Washington Marine Corps Marathon 2023

Sunday 29th October 2023

Duration: 3, 4 or 5 Nights Distance: Marathon, 10k, 50k

Founded in 1975 by Colonel James L. Fowler to promote goodwill between the military and the post-Vietnam community, and to raise money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The Marine Corps Marathon takes place in and around Washington DC. In 2023 it will celebrate its 48th edition. Along the course, you will take in many of Washington’s major sights and monuments.

The below is a sample 3 night itinerary, 4 and 5 nights also available.

Friday 27th October

Arrange your own flights or transport to Washington DC. If you would like to arrive a little earlier, in advance of the marathon, please send us an email, and we can arrange extra nights for you, subject to availability. After you have checked into Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall Hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure, or to meet your fellow runners.

Our Sports Travel International staff member will be at the hotel at various times throughout the day to assist you with any questions you may have and escort you to the marathon expo dependent on your arrival time.

Friday 27th/Saturday 28th October

Above map shows locations of Start Area, Event EXPO, Finish Line, and Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall Hotel

Today you can head to the marathon EXPO. Here you will collect your race number and registration details. The EXPO is situated at the Gaylord National Resort (201 Waterfront Street) at National Harbor. Admission to the Health & Fitness Expo, presented by Cigna, is free and is open to participants, family members, friends, supporters, volunteers and general public. At the EXPO you can sample nutritious food, try out the latest exercise equipment, test drive technology, explore recovery products and snap motivating selfies. The exhibit floor features sponsors, charities and vendors offering great giveaways, health screenings, literature and selling the latest products. At the EXPO you will also find vendors selling MCM-branded merchandise.

The EXPO is open between the below times

Fri – 10:00 – 20:00
Sat – 8:00 – 18:00

The rest of your day is then free to explore Washington at your leisure, enjoying the fabulous shops, markets, bars and restaurants. Take in a sightseeing trip around the amazing city.

To reduce traffic congestion, participants are encouraged to utilise Metro and the MCM Shuttle service to arrive at the Health & Fitness Expo at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, October 28th-29th.

Free round trip shuttles will run from Eisenhower (yellow) and Van Dorn (Blue) Metro station to the Gaylord National Resort during the EXPO hours.

Saturday 28th October

Today the MCM Kids Run will take place. Three thousand kids aged between 5-12 will participate in the one-mile fun run that also offers a variety of activities at the family fitness called Camp Miles. This one-mile, fun filled event features music and entertainment, mascots and medals.

The rest of today is free for you to relax, unwind and prepare for tomorrow’s race; whichever distance you are taking on.

Sunday 29th October – Marine Corps Marathon, 50k & 10k Race.

Hosted in the nation’s capital, with the start and finish in Arlington, VA; the Marine Corps Marathon is an unique experience that will take you through some of the most recognizable landmarks in the USA. The start line is between the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, signalling to runners, from the off, that this is no ordinary race experience. The route continues through Rosslyn, before journeying into the District to tour Georgetown and the National Mall on the way to ‘beating the bridge.’ Enter Arlington and pass the Pentagon, tour Crystal City, and finish head uphill, to the finish, at the Marine Corps War Memorial. (For full route details, see read more on details tab).

Marine Corps Marathon has a 7:45 start for wheelchair and hand cycle athletes and 7:55 for runner. The 50k event time is 7:30. After running the fantastic course, return to the hotel before heading out for a well earned celebratory drink in a local bar! The 10K race details are TBC (although we anticipate a start time of around 8:00). Our Sports Travel International staff will escort you to the start this morning.

Monday 30th October

Today you can finish off your sightseeing and shopping in Washington. However, please be sure to check out of the hotel in good time and leave yourself plenty of time for your onward journey.

Return or onward journey by your own arrangements.

Alternatively you can extend your stay in Washington, or head over to New York for the NYRR New York City Marathon – for more information, contact us directly.

Washington Marine Corps Marathon