To view online, click here MCM Registration Commemorates Iwo Jima Flag Raising Registration for the 36th MCM opens a bit earlier than in previous years. On February 23, beginning at noon eastern, runners may secure a spot in "The People's Marathon." The date and time commemorate the flag raising by five United States Marines and a U.S. Navy corpsman atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Photographer Joe Rosenthal forever captured the image of determination and victory that would later serve as the inspiration for the Marine Corps War Memorial, located at the finish of the MCM. Active Duty, Reservists and those 2010 runners who deferred to 2011 have early access to registration through February 22. MCM Weekend MCM Weekend will feature amazing events from Thursday, October 27 through Sunday, October 30. The Health and Fitness Expo returns to the DC Armory and expands to a third day. Packet Pick up and the Expo are scheduled for October 27-29. Other events include the MCM Runners Club Kickoff Mixer, First Timers Opening Night and the Carbo Dining In. On March 9, registration opens for the Healthy Kids Fun Run to be held on October 29 and the MCM10K planned for October 30. New MCM Course in Development The MCM will debut a new course in 2011 due to pending construction along Constitution Avenue near the Lincoln Memorial. Runners can expect changes that will affect fewer than three miles of the course but promise to offer new views of the National Mall and its various landmarks. When it receives all necessary final approvals, the new course will be posted immediately on the MCM website and the Facebook page. MCM Unveils New Website Marinemarathon.com has been redesigned offering new navigational tools, easily accessible information, a social media feature and rich presentation of photos and videos. The website redesign incorporates all MCM-organized running events including the Marine Corps Historic Half marathon and the MCM Event Series as well as everything for participants in "The People's Marathon" from registration to training to the finish line. The site's new homepage offers one-click access to the most sought-after information. Run or Relay the Historic Half For years, runners asked the MCM to organize a half marathon. The answer finally arrived when the Historic Half marathon was launched in timeless Fredericksburg, Virginia. Registration is now open for the 13.1 mile event and the Semper Fred 5K on Sunday, May 15. New in 2011, the Historic Half will host a relay team competition and Semper Fred will debut a new course. Online Training Tool Now Available Looking for direction to maximize your training for the MCM? Through the MCM website, runners may purchase online training plans designed for people of ALL experience levels, from the first-timer to the seasoned veteran. The multi-platform program offers runners tools to log distances, track cardio and strength training workouts, map favorite training routes, compile shoe mileage, connect with other athletes on community message boards, access a suite of training calculators, and so much more. MCM Travel Desk Offers Hotel Deals Do you want to stay close to the Health & Fitness Expo? Is proximity to the start important to you? Would you like to roll right from the finish back to your hotel? The MCM Travel Desk offers great hotel deals for runners with sorting options by price or proximity to the start, finish or expo. You get to choose your location when you book a hotel early for MCM weekend. Run for a Cause with MCM Charity Program Find inspiration by dedicating your participation in the MCM to a specific cause or organization. More than 70 different charity partners are already recruiting runners to assist in raising funds and awareness for their missions by training for and completing the MCM. It is an opportunity to turn your big run into something even bigger. Mud and Music Highlight MCM Event Series The 2011 MCM Event Series held aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico will include challenging courses, wild themes and exciting running experiences. Registration now for all MCM Event Series races.The event calendar kicks off on March 26 with the Irish Sprint. The beloved late summer music extravaganza known as RunStock returns on August 20. The most in-your-face race, Crossroads 17.75K, will be held on September 17 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. And here’s the dirt on Run Amuck...the wildly popular mud and obstacle 3.5 mile event moves to June 11.