- it's a short drive. Unfortunately, I've read some negative things about the organization of both marathons. I'll have to think about it. FYI www.marathonguide.com[/URL" target="_blank"> has runner's reviews of marathons.

lmdecken

8 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Apr 26, 2007 2:07 PM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

I'm planning on signing up, as well as a friend. Haven't heard anything about it either way (+/-) personally, but we both have a friend who was seriously injured over in Iraq but who has been fighting just as hard back in the states/hospital and will live... so we're running it in honor of him.

In case anyone is interested... here's a link to his story (there are more links to follow along in his progress if you want) http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/NEWS/610310340/1051/NEWS01[/URL" target="_blank">

funrun99

11 posts since
Aug 9, 2004

5. Apr 27, 2007 2:43 PM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

Does anyone know what the runner limit is on this race? I can't seem to find the answer on the website. I know it fills usually very fast (like within a few days, right)?

Thanks!

Stevie Ray Lopez

532 posts since
Dec 3, 2007

6. Apr 27, 2007 2:53 PM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

I'll be the dissenting opinion. I love the sights in this race... very meaningful, but I do not love the hoard of runners. Especially at the end. The area around the Iwo Jima monument is crazy crowded.

Tip, if you do this race:

Carry a water bottle for the first 3-6 miles so that you can bypass the first couple of aid stations. Ditch it when you empty it. If you are a midpacker, the first few aid stations are also crazy crowded.

Anyway, I'm happy to have done it... so if you never have, maybe you will enjoy it better than I did.

ginchy

64 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

7. Apr 27, 2007 9:43 PM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

quote:<HR>Originally posted by lbigrunner:
I ran it a couple of years ago and am planning on running this year with my wife. The course is great except for the finish, kinda up hill, but it's over quick! Support is Great, and a lot stuff to see, that keeps your mind off the miles. As far as the training....it's only 18 weeks out of your life!

Simon<HR>

Hey Stranger!!!
I'm doing MCM with 3 of my friends!! I would love to see you and Gloria (?)!
How's your fishing this year? I would love it if you drop me a line!!! Janice

ktesla

17 posts since
Nov 27, 2007

8. Apr 30, 2007 7:33 PM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

im doing it with my cousin...it's a first for us both. we're very excited!

misstep

3 posts since
Aug 20, 2006

9. May 7, 2007 9:58 PM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

I think I read that the course closes at 3:30 but I also heard about a time limit to get to mile 22. Anyone with experience with this?

piobaireachd

57 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

10. May 8, 2007 7:51 AM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

quote:<HR>Originally posted by altair:
The race is marred only by finish-line disorganization/crowds, but one of these years they have to get it right, so why not this year?!<HR>

Why not this year? Because the RD keeps boosting the field size. They used to get it right and it was one of the best-organized (maybe even the best organized) races in the region. This was in the days when the field size was practical and reasonable given the constraints of the course and staging areas available.

Altair

39 posts since
Feb 9, 2006

11. May 8, 2007 11:33 AM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

quote:<HR>Originally posted by misstep:
I think I read that the course closes at 3:30 but I also heard about a time limit to get to mile 22. Anyone with experience with this?<HR>

I don't know anything about an overall course time limit, but the 1pm cut-off to make it onto the 14th St Bridge (at mile 20) is real. The Marines make it unnecessarily confusing by converting that to a 14mpm pace. So people start doing the math and realize that either the pace or the mileage is wrong. What the Marines were trying to do was adjust for waves, when you actually cross the start line, etc. They probably threw in slow-downs at the water tables and maybe a potty break or two! Also last year we got a late start in wave 2 and I heard that they held the bridge open a little longer.

Snooze Traveler

72 posts since
Feb 18, 2005

12. May 8, 2007 2:08 PM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

quote:<HR>Originally posted by funrun99:
Does anyone know what the runner limit is on this race? I can't seem to find the answer on the website. I know it fills usually very fast (like within a few days, right)?

Thanks!<HR>

22,000 and registration starts tomorrow!

funrun99

11 posts since
Aug 9, 2004

13. May 8, 2007 5:12 PM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

Thanks Snooze! 22,000 - that's a drop from last year I think. Maybe it'll help with some of the finish line confusions, I hope! I'll be logging on at 12:01pm tomorrow to get in.

vlrandolph

6 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

14. May 9, 2007 10:34 AM

in response to: eryn23

Re: Marine Corps Marathon

I just registered so its obvious they opened a bit early.

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Vic

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Apr 7, 2007 12:46 AM

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