 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Construction along Constitution Avenue spurred a series of tweaks to the 2011 MCM Course. Runners will notice the start line has moved closer to the Pentagon and Runners Village, shifting about 750 feet south of the previous start location. While there is a slight change where runners approach the Lincoln Memorial at mile 10, the biggest alteration occurs as runners reach the Lincoln Memorial at Mile 16. Instead of crossing behind the Memorial to Constitution Avenue, the runners will loop back along the opposite side of Independence Avenue closest to the National Mall before making a left turn onto 15th Street at the Washington Monument and rejoining the existing course pattern. A course map reflecting these changes will be available online at the end of August. |
|
 |
|
| The MCM course features two time hurdles for runners to navigate. To officially continue participation in the marathon, runners must maintain a 14 minute-per-mile pace to bypass the Gauntlet at mile 17.5 along the National Mall and Beat the Bridge at mile 20. The 14-minute pace is available to all runners and therefore is based on the final runner who crosses the MCM start line, usually around 8:25 a.m. This means that every runner who starts before the last runner has a time cushion. New this year is a time restriction enforced on MCM10K participants who must maintain a 15 minute-per-mile pace. |
|
 |
|
|
| The MCM Weekend celebration begins on Friday, Oct. 28 at the race HQ hotel, the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The MCM, long recognized as the best beginner marathon, will inaugurate over 10,000 new marathoners this year. MCM First Timers Pep Rally will officially welcome these first-time participants to the world of marathoning on Friday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The evening’s program will include an expert panel, food, great music, giveaways including the coveted first timer pin and more. Members of the MCM Runners Club, all those participants who have run five or more MCMs, will reconvene at the MCM Runners Club Kickoff Mixer at 3:30 on Friday, Oct. 28. The event features free massages, a showing of the MCM Historical Documentary, a visit with MCM Director Rick Nealis, food and prizes. Invitations to these events will be emailed to all MCM first timers and Runners Club members. A small admission is charged for both events. |
|
 |
|
| The MCM Health and Fitness Expo presented by GE will be expanded to three days in its new venue, the DC Armory. Returning to the favored venue of runners (lots of free parking and easy Metro access), the Expo hosts Packet Pick-up and more than 200 exhibitors and vendors from Thursday, October 27 through Saturday, October 29. In addition to offering great shopping and exhibits, the Expo will deliver to runners the official bib with B-tag, UPS baggage sticker, race program, spectator guide, safety pins and coveted mock neck participant shirt. |
|
 |
| The CLIF Bar Pace Team is a group of experienced runners who help set the pace for runners at the MCM. Part coach, part friend, the pacer is an experienced long distance runner who sets a steady pace while offering encouragement and advice. Sign up at the Health and Fitness Expo or online for pace groups with the following expected finish times: 3:05, 3:15, 3:25, 3:35, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4;30, 5:00, 5:30. |
|
 |
| 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 2012 MCM. The deadline to initiate a transfer is September 23. |
|
 |
| Marathon day draws near. Do you have what it takes to gut out a run with the Marines? Can you stomach a 26.2 mile run that finishes up hill? Test your mettle and register for Crossroads 17.75K, an 11.03 mile run with a climb to the finish similar to the MCM. Held on September 17 in Prince William County near Marine Corps Base Quantico, Crossroads 17.75K takes runners through Prince William Forest Park and finishes at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. |
|
 |
|
| The MCM Course will feature four food stations for the first time in the event’s history. Runners will enjoy oranges, Clif Shots, Dunkin' Donuts munchkins and Jelly Belly Sport Beans. At the finish, runners will be presented a FitFul Race Day pack containing the proper balance of macro (protein, fats and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and trace elements) from natural food sources. Every portion has been carefully selected to be easily digestible-providing for rapid delivery to tired muscles and jump starting the recovery process. The FitFul packs will include hummus and crackers, pretzels, Dole fruit, dark chocolate and dry roasted edamame. Bagels, fresh fruit, water and Gatorade also will be available at the finish. |
|
 |
|
| E-confirmation cards will be emailed to all registered runners in September. The printed card is necessary to obtain the official bib at the Expo...Lemon lime will be the on-course flavor as Gatorade makes its MCM debut...Purchase $150 of MCM apparel at the MCM Brooks Store at the Health & Fitness Expo and get special access to the VIP port-o-potty near the start on event morning...MCM Runners Conference will be held on Saturday, October 28 and feature three expert panels focusing on Intro to the MCM, First Timers, Women Runners. Pre-registration is required for these informative sessions with a special gift for all attendees...No goodie bags this year. Instead runners will receive a virtual goodie bag by email two weeks prior to MCM Weekend... MCM will be reviewed for environmental certification by the Council for Responsible Sport. The MCM appreciates every runner supporting the event's various green initiatives. Thanks for pitching in.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
