Marine Corps Half Marathon

Established in 2007, the Marine Corps Half Marathon is now 19 years old. From its first edition in Washington, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in United States.

The fastest time ever recorded at the Marine Corps Half Marathon is 01:04:14, set by Galen Rupp in 2017. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of Washington.

Runners come to the Marine Corps Half Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Washington has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.

With 25,000 finishers and spectators lining the course deep, the Marine Corps Half Marathon generates an atmosphere that carries runners through the hard miles. The crowd support in Washington is not polite applause — it's visceral, personal, and often the difference between hitting the wall and breaking through it.

For thousands of runners each year, the Marine Corps Half Marathon is their first half marathon. The combination of a forgiving course, generous time limits, and supportive crowds has earned this race a reputation as the place where marathon journeys begin. The first-timer energy on race morning is palpable.