It’s almost that time of year again. Time to start sorting out my registration for the Marine Corps Marathon. Do I try to get online and sign up for 17.75? And then run one of the hardest races in the area for the pleasure of handing over my credit card to pay for my guaranteed entry? Or do I take my chances and enter the lottery? Or is it time to give back and fundraise for a worthy cause (there are so many, I’m not sure who I’d even pick).
Regardless of what method I decide to use to enter the Marine Corps Marathon, one thing is certain: I will be running it again this year.
I didn’t mean to fall in love with the Marine Corps Marathon. I truly believed I would be one and done. Even after I returned to the world of marathoning, I never planned to return to the Marine Corps Marathon. I loved the race from the first, but I don’t like running in the summer. I especially don’t like running long during the summer.
But somehow, I ended up running my second Marine Corps Marathon. I’m still not sure how. FOMO probably. And I fell a little deeper in love. But I had no plans to run it a third time. Or a fourth.
Finally, I’m ready to come clean. I love the Marine Corps Marathon. It’s my hometown marathon and my favorite race in the area. It’s crazy crowded and the weather likes to make it an even bigger challenge, but even when I hate it (at say, mile 16), I love it.
- I love the crowds – yes, I know there are sections that suck, but large portions of the run are filled with energy. I love slapping little kid hands around the mall and drinking a coke from the awesome MRTT table in Crystal City.
- I love the other runners – This race is truly the People’s Marathon. Runners of all abilities are around you at all times. New runners, runners with disabilities, runners carrying flags, or wearing signs of lost loved ones. So many seem to have a deeper reason to run this particular race.
- I love the course – all the monuments and the Blue Mile. And the absolute insanity that is Crystal City. And running up the last hill to Iwo Jima being cheered on by Marines.
- And the Marines. Oh, how I love the Marines. Ahem.
- And finally, the medal. Each year it seems to get more awesome.
I know to some, the logistics of the Marine Corps Marathon and the sheer size of it are daunting. But it’s my hometown race and every year that I run it, it feels more and more comfortable. I’ve learned that for me, this is a race meant to be enjoyed and that I should embrace every moment on the course. Come join me this year and run the city with me.
What’s your favorite hometown race? Share it with us for Tuesdays on the Run!
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I have only heard good things about that race so it is no surprise how much you love it! How lucky that it is your hometown race. If you wanted these days I’ll make the trip and participate.
Melissa recently posted…Tuesdays on the Run: Birthday Week Runs
Other than the fact it’s a marathon, MCM sounds awesome. 🙂
One of my favs is Last Run, the “race” through the holiday lights. The one I almost never race. Too dram, often too cold, too crowded on narrow streets, the awesome fireworks go on too long . . . yet it’s a ton of fun. 🙂
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…January 2018: Did I pass?
It’s how I feel about the Chicago Marathon. I had hoped for one more go-around, but at this point I don’t think it’s going to happen. I’ll be there to cheer the runners on, tho.
Wendy recently posted…I Have Found the Fountain of Youth and It’s In The Weight Room
I’ve only heard great things about this race but I don’t run marathons. I do want to race in DC.
Darlene recently posted…TOTR: My Favorite Hometown Race
Okay. So I read this book (my year of running dangerously by tom foreman) and he talked about how much he loved that race. So I was like “I’m gonna do it!” and then everyone was like “BUT IT IS SO HARD” so I was like okay no I’m not gonna do it.
Your post is making me want to do it.
… I think I’m gonna do it one day!!
Sarah recently posted…Favorite Hometown Race | Tuesdays on the Run
I know a few people who’ve done this marathon, and the 10k is on my bucket list. I’m not sure when I can make that happen. I was thinking this fall, but it wouldn’t be enough time to recovery properly between that and what I want to do next spring.
I, too, love that race so much which is why I also chose it as my favorite! But, I never saw any of THOSE Marines while I was out there. I feel so gypped! lol
Jennifer @ Fit Nana recently posted…My Favorite Hometown Race
Marine Corp is one of my favorite marathons. I feel like that about Virginia Beach Shamrock. Even though the weather usually sucks during that time of year, if I don’t run it, I get major FOMO. I still have not signed up for that race yet, I don’t know if I will, or opt for a different race this year.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…A sport that is fulfilling all on its own
I haven’t actually done the full marathon of our “hometown” marathon. I’ve done the half and I really enjoy the atmosphere, but I’m into trails now so not sure if I will ever do it. a part of me wants to just because it IS my hometown race.
Wendy recently posted…Re-Evaluating Fitness Goals
I SOOOOO want to do MCM someday. I think even the hubby is a bit intrigued with it (though he is a retired Air Force LTCnl, he has a deep affection for all branches of the military). ((sigh)) Someday….
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Fun Times on a Favorite Trail
How do you not love those Marines?! 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner recently posted…Eggtastic Mediterranean Energy Bowl Meatless Monday
I’ve been debating MCM for my first marathon this year but the potential heat and time limits worry me. You make a really good case for running this one!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…2018 Race Calendar is Taking Shape
Id love to do this race someday! A few years ago I happened to be visiting DC the weekend of the race. It was awesome to see all the energy and it made me really want to run it at some point! And being that Im in Baltimore it’s not too far away.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…Month in Review: January 2018
MCM is one of my all-time faves. If I were local, I’d likely be running every year as well. Get in there and run it girl! You’ve got a great bling collection going.
Marcia recently posted…Chicago Area Races to Run This Year
I don’t blame you one bit, the Marine Corps Marathon looks like an incredible experience! I hope to enjoy it for myself one day…
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…New Jersey Marathon Training Weeks 3&4 Recap