Through this monthly communication, the MCM will provide the latest news and need-to-know information on the journey through training to the Arlington, VA start line. 

Start your MCM experience by registering online May 17 at noon eastern time.  Last year’s MCM closed-out in just 62 hours and similar results are expected for 2006.

Train Hard! Train Smart!
And in the tradition of the Marine Corps stay "always faithful" to your goals!
"Semper Fi"

As always: If you have an interesting or inspiring story relating to your participation in the 31st MCM, please email marine.marathon@usmc.mil

Registration Opens May 17 at NOON eastern. Get ready to help the MCM set the record straight: Runners can’t wait to join the United States Marines on Sunday, October 29, at the Arlington, VA start line! Show patriotic pride by being among the first to log on to www.marinemarathon.com on Wednesday, May 17 at noon eastern to register!  The revamped MCM website is ready for the challenge of registering 30,000+ runners in less than the prevailing record of 62 hours and 19 minutes set in 2005.

The $88 entry fee includes a goodie bag, bib, coveted mock neck shirt, and for the first time, a souvenir single-use ChampionChip. The chip, featuring the MCM logo on a camouflage background, is for the runner to keep as a lasting memory of their accomplishment. 

The simple online registration process takes just minutes and includes accepting a waiver, completing the registration form, clicking through a payment and receiving a confirmation email. Confirmation emails will include each runner’s registration number, imperative to access e-confirmation cards online beginning in August. E-confirmation cards are required at Packet Pick-up, part of the Health and Fitness Expo at the DC Armory on October 27 and 28. A course tour and training DVD, MCM technical training apparel, Pasta Mess Tent tickets and commemorative reusable Marine Corps ChampionChips will be for sale during the online registration process.

Join the MCM for a mid-day break on May 16, the day prior to the opening of online registration, and be one of the first to get an entry into the marathon. 1,000 early entries and active duty discounts will be available at the MCM Registration Rally from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Pentagon Row in Crystal City, VA.  Enjoy music from the Marine Corps Base Quantico Band, health and fitness displays, food samples, demonstrations, and more, plus great products from Pentagon Row merchants! 

Active duty military personnel (foreign and domestic) are invited to download a special Military Discount application available here through May 16.  By printing the form, filling it out completely and submitting a photocopy of their active duty military ID card, servicemen and women are eligible for a $75 entry fee, more than $10 off the regular registration fee.  Entries with payment should be submitted postmarked by May 16 to Marine Corps Marathon, Attn: Military Registration, PO Box 188, Quantico, VA 22134 or faxed to 703-784-2265.  Entries without payment and/or proof of active duty will not be accepted.

“MCM would not be possible without the tireless help and support of active duty Marines and Sailors each year,” said Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director.  “To thank them for their efforts and honor all those active duty military members proudly serving their country, the MCM is happy to offer an early and discounted registration into ‘The People’s Marathon’.”

Military personnel will be sent an email confirming receipt and processing of their registration.  Be sure to keep the confirmation number contained in the email, as this will be needed to retrieve confirmation e-card in September, required for Packet Pick-up located at the DC Armory, October 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Think your platoon is the fastest in the military? Think your company is up for a challenge? Think you’ve got more spirit than another division?  Prove it by creating a team of 9-13 active duty military members and entering the MCM Squad Challenge. The Challenge will be held in conjunction with the 2006 MCM on October 29. Teams must have at least nine members cross the Arlington, VA finish line.  The squad whose ninth person crosses the finish line in the fastest time will be the winner.  Teams may be all male, all female or co-ed. 

Individual and team registration is required.  Individual members of a team can register in one of two ways.  Click here to download the Active Duty Military Discount form. Fill it out, follow the special instructions and return to the MCM by May 16 for a guaranteed spot.  Or, team members may also register online during general registration, opening at noon EST on May 17.  One member of each team, to be recognized as the team captain, is required to download and submit the Squad Challenge Team Roster form, available for download on the MCM website beginning in June.  There is no additional fee to register a squad.

Not running the MCM but still want the energy of the MCM crammed into 6.2 miles? Try the new MCM10K. Enjoy a great course and thousands of spectators along the way! Beginning at 9:00 a.m., just minutes after marathon runners begin their race, the MCM 10K course winds its way from the Arlington Memorial Drive start to the Pentagon parking lot, through the sights and sounds of Crystal City and returning to cross the legendary finish line at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Registration is $45 and includes a single-use commemorative ChampionChip, goodie bag, race materials including bib and race program, and MCM10K mock neck shirt. Finishers will receive a medal and plenty of post-race replenishment in the hospitality tent. The new MCM10K is limited to a race field of 5,000, so sign up early to ensure a spot!

The whole family can get involved in the MCM weekend! Sign kids up for the Healthy Kids Fun Run, which takes place the day prior to the marathon, Saturday, October 28, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at a new location, the DC Armory in Washington, DC. Children will join Miles, the MCM mascot, and uniformed Marines at the start line before running a one-mile double loop around the DC Armory, finishing just outside the MCM Heath and Fitness Expo.  In 2005, the event was held in conjunction with the MCM.

The run is open to children ages 6-13 and pre-registration is required.  All runners must be registered and pay the $7 entry fee.   Participants will receive a t-shirt, goodie bag, finisher’s medal and snacks at the finish line.  Camp Miles, a post-run activity area hosted by the National Children’s Museum and ABC 7/ WJLA, will entertain families with interactive challenges and games focusing on health and fitness.  For more information, click here.

Need extra incentive to run the MCM in 2006? For the first time, the MCM will provide runners with a special keepsake- a souvenir single-use ChampionChip. The white chip will replace the usual rented black one and will feature the MCM logo on a camouflage background.  Runners will wear the chip along the course to track their time and after finishing, may keep the chip as a lasting memory of their accomplishment. 

Also available for purchase is the Commemorative Personalized ChampionChip. Different from the single-use chip provided with registration, this yellow chip is reusable and available for a $35 fee (plus $3 shipping and handling), proudly featuring the Marine Corps Eagle, Globe and Anchor. Click here to purchase.  Runners may use this chip at races worldwide and, of course, at future MCMs. Click here for more information about ChampionChip technology.

Let the MCM help with training. Sign up for the Virtual Trainer, a 26-week program prepared by former Olympian Jeff Galloway, designed specifically for MCM runners. There are several training schedules to choose from, based on finish time goals. Participants receive short motivational and informational email messages throughout the week and will also have unlimited access to a personal training website. This service is free and will be available beginning May 20. Sign up online by clicking here.

For everything a runner needs to know about the MCM, check out the 2006 Basic Training DVD.  Basic Training is fully narrated and packed with insider tips.  The 30-minute DVD-video covers basic training, health and fitness, registration, Packet Pick-up, the MCM Health and Fitness Expo, the pasta parties, and detailed instructions to help you arrive at the starting line fit and ready for the challenge. A mile-by-mile course tour includes runner's-eye views of almost every major monument and memorial in the city. Bonus features include race clips, an animated course map, inspiring interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the annual event recognized as one of the best marathons for beginners.  The Marine Corps Marathon Basic Training DVD is $24.95 and is available here. 

Best for Families- In the January 2006 issue, HerSports Magazine named the MCM the Best Marathon for Families. Boasting many family-friendly weekend activities including the Healthy Kids Fun Run, Camp Miles, Crystal City Street Spectacular, Pasta Parties and more, the MCM offers an enjoyable weekend for the whole family.

Support a Great Cause and Run with a Charity Partner- MCM entries are available now through MCM Charity Partners. Pick your favorite charity, benefit from their training program and coaches, while raising funds for a great cause.  Click here for a list and links to the 2006 MCM Charity Partners.

Volunteer- Here’s a great way to get in the race day trenches with the Marines! Be a Volunteer! Volunteers are needed throughout race weekend, including at the Expo, water stations, hospitality areas, baggage tent, medical stations and information tent. Registration begins June 1. Click here for more information.

Travel to the MCM- Top quality Arlington and Washington, DC-area hotels are offering special rates and runner-friendly amenities to MCM participants. Among the special services extended to MCM participants and guests are shuttle services, late checkouts and pasta parties. Visit the MCM Travel Page to view individual hotel web sites, plus learn about MCM airline discounts.

MCM Course- The 2006 course will remain the same as last year- beginning on Rte 110 in Arlington, VA, near the Iwo Jima monument, runners will work their way through Rosslyn, venture across the Key Bridge, loop up Rock Creek Parkway and through Georgetown,  pass the monuments and memorials near the National Mall, enjoy a  scenic trip through Haynes Point, then cross back into VA via the 14th Street Bridge, take in the energy of the Crystal City Street Spectacular and push through the final mile with the excitement of the crowd before finishing at the Iwo Jima Monument. While runners will be divided into Scarlet and Gold waves, this year, everyone will assemble pre-race along Rte 110 in their appropriate corral.  Corrals are based on projected pace per mile. Click here for an interactive course map.

Get Your Brooks Gear- You've got the dedication, now get the gear! Brooks is proud to present a complete line of official Marine Corps Marathon In-Training Gear, including high performance shorts, tops, outerwear and accessories. Take your training to a new level with advanced solutions that transfer moisture, prevent chafing, and help you achieve thermal balance on the run for optimal comfort and performance. Grab a cap, tee or jacket for you and your training partner, and show pride for "The People's Marathon" with each mile you log on your way to October 29th. Shop today at mcmstore.brooksrunning.com!