Marine Corps Marathon

Attack the mud trench, lumber through a low crawl and indulge in a super sloppy mud pit, just three of more than 20 challenges that await participants along a hilly four mile course.

In a wooded area outside Paris known as Belleau Wood, a three-week battle with the Germans in June 1918 would prove to be a defining moment for the U.S. Marine Corps. It was here during WWI that the Marines earned the nickname "Teufel Hunden" or "Devil Dogs. On the 100th anniversary of the Battle, in a test of individual tenacity, the Belleau Wood 8K will send runners to the woods and onto the trails of Quantico.

The Quantico Tri features a start near Officer Candidates School with a 750 meter open water swim in the Potomac River. Athletes transition to a 20K (12.4 mile) cycle tour of the Marine Corps Base that was founded in 1917. The Quantico Tri concludes with a 5K run, the distance every Marine must complete annually as part of the Marine Corps physical fitness test. For those desiring only to run, the MCM offers the Quantico 12K to be hosted alongside the Quantico Tri. The run is a perfect distance at the perfect time in MCM training.

Recognized for impeccable organization on a scenic course managed by the US Marines in Arlington, VA and the nation's capital, the Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the US and the world. Known as 'the best marathon for beginners,' the MCM is the largest marathon in the world that doesn't offer prize money, earning its nickname, The People's Marathon.

Featuring fall foliage, a petting zoo and the wildest, most festive Thanksgiving-themed shirt anywhere, the Turkey Trot 10K and Mile offer a final calorie burning opportunity before the holiday indulgence.