Course & Elevation
The Marine Corps Marathon is a road marathon that starts in Arlington, Virginia, runs through Washington, D.C. and finishes at the Marine Corps War Memorial back in Arlington. It is held on a Sunday at the end of October, shortly before the Marine Corps birthday, and is organised by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization, with active-duty Marines supporting runners at the start, on the course and at the finish. The course is described as winding around the landmarks of the nation's capital before returning to Virginia. The last 10 kilometres run through Crystal City, past the Pentagon and its memorial to the victims of 9/11, and alongside Arlington National Cemetery, before a final uphill stretch to the Marine Corps War Memorial. The finish has not changed since the first race. The organisers call it the largest marathon in the world that does not offer prize money, and it is nicknamed The People's Marathon. The 2026 edition was the 51st. Anyone aged 14 or older may enter, and finishers of the Marine Corps 17.75K in March earn guaranteed entry to the marathon.
Course Facts
Weather
Typical climate for the race month — an estimate, not a forecast or a race-day record
16°C
Temperature
67%
Humidity
27%
Rain Chance
Late October in Washington is mild and mostly dry: average highs are about 21°C and lows about 11°C, with relative humidity near 67% and measurable rain on around eight days of the month.
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