FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No Live Events for the 2020 MCM Weekend
MCM and MCM50K Now Virtual-Only Events
QUANTICO, VA (July 20, 2020) - The 2020 Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Weekend
events scheduled for Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25 in
Arlington, Virginia and the nation's capital, will shift to virtual-only
status due to ongoing public health concerns and the guidelines of local
governments.
"We explored various approaches to safely execute a live event and held
numerous meetings with Marine Corps leadership, local government and public
health officials," said Rick Nealis, director of the Marine Corps Marathon
Organization (MCMO). "We understand this is disappointing news for many,
but we could no longer envision a way to gather together in compliance with
safety guidelines. While we are unable to celebrate in-person this October,
we are excited about the opportunity to bring the 45th anniversary event to
the homes of runners around the world through a rewarding and engaging
virtual experience."
"Health and safety are our top priorities during this challenging time,"
said Libby Garvey, Arlington County Board Chair. "The Marine Corps Marathon
is a treasured event and tradition in our community that Arlingtonians look
forward to each year. As we celebrate the race's 45th anniversary this
year, we will be enthusiastically and virtually cheering on each runner. We
can't wait to welcome these dedicated athletes and fans back to Arlington
in person in 2021."
The virtual MCM Weekend events including the MCM, MCM10K, MCM50K and the
MCM Semper Fun Mile must be completed between October 1 - November 10, the
Marine Corps Birthday. All participants will receive the corresponding
participant shirt, commemorative bib, patch and/or finisher medal. Runners
will also have access to an online event program, personalized finisher
certificate, the MCM Audio Experience and several new digital engagement
platforms.
Further instructions and a link to the registration change form will be
sent this week to the e-mail address provided by participants during
registration. The deadline for currently registered runners to take action
on the change form is August 5, 2020.
Runners currently in the live MCM or MCM50K category have the option to:
- Defer entry to a future year (2021, 2022 or 2023) of the runner's choice
at no additional fee;
These runners will have a guaranteed virtual entry available for purchase
for 24 hours following initiation of the deferment process.
- Request a full registration refund including carbo dining tickets and bib
mail out, if purchased.
Runners who already deferred to a future year and paid a deferment fee will
receive an automatic refund of the $30 fee and have the option to:
- Remain deferred for 2021, 2022 or 2023; or
- Request a full registration refund including carbo dining tickets and bib
mail out, if purchased.
Runners who previously transferred directly from the live to the virtual
event have the option to:
- Request a partial refund of the registration fee minus the $45 virtual
entry fee; or
- Cancel registration and request a full registration refund including
carbo dining tickets and bib mail out, if purchased.
Virtual event registration is open to the public. Entry fees are $45 for
the MCM and MCM50K; $33 for the MCM10K; and $20 for the Semper Fun Mile.
Refunds of registration fees will be processed beginning on August 6, 2020
and may take between four to six weeks. Processing fees will not be
refunded.
In addition to marking its 45th anniversary, this year's MCM commemorates
the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima by featuring actual volcanic
ash collected at that site within the event medal.
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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