Skip to content
Menu Close
Sunday Marathon
Submit a race

Back to upcoming marathons

Marine Corps Marathon

The People's Marathon - No Prize Money, All Heart

The third-largest U. S. marathon and the world's largest without prize money, finishing at the Iwo Jima Memorial.

Time until race day

0years 0months 0days 0hours 0minutes 0seconds

Race date: October 25, 2026 at 7:55 AM.

Key facts

DateOctober 25, 2026
LocationArlington, Virginia, United States
Events50K, Full Marathon, 17.75K, 10K, Kids' Run
Official sourceRegistration and official site
Certified courseUSATF
Listing statusVerified

About

The 51st Marine Corps Marathon is the third-largest marathon in the United States and the largest in the world that does not offer prize money, earning its nickname "The People's Marathon." Founded by Colonel James L. Fowler in 1976, the course managed by the U. S. Marines runs through Arlington, VA and Washington, D. C., passing iconic monuments and landmarks including the National Mall, the Pentagon, and finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima). Runners from more than 50 countries participate annually, with medals awarded by U. S. Marines at the finish line.

Schedule

Start time7:55 AM

Location

VenueMarine Corps War Memorial

Open map

Course

SurfaceRoad
Course typeLoop
Elevation gain192 m
Boston qualifierListed as Boston qualifier
Weather notesLate October in Arlington/DC is cool with temperatures of 7 to 18 C (45 to 64 F). Chance of rain. Comfortable fall racing conditions.

Race profile

First held1976
Average runners25,000

Registration

Price$225 to $240
Participant limit26,000

Contact

OrganizerMarine Corps Marathon Organization

Related races

  1. October 24, 2026 - Greensprings 24 - Williamsburg, Virginia, United States
  2. October 24, 2026 - Andy's Backyard Ultra - Earlysville, Virginia, United States
  3. October 24, 2026 - Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Colonial Heights, VA - Colonial Heights, Virginia, United States
  4. October 31, 2026 - Boys Home Harvest Hustle - Virginia, United States
  5. October 18, 2026 - Charlottesville Fall Classic Half Marathon & 10K 2026 - Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
  6. October 17, 2026 - Piedmont 8 Hour - Powhatan, Virginia, United States