October in Arlington
The leaves are falling, and autumn events are calling! October is an action-packed month here in Arlington.
Marine Corps Marathon
Arlington: Home of the Marine Corps Marathon
One of the world’s largest marathons and the only one without prize money, the Marine Corps Marathon draws runners and spectators alike.
Strap on your running shoes and your can-do spirit on the final Sunday in October for the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), one of the largest marathons in the world. Get into the esprit de corps on a #RunWithTheMarines.
Or catch a runner in action from the sidelines. Known as the best marathon for beginners, it’s also the world’s largest marathon without prize money, earning it the nickname “The People’s Marathon.” The iconic and scenic course through Arlington and Washington, D.C., is managed by the U.S. Marines.
Whether you’re a competitor or just cheering for one, you will enjoy a robust weekend of events including distance runs for all ages, festive parties, dining celebrations, and acclaimed expert speakers. Some events are free; others require advance registration and ticket purchase.
Attracting 30,000 runners from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 50 countries, the marathon promotes physical fitness, generates community goodwill, and showcases the organizational skills of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Health & Fitness Expo
The weekend opens on Friday with the free Health & Fitness Expo at The Building Museum with the Marine Corps Quantico Band, the Marine Corps Color Guard, and more. Sample nutritious food, try out the latest exercise equipment, test-drive technology, explore recovery products, take health screenings, and buy MCM-branded merchandise from apparel to art.
Three Races
Saturday, October 24, sees two races. The weekend starts with the inaugural MCM 8K at East Potomac Park at 7:30 a.m. This is an exciting new event that offers runners of all levels the chance to be a part of the Marine Corps Marathon experience. Runners will start their race with a meaningful and powerful tribute during the 'Wear Blue' mile. This mile is lined with blue posters with Faces of the Fallen. This moving tribute is a powerful connection between the running community and the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.
The MCM Kids Run takes place on the same day at West Potomac Park. It's the official 0.8K Fun Run, which gives participants ages 5 to 12 a chance to be a part of the MCM run. For added fun before or after the race, families can enjoy pre- and post- event hospitality with interactive activities, entertainment, games, and more. There's even a mascot race starting at 9:10 am on Saturday.
The 51st MCM on Sunday, October 25, sends runners on a 26.2-mile mission to “charge the district, beat the bridge and take the Iwo.” The spectacular start features a color guard, national anthem, special guests, and international flags from all nations represented in the field. The runs have different start times for every runner. The Duos division starts around 7:07 a.m., the Wheels, participants with wheelchair and handcycles, division starts around 7:15 a.m., and the Runners division starts around 7:20 a.m.
MCM Finish Festival
After posing for their Insta-photos in front of the Marine Corps War Memorial, finishers from all three races proceed to downtown Rosslyn for the MCM Finish Festival, a short walk from the MCM finish line. There they can reunite with supporters, recover with a free massage, enjoy a beer and see live musical performances.
Arlington Fun
The weekend also offers countless opportunities to enjoy the history, culture and fun of Arlington. You’ll find world-class dining, shopping, and nightlife, as well as national treasures such as the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Air Force Memorial, and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
More About the Marathon
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