Opening to a fever pitch at noon Eastern on April 7, the 35th Marine Corps Marathon has registered 23,793 runners in the first 24 hours. Nearly 1,000 runners have registered per hour, resulting in almost 80 percent of the 30,000 slots sold.
Runners ages 14 to 84 from all 50 states and 48 countries are designated to run the 2010 MCM, known as “The People’s Marathon.” Of the nearly 24,000 registered, approximately 60 percent runners are male, while 40 percent are female.
The 35th MCM will be held in Arlington, Va., on Sunday, Oct. 31. The MCM, which is the fourth largest marathon in the United States and the eighth largest in the world, is open to all runners ages 14 and above.
The MCM is the largest marathon that does not offer prize money; runners participate for a variety of personal reasons, like Isaac Yates of Falls Church, Va., who was the very first runner to register online.
“The crowd support in the Marine Corps Marathon is unparalleled to any other race that I’ve participated in,” says 27-year-old Yates. “The crowds basically lift you all the way through (26.2 miles), especially while running near the National Mall, sometimes you cannot even hear yourself and before you realize it, you’ve already run another mile.”
Yates participated in the MCM in 2007 and 2008. His father William, and brother, Caleb, also were among the first runners to register for the 35th MCM. Joining the Yates family will be Isaac’s girlfriend, Michelle, who will travel from her home in Minnesota.
“The People’s Marathon attracts participants from all over the world who choose to run this uniquely patriotic race that features the nation’s capital while showcasing the skills and professionalism of United States Marines,” says Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. “From a runner’s point of view, the MCM becomes their favorite marathon, from a spectators view, the MCM is the marathon to watch.”
Online registration for the Marine Corps Marathon remains available at www.marinemarathon.com.
For media information regarding the Marine Corps Marathon weekend of events, contact Tami Faram, Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations Coordinator at (703) 432-1840 or tami.faram@usmc.mil.
Voted the best marathon for families, the Marine Corps Marathon honors the dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism of its participants. Runners from all walks of life participate in the largest marathon not to offer prize money, earning the nickname as “The People’s Marathon.” The MCM is the fourth largest marathon in the United States and the eighth largest in the world. The 35th anniversary Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 31, in Arlington, Va. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement is implied.