Interesting, inspirational or off-beat...all stories relating to participation in the 31st MCM are welcome. Email the MCM.

Courtesy of USAA – Presenting Sponsor

Congratulations!  You’re signed up to go the distance in the 31st Marine Corps Marathon.  Now that the 26-mile jog is on your agenda, training should be high on your priority list.  But it’s not just about racking up mileage.  Marathon training can be applied to any fitness – and financial – program.

Veteran runner Bill Wenmark and June Walbert, a Certified Financial PlannerTM practitioner with USAA, offers steps to help you get your physical and financial figures in shape. Click here to read more.

Click here and enter your first or last name.  Beginning in September, bib numbers will be available on the e-confirmation card, retrievable through the confirmation section of the website.  To update personal information, email the MCM. 

For a quick, affordable carb-n-go the whole family will enjoy, visit the Pasta Mess Tent outside the Health and Fitness Expo on October 27 and 28.  Or take in the military style Carbo Dining In for an elegant pasta buffet.  These events sell out, so get your tickets today!

Need to delay running until 2007? Send the deferment form and $20 processing fee by October 10.  To transfer an entry to another runner, submit the transfer form and $20 processing fee before September 21.  Click here for forms and details.

Run the MCM 10K, a 6.2 mile course, on Sunday, October 29.  Look for the new FREE MCM 10K Virtual Trainer available beginning August 20 through the MCM website. The biggest ever Healthy Kids Fun Run for kids ages 6-13 will be on Saturday, October 28 at the DC Armory just outside the expo. Registration is still open.

The MCM Health and Fitness Expo presented by Caremark annually boasts a line up of who's who in the fitness, health and running world plus interactive exhibits, activities and the new Expo Outdoors. Plan your MCM Weekend around the Health and Fitness Expo Outdoors.

Military members are invited to show their platoon, company or division spirit by creating a team of 9-13 active duty military members for the Squad Challenge. The Army has set the pace by registering the first team. Don’t let them take the lead! Represent your service and sign up now.

New MCM In-Training Gear from Brooks is now available, with a wider selection of high performance shorts, tops, accessories and other ways to show your pride and support. Featuring designs that celebrate “The People's Marathon” and advanced technical solutions from Brooks that transfer moisture, prevent chafing, and help you achieve thermal balance, it's all designed to help you get the most out of race day. Equip yourself and your training partner for fun and success on October 29th. Shop today!

The MCM will once again feature the two-wave start beginning at 8:25 a.m. with the Scarlet wave, followed at 8:40 a.m. with the Gold wave.  For more information on the waves and details about the start line, click here.  Remember to take Metro.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of rewarding responsibilities including water stations, hospitality areas, baggage tent, medical stations and information tent. Register here.

The exciting post race experience of the Finish Festival is moving into Rosslyn, VA.  Enjoy free AT&T phone calls, Cisco Check Your Runner Stations, the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden, the Tylenol photo booth and Garmin product displays alongside great food and MCM finisher items. Be sure to catch a performance by country music star Luke Stricklin.

Looking to complete the MCM for the first time or reach a specific time goal? The Clif Pace Team can help. Experienced leaders provide fun, excitement and support for runners looking set a personal best or just cross the legendary finish line.

Dear Marathon Runners,
Our fares are falling.  Hurry and book by August 3 for travel between September 5 and November 15.  Only JetBlue offers you 36 channels of free DIRECTV® service, comfy leather seats and free tasty snacks.
Sincerely, JetBlue Airways

P.S. Visit jetblue.com or call 1-800-JetBlue to find out more about our Fall Sale and book flights.