What is the Marine Corps Marathon?
The Marine Corps Marathon is a 26.2-mile footrace held in Washington, D.C. It is one of the well-known marathons in the United States. This year's race is in D.C., and runners are preparing for it now. Race-week advice from a local champion has drawn attention.
Why it's in the news
The Marine Corps Marathon is being held in Washington, D.C., this year, and WTOP News published race-week preparation tips from Tessa Barrett, a reigning women\'s division champion. Runners across the area are finishing their training and planning for race day.
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Background
The Marine Corps Marathon is a long-distance running event in Washington, D.C. Runners cover 26.2 miles, which is the standard marathon distance. The race has an expo held at the National Building Museum, where runners pick up race materials before the event. Many people running it are doing so for the first time.
Race preparation is a common topic before the event. WTOP News recently published tips from Tessa Barrett, a reigning women's division champion who lives in Arlington, Virginia, and has won the race back to back. She said hydration is the top priority, and she recommended water along with electrolyte drinks. She also advised resting the legs in the days before the race, eating plenty of carbohydrates in the two days leading up to it, and getting good sleep, especially the night before the Saturday race. On race day, she said runners should eat at least two to three hours before the start, then take in fluids and carbohydrates while running, roughly every 20 to 30 minutes. She suggested taking energy gels at the 5K, 10K and halfway points rather than later.
The course is described by Barrett as fair, with most of its elevation change in the first few miles. She noted that the Interstate 395 bridge near mile 20 is a spot where runners often experience cramps. Route, map and road closure details are not covered in the sources used for this page, so readers should check the official race website for those.
Why it matters now: The race is taking place in Washington, D.C., this year, and local runners are finishing their final preparations. Advice from a past champion on fueling, hydration and pacing is getting wide coverage ahead of the event.
What people are asking
Where is the Marine Corps Marathon held?
The Marine Corps Marathon is held in Washington, D.C., this year, according to the sources used for this page.
How long is the Marine Corps Marathon?
It is a marathon, which covers 26.2 miles.
When should runners eat before the Marine Corps Marathon?
Tessa Barrett advised eating at least two to three hours before the start, and noted that some people do best with two hours.
Where can I find the Marine Corps Marathon route, map, start time or road closures?
The sources used for this page do not include these details. Check the official race website for the current route, map, start time and road closure information.