FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Beth Cline
Public Relations Coordinator
(703) 432-1165
Marine Corps Marathon Announces
New Start and Transportation Procedures
QUANTICO, Va. - (June 29, 2005) - To accommodate the record-breaking 30,000
runners at the 30th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) start, a two-wave system,
based on bib number and color, will be implemented at the Sunday, October
30 event.
The first wave, denoted by the color "scarlet", will start at 0815. The
second "gold" wave begins at 0845. Runners will be notified of their
designation in September when e-confirmation cards are accessible for
download through the MCM website.
Only runners in the scarlet wave will be granted access to the start area
along Route 110 under Arlington Memorial Bridge prior to 8:15am. Before the
race, runners may wish to congregate in the new Runner's Village area of
the North Pentagon parking lot. This pre-race location includes shuttle
drop-off, baggage check, entertainment, water support and
warm-up/stretching programs.
Following the start of the Scarlet wave, gold wave runners will be escorted
from Runners' Village to the start line. Runners in both waves will
experience the full pageantry and patriotism of the MCM starting
ceremonies.
Scarlet wave runners should take Metro to the Arlington Cemetery station or
utilize the new MCM shuttle service from RFK Stadium parking lots to the
North Pentagon parking lot. Shuttles will be available for both runners and
spectators from the RFK Stadium parking lots beginning at 5:30am until
9:00am. Special runners only shuttles will ensure all runners reach the
start line. The 15-minute shuttle ride delivers all runners at the North
Pentagon parking lot. Plenty of free parking is available at RFK stadium
near the DC Amory.
Gold wave runners may take Metro to the Pentagon station or utilize MCM
shuttles from the RFK parking lot to the North Pentagon parking lot.
Additional free parking is available in Crystal City at the corner of 23rd
& Crystal Drive, convenient to the Crystal City Metro station. For the
first time in MCM history, Metro will open at 5am on race morning to better
accommodate runners.
"The 30th anniversary event promises to be our biggest and best yet," said
Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "The two wave start and transportation
changes are designed to best ensure runners have a safe and enjoyable
marathon experience."
The two-wave system will not affect a runner's finish time. All MCM finish
times are computed and tracked by the ChampionChip system. A runner's true
finish time is recorded by chip/net time; however, gun time will be
utilized in determining awards for the top three male and female finishers.
All other awards will be calculated by chip time.
All runners regardless of wave will be required to maintain a 14 minute per
mile pace in order to Beat the Bridge (the 1:45pm reopening of the 14th
Street Bridge at mile 21 of the course).
Runners will receive their bib number and wave assignment in September by
downloading the e-confirmation card from the MCM website. Runners will
obtain their bib number and race packet at packet pick-up at the MCM
Runners' Expo presented by Caremark on October 28-29. A scarlet or gold bib
will designate the wave assignment. Further information will be posted at
MarineMarathon.com
The Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication,
sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 300,000 civilian
and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly
earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." The sold-out 30th
Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 30, 2005.
###
|
