FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marine Corps Marathon Medal Ranks #1 In U.S.
2009 Finisher Medal Design Captures Image, Intent of the
"The People's Marathon"
QUANTICO, VA (June 23, 2010) – The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) 2009
finisher medal is ranked number one among U.S. marathon medals, according
to the May–June issue of Marathon & Beyond magazine. In the article, "Don't
Meddle With Tradition" written by Paul Gentry, the MCM medal has been
recognized for best capturing the intent, style and image of the race.
Gentry, a marathon runner and U.S. Navy veteran, participated on the
11-member medal evaluation panel made up of runners who boast a combined
2,250 marathons. Gentry says the panel began selecting medal designs from
about 200 different U.S. marathons, finally narrowing their choices to the
top 25 finisher medals to be featured in the magazine.
Marathon & Beyond "had a very experienced panel, so I believe that maturity
and marathon experience naturally led to a preference to the Marine Corps
symbol, rich in tradition," says Gentry. "That symbol was prominent and
well-crafted onto the very classy, heavy medal."
The top-ranked 2009 MCM medal weighs nearly 6 ounces. The 4 mm-thick, 3.5 x
3.5 silver medallion consists of a three-dimensional Eagle, Globe and
Anchor, the symbol of the United States Marine Corps. Appearing across the
medal's globe is a light blue unfurled banner featuring the text "34th
Marine Corps Marathon Finisher." The 34th MCM medal was presented to 21,405
finishers.
"The Marine Corps Marathon medal captures the power and majesty of the
Corps," says Rich Benyo, Marathon & Beyond Editor. "For race day, the medal
seems to acknowledge that you, the runner, were one with us in your efforts
to excel. It's a very emotional approach that mirrors the somber, yet
welcoming approach, the race offers to its participants."
Thirty thousand participants are registered for the 2010 MCM that begins in
Arlington, VA, runs through the nation's capital and crosses over the
Potomac into Virginia for the iconic finish at the Marine Corps War
Memorial in Rosslyn. As each participant crosses the finish line, a U.S.
Marine lieutenant will present them with the 35th anniversary MCM medal.
"The commemorative 35th Marine Corps Marathon medal design has not yet been
unveiled, but it too will reflect the longstanding traditions of the United
States Marine Corps and will celebrate three-and-a-half decades of running
"The People's Marathon,'" says Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director.
The 35th MCM will occur on Sunday, October 31, starting at 8 a.m.
For media information regarding the 35th Marine Corps Marathon Weekend of
Events, contact Tami Faram, Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations
Coordinator at 703-432-1840 or .
Voted the best marathon for families, the Marine Corps Marathon honors the
dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism of its participants. Runners from
all walks of life participate in the largest marathon not to offer prize
money, earning the name "The People's Marathon." The MCM is the fourth
largest marathon in the United States and the eighth largest in the world.
The 35th MCM will be held on October 31, in Arlington, VA. No federal or
Marine Corps endorsement implied.
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