To view online, click here New Timing Technology at MCM Gone are the days when runners have to affix a chip or sticker tag to their laces. The MCM will introduce the new B-tag timing technology at this year's event. The system utilizes a light-weight disposable UHF RFID tag that runners will find attached to the reverse side of the bib. No action is required of the runner beyond simply wearing the bib. The B-tag will record each runner's official time, beginning when the start line is crossed and concluding when the finish line is reached. Split times will be recorded every 5K along the course. First Timers Event to be Held on MCM Opening Night The MCM, long recognized as the best beginner marathon, will inaugurate over 10,000 new marathoners this year. "MCM First Timers Opening Night" will officially welcome these first-time participants to the world of marathoning on Friday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The evening's program will include a special welcome video from Comcast SportsNet, the MCM Expert Bar, finish time table seating, great music, giveaways and more. Invitations to this free event will be emailed to all first timers, who may RSVP for up to two guests. Runners, please note rooms are still available at the Hyatt Regency Washington. Health And Fitness Expo to Host Packet Pick-up The MCM Health and Fitness Expo presented by GE will be held on Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The Expo is a showcase featuring more than 200 exhibitors and vendors with the latest running apparel and gear, training and nutrition products, food samples, MCM licensed merchandise and technology. Packet Pick-up should be each runner's first stop at the Expo. Each runner will receive the official bib with B-tag, UPS baggage sticker, race program, goodie bag, safety pins and coveted black mock neck shirt. Runners must present the e-confirmation card to officially check in. Lineup Announced for Speaker Series Get advice and tips on injury prevention, race prep, proper pacing and more at the Speaker Series presented by Nissan. Sessions are held throughout the two-day Health and Fitness Expo and feature speakers like MCM Race Director Rick Nealis, Olympian Ryan Hall and the Clif Pace Team. Motivational speakers include author Sara Wolfe, Mike Matte the Marathon CEO and USMC Running Coach Joe Puleo. The Series will be moderated by Emmy award winning broadcaster and former All-Marine track and field champion Larry Rawson. Options Available to Transfer or Defer Registered runners who find themselves unable to participate in the MCM may either transfer an entry to an unregistered, hopeful marathoner or defer the entry for participation in the 2011 MCM. Procedures, deadlines and fees for both options are provided on the MCM Registration Page. MCM10K Welcomes 10,000 to the Mall For consecutive years, the MCM10K field has expanded and each year it has sold out. In 2010, the MCM10K reaches 10,000 runners. All participants will receive a cool haunted National Mall competitor shirt celebrating the October 31 date of the run. Volunteers Get Great Satisfaction Get in the race day trenches with United States Marines and be a volunteer! Online registration is open and support is needed in medical, massage, expo and more! Your support is greatly appreciated. Kids Run Celebrates Family Fitness Healthy Kids Fun Run is a one-mile run for children ages 6-13 on October 30, the day prior to the MCM. As part of the fun, the Pentagon North parking lot is transformed into a family fitness festival including mascots, exciting booths, physical challenges and cool exhibits from the National Children's Museum and CNN Fit Nation. Even though it seems early to book an activity in October for the kids, take the time to register now and be part of a great day. Amazing Entertainment Energizes Course The MCM course oozes energy with entertainers and performances along all 26 miles from the famed Broomall String Band at the start to the Batala samba reggae percussion band at Mile 20's "Beat the Bridge" to the new "Gong the Distance" station near the finish. Runners will enjoy rock, bluegrass, zydeco, bag pipes, steel drums and high school bands. eConfirmation Cards Available in September Be sure to retain the confirmation email you received at completion of the registration process. This email has the info necessary to download your E-confirmation card starting in September. The E-confirmation card is required to retrieve race materials at Packet Pick-up, part of the Health and Fitness Expo on October 29-30 at the Washington Convention Center.