To view online, click here New! MCM Text Alert Service Runners, volunteers and supporters are encouraged to sign up for the new MCM Text Alert service by registering online or texting MCM2010 to 70359. This instant communication tool will allow the MCM to quickly deliver updates, important messages and critical information throughout MCM Weekend as necessary. This service will only be active during MCM Weekend and any personal information remains exclusively with the MCM. MCM Event Program Now Available Online The informative, interesting and entertaining 35th MCM Event Program is now available online. Don't wait until MCM Weekend to read all about "The People’s Marathon." Scan the virtual program for important marathon details, runner profiles, event history and more. The online version has clickable links from every page shuttling readers to relevant webpages for additional information. The printed, keepsake version of the program will be distributed at Packet Pick-up. The Packet Pick-up Checklist The MCM Health and Fitness Expo presented by GE held on Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center hosts Packet Pick-up for MCM and MCM10K participants. Runners will receive the official bib with b-tag timing technology. The b-tag must remain attached to the reverse side of the bib. MCM Event Programs, MCM Weekend Guides and goodie bags will also be distributed. All runners must visit the UPS Sticker Booth in the Packet Pick-up area to obtain their assigned sticker indicating the UPS truck to check a bag on MCM morning. Final stop is grabbing the famous MCM mock neck participant shirt—this year's color is black. MCM Celebrates Battle of Marathon's 2,500th Anniversary It is only appropriate that a sport with military roots be celebrated by the United States Marine Corps. The 35th Marine Corps Marathon shares this special landmark running with the 2,500th anniversary of Pheidippides run from Marathon to Athens. A perpetual flame from Marathon, Greece will be present at ceremonies and events throughout MCM Weekend for runners to touch a piece of the sport's legendary beginnings. Dimitri Kyriakides, the son of 1946 Boston Marathon winner Stylianos Kyriakides, will host a Speaker Series session on Saturday, October 30 at noon detailing the Battle of Marathon and the sport's history in battle. For Kids, Event Combines Run and Fun The popular Healthy Kids Fun Run features a one-mile course for kids ages 6-13 held the day prior to the MCM, Saturday, October 30. The action doesn't end at the finish line though. The Pentagon North parking lot is turned into a family fitness festival featuring interactive booths, challenging games, educational exhibits, live entertainment and tons of mascots like Elmo. Register your runner soon and then bring the whole family for fun. MCM Guide to Metro The Metro system will open at 5 a.m., two hours early, on event morning. Marathon runners should use the Pentagon Station (blue or yellow line) to access the start line through Runners Village in the Pentagon North Parking lot. This location hosts pre-race UPS Baggage Drop off. New in 2010--the Arlington Cemetery (blue line) station will not open until 8 a.m., after the official MCM start. On event day, this station may only be used to access to finish area or to leave post- race. The MCM10K start is convenient to the Smithsonian Metro (blue/orange line). Runners are encouraged to purchase Metro cards in advance of event day. Amazing Energy and Entertainment Highlight MCM Start 35th MCM Opening Ceremonies begin at 7 a.m. with Philadelphia’s Broomall String Band and will include the USMC Mounted Color Guard, international flag salute, a flyover, special effects and the Marathon Flame. And that's all before the run even starts. More than 25 entertainment spots highlight the MCM course including rock, calypso, bagpipes, high school bands and the new gong station, where runners can bang a gong on the way to the finish. eConfirmation Cards Available Now Reach back into your email inbox and pull out the confirmation email you received at completion of the MCM registration process. This email has the info necessary to download your E-confirmation card on the MCM website. The E-confirmation card is required to acquire the official bib with b-tag timing device at Packet Pick-up, part of the Health and Fitness Expo presented by GE on October 29-30 at the Washington Convention Center.