FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marine Corps Marathon to Open Registration On
Anniversary of Iwo Jima Flag Raising
Beginning February 23 Runners Can Register at www.marinemarathon.com
QUANTICO, VA (Feb. 3, 2011) - Starting at noon on Wednesday, February 23,
runners can register for the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) at
www.marinemarathon.com. The 36th MCM will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30.
The 2011 registration date falls on the anniversary of the American flag
raisings during the Battle of Iwo Jima. According to the Marine Corps
History Division at Marine Corps University, the American flag was raised
66 years ago on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, while the battle
ensued. As a larger American flag was raised several hours later atop Mount
Suribachi, it was famously captured by Associated Press photographer Joe
Rosenthal, and continues to be immortalized by the Marine Corps War
Memorial located in Rosslyn, VA.
Each year, the MCM begins in Arlington, Virginia, runs through the nation's
capital and finishes at the spectacular Memorial featuring five Marines and
one Navy Corpsman from that famous moment in history.
"The flag raising on Iwo Jima remains significant to all of the men and
women who are serving today," says MCM Race Director Rick Nealis. "Having
the memorial site as the MCM finish makes the marathon even more memorable
for all who participate."
After crossing the MCM finish, runners may have their pictures taken by
MarathonFoto at the Marine Corps War Memorial to commemorate their athletic
accomplishment.
In 2010, 21,948 runners from across the United States and 54 countries
completed the MCM.
For media information regarding the Marine Corps Marathon and other running
events, contact Tami Faram, MCM Public Relations Coordinator at
or 703-432-1840.
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 fifth
largest marathon in the United States and the ninth largest in the world.
The 36th MCM will be held on October 30, in Arlington, VA. No federal or
Marine Corps endorsement is implied.
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