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Run Eat Repeat

Running Marine Corps Marathon Tips

Marathon· Running

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16 Oct

Hello! Last night I had a very fancy dinner of pizza and Fire Ale (Fireball + Ginger Ale). I’m happy with that life choice.

pizza and firewater (600x800)

I may have stayed out a little too late so my run wasn’t the best. But I’m pretty happy I ran at all considering.

sweaty run (450x800)

Anyway – you’re probably here for some tips on running the Marine Corps Marathon! So let’s get to it…

Marine Corps Marathon Tips

post race marine corps marathon (287x510)

The Marine Corps Marathon is only 9 days away! I ran it last year and it was one of the top 3 races out of the 20+ I did! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an awesome marathon.

flags at marine corps marathon

Tips for Running the Marine Corps Marathon:

1. Get to the expo early! I waited in a very long line to get my bib.

2. Try to book a hotel near the finish. This made for an easy walk to an ice bath. I’ve heard public transportation gets super jammed.

3. Have your camera ready! There are a lot of great sights and landmarks from running past Georgetown to a majestic line of flags with pictures of servicemen and women to the memorials and more. It’s an AMAZING course! If you’re not going for a PR consider snapping pictures and enjoying the course. 

4. Bring some throw away gear. It’s going to be cold as you walk to the start – make sure you pack something to wear that you can toss. Put this on your packing list so you’re not scrambling on race weekend to find something.

5. Enjoy the finish! Once you cross the finish line a Marine Corps Lieutenant will place a medal on you.

Then, there is a long line of Marines waiting to shake your hand. It is the most awesome finish line experience ever.

marine corps finish line

Check out my race recaps for more insight:

Marine Corps Marathon video

Marine Corps Marathon Recap

Question: What did you have for dinner last night?

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    22 Comments

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jojo @ Run Fast Eat Lots says

      2014-10-17 at 5:33 am

      I loved running MCM! It was my first marathon, and it’s a great experience all around,

      Reply
    2. Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties says

      2014-10-17 at 4:24 am

      My boyfriend ran the MCM 2 years ago and I went to watch- it is an awesome race for spectators! (I’m from DC and still loved it, haha) the race doubles back in some pretty close areas so you can see your runner from a lot of different points!

      Reply
    3. Lea J. says

      2014-10-17 at 4:12 am

      Great tips. I ran MCM last year and will be running again this year (how lucky is that?!). I live in D.C. and run past the mouments all the time, but it never ever gets old. Taking time to just enjoy the atmosphere is so important.

      Reply
    4. Kathryn says

      2014-10-17 at 3:28 am

      Perfectly timed tips! I’m not running MCM this year, but after getting all inspired at Chicago last weekend, I decided I really want to do Marine Corps next year! I’ve heard great things about it, and I love the monuments in D.C. Now that I’ve gotten the official RER stamp of approval I’m definitely going to have to do it! 🙂

      Reply
    5. Angela @ HonestlyAngela says

      2014-10-16 at 11:43 pm

      That pizza looks delicious!

      Reply
    6. Katie@Run Wild in Alaska says

      2014-10-16 at 8:58 pm

      We had a weirdly traditional “Sunday dinner” type meal with pot roast and mashed potatoes. Super yummy though!

      Reply
    7. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

      2014-10-16 at 7:15 pm

      Thanks for the tips! I am looking forward to running this race at the end of the mth. I will take these into consideration.

      Reply
    8. Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says

      2014-10-16 at 6:22 pm

      Damn… that pizza looks really good.

      Reply
    9. Kayla Tyburski says

      2014-10-16 at 5:32 pm

      You had me at pizza and fireball. I don’t have either of those so I guess I will settle with cucumber Vodka and cucumber Dry Soda.

      Reply
    10. Jill says

      2014-10-16 at 5:31 pm

      Thanks for the tips! I’m running it and can’t wait! Kinda in the just want to get it over with stage right now. I’m have to super taper meal of pizza and porter with the pats on.

      Reply
    11. Sarah @ KS Runner says

      2014-10-16 at 4:31 pm

      Good tip with staying near the finish line. When I ran it it was just a huge mass of people going toward the Metro. If you get claustrophobic or have anxiety about that type of thing, you don’t want to try the Metro, it is a zoo! I always get choked up (and being able to breath is important during a marathon!) when I see the rows of flags. Gets to me every time.

      Reply
    12. Tricia says

      2014-10-16 at 4:08 pm

      I had smoked chicken tacos for dinner last night! Yum!

      Reply
    13. Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan says

      2014-10-16 at 3:29 pm

      I would love to run the MCM, though it would feel huge compared to every other race I have run.

      Dinner last night was salad, steak and baked potatoes, delicious.

      Reply
    14. Mary says

      2014-10-16 at 2:22 pm

      How great that the marines all shake your hand at the end! I feel for them with all the sweaty runners’ palms they’ll be touching though!

      Reply
    15. Renee says

      2014-10-16 at 12:35 pm

      Oh my…what is a fireball??? I LOVE ginger ale…. totally jealous right now even though you’re not inhaling that right this second.

      Reply
    16. Amanda @ Slimplify Life says

      2014-10-16 at 12:12 pm

      I live in DC and still haven’t done this one! Mayhaps I’ll go downtown this year to check out the atmosphere, it sounds amazing!

      Reply
    17. sally @ sweat out the small stuff says

      2014-10-16 at 11:52 am

      That’s right! Last year you were flying everywhere and running everywhere!
      MMMM fire-ale. Me likey the sound of that.

      Reply
    18. Leslie @ Life Begins at 30? says

      2014-10-16 at 10:53 am

      Just reading your tips make me want to run that marathon!! What an awesome experience!! I had a celebratory Pumkick beer last night after the Royals won (baseball). Then grilled chicken with veggies and mac and cheese.

      Reply
    19. Karen says

      2014-10-16 at 10:37 am

      Marine Corps looks amaaaaazing! Someday I’m gonna fly to the US and run a bunch of races there, this might have to be one of them! Looks so cool. ……the pizza ain’t too bad either 😉

      Reply
    20. Kelly says

      2014-10-16 at 10:15 am

      I LOVE THIS RACE!!! Great tips – I’m running it for my second time and the expo line was CRAZY last year. I think I waited around 2 hours just to get into DC Armory. Insane. But, worth it 🙂

      Reply
    21. JB says

      2014-10-16 at 10:14 am

      I ran the MCM last year too, my first marathon. I’d add as a tip that you should have a mantra to get you over The Bridge after mile 20…it was like the walking dead out there!

      Reply
    22. Carrie (This Fit Chick) says

      2014-10-16 at 10:11 am

      ooo great drink combo and pizza choice!! I’d do the same, but diet and rum 😉

      Reply

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      Disclaimer: Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise. I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. The views expressed are based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical, nutrition or training advice. Please note that affiliate links and sponsored posts may pop up from time to time. I truly appreciate your support. More »

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