Marine corp marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), is one of the most famous marathons in the U.S. As the fourth largest marathon in the U.S. and ninth in the world, the MCM stands as the largest marathon in the world that does not offer prize money, earning its nickname “The People’s Marathon.” Celebrating its 39th year, the marathon was held on Sunday, October 26, 2014. Starting in Arlington, VA., and running by well-known memorials in Washington, D.C., the Marine Corps marathon's 26.2 mile course, encompasses two states. Transpiring from the mind of one man, Colonel Jim Fowler, his goal was to promote community goodwill due to the loss of military support following the Vietnam War. At the same time, encouraging Marine Corp. recruitment and an opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon. “Anecdotal research and subjective inquiry have been aided by secondary research to demonstrate consistency of information and opinion on this subject."

The Marine Corps Marathon kicked off with pre-race events beginning Thursday, October 23, 2014, with the Expo Opening Ceremony and Health & Fitness Expo held at the DC Armory. The Health & Fitness Expo sponsored by GE, continued on Friday and Saturday with the addition of the First Timers Pep Rally held at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capital Hill on Friday evening. Saturday kicked off with the MCM Runner bRUNch which included a 5K run and MCM Kids Run. To end the pre-event evening, First Command Financial Services, Inc., a financial planning Co., sponsored the Carbo Dining In meal. Other sponsors this year included Arlington, Brooks, and Hyundai.

This year, 19,661 runners completed the 26.2 mile marathon. The American flag was delivered in grand style by a team of elite parachutists with Medal of Honor recipient, Ret. Marine Cpl. William Kyle Carpenter tandem jumping as they unfurled the 7,800 square foot American flag. Also in attendance this year was Lord of the Rings star, Sean Astin. Samuel Kosgei a 30 year old Kenyan from Junction City, Kansas, was not only the first finisher but is also an active duty U.S. Army Specialist and in the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment. To finish first overall he ran a 2:22:12 marathon; which equates to an average pace of 5:25 per mile. The first female finisher was also an active duty service member of the Army. 2nd Lt. Meghan Curran finished with a time of 2:51. Curran said running with a Marine Corps pack at mile 20 - and hearing words of encouragement from them - got her through the last few miles. The first Marine to cross the finish line with a time of 2:33 was Richard Powell, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines. The last runner to cross the finish line was Gregory Banks, a 50 year old male from Gainesville, VA., with a time of 7:20:26; average pace of 16:47 per mile.

A unique feature of the MCM, is “Beat the Bridge.” Runners must maintain a 14 minute per mile pace to reach the 14th Street Bridge by 1:15 p.m. at which time the bridge re-opens to vehicular traffic. Unsuccessful runners will be required to board the “stragglers” bus and be transported back to the finish area. The running of the 39th MCM included four men who all ran the previous 38 editions. However, this year, only two successfully completed the marathon. Ranging in age from 68-76, the two that finished were 75 year old Al Richmond with a finish time of 5:43:15 and Will Brown,68, finished in 6:45:51. Mel Williams and Matt Jaff were unable to finish this year leaving them with 38 successfully MCM runs. Since 2004, these four were the only ones who completed all editions of the marathon

This year also marked the 5th year of a satellite MCM held at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. More than 300 military men and women participated in this year's remote marathon.