The Marine Corps Marathon is nicknamed the “Marathon of the Monuments” for good reason: Runners experience the scenic landscapes and spectacular national monuments of Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C. as they make their way through the 26.2 mile marathon course.
Last year, race organizers changed the route to be flatter than it was in the previous six years.
In 2014, runners will start their course at 7:55 a.m. in Arlington and head to D.C. after a few miles. At mile four, NBC4 will be on the Key Bridge to welcome the runners.
Then, as they travel through D.C., runners pass the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian museums.
Along the scenic Potomac, runners will travel through the “Run to Honor” section, where Ohio Drive is decorated with American flags to commemorate fallen service members.
After traveling along the National Mall, the course moves back to Virginia for the last 10K. Runners will witness the energy of the Crystal City Family Festival, travel along Army-Navy Drive and experience a variety of entertainment along Crystal Drive.
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The course then takes runners towards the Pentagon on Boundary Channel Drive, and for the first time, runners will remain on that road toward the Pentagon’s North parking lot. As the finish line approaches, the course unfolds along the Arlington National Cemetery.
Runners will face a final uphill battle as they reach the finish at the access road to the Marine Corps War Memorial.
