FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MCM and MCM50K Virtual Options & New Pace Requirements Announced
QUANTICO, VA (June 24, 2020) - At this time, preparations for the 2020
Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Weekend are proceeding as planned. In addition
to the live marathon and ultra events scheduled for Sunday, October 25 in
Arlington, Virginia and the nation's capital, the MCM and MCM50K will now
be offered as virtual options as well.
"The Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) team has been exploring
various approaches and scenarios that prioritize the health and safety of
our running community and meet the high standards of the 45th anniversary
event," said Rick Nealis, MCMO director. "Many factors weigh into a
runner's decision to participate in the live event so we are extending new
options to support the largest participation in this landmark event whether
virtual or in person."
All currently registered MCM and MCM50K participants can choose between
running live or transitioning to a virtual event, which must be completed
any time between October 1 - November 10.
For registered runners who opt to run virtually, the guidance is to defer
the entry to 2021, 2022 or 2023 and then re-register for the virtual event
by July 01, 2020. Further instructions will be sent to the e-mail address
provided by participants during registration within the next 24 hours.
Virtual entry fee is $45 for both events and includes the shipping and
handling of the participant shirt, commemorative bib, patch and finisher
medal. Runners will also have access to a digital event program,
personalized finisher certificate and the Motigo MCM Audio Experience. At
this time, access to the virtual event is only available to previously
registered runners.
Additionally, due to the new time requirements established for the live
event schedule, participants will be required to maintain a 12
minute-per-mile pace or faster to complete the 26.2-mile and 31-mile
distances rather than the previous benchmark of 14 minutes-per-mile.
Runners who do not meet the required pace must defer and switch to the
virtual events, which have no time limit.
"This [12 minute pace] is a difficult change but an essential one," Nealis
explained. "The need to establish new operational procedures to keep
runners safe while following social distancing protocols requires
rethinking the entire operational set up of the MCM. These decisions have
altered the timelines and shortened the window of access to the course."
"Just as Marines are deployed all across the globe, we celebrate that in
this anniversary year, MCM runners will be in their home duty stations
accomplishing the mission with pride," added Nealis.
Ambitious runners can register for the virtual MCM or MCM50K when a limited
number entries are made available to the public on July 2. Registration
remains open for the virtual MCM10K. MCM runners will earn the
corresponding finisher medals including the 45th MCM medal featuring actual
volcanic ash from Iwo Jima.
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is one of the largest marathons in world.
Recognized as "Best Marathon in the Mid Atlantic," and the "Best Marathon
for Charities," the MCM honors honor, courage and commitment of its
participants. Also known as "The People's Marathon," runners from all 50
states and more than 50 countries participate in the MCM, the largest
marathon not to offer prize money. The 45th MCM and the 2nd annual MCM50K
will be held on October 25, 2020 in Arlington, VA. No federal or Marine
Corps endorsement is implied. Connect with the Marine Corps Marathon on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Flickr. #RunWithTheMarines
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