MCM Tip #4: Know the Course

A big part of planning your approach to the Marine Corps Marathon is becoming familiar with the course so that you’re not caught off guard. It’s not the easiest marathon course ever made, but is is also not one of the most difficult. There are some early hills, and a big one at the finish, but you will have plenty of people cheering you on along the way.

MCM is a fantastic course. I have not run the MCM, but have taken in some of it when I ran the National Half Marathon. If you know DC, you know there is so much history to see. Pay attention to the monuments, the Potomac River, the spectators, and the volunteers along the way. You do not want to run 26.2 miles, and the only thing you can remember is what the road looked like.

There are several ways to become familiar with the race course. First and foremost, review the course map, and the course elevation chart. You will use this course map in your head on race day. Another great resource is the photo collection on the Richmond Times Dispatch site that list landmarks for each and every mile. Take a few minutes to click through the photos so you can find some things to look for on race day. Here are some useful links:

Course Map
Brief MCM Video
Aid Station Intervals


Here are a few of my own observations:

• Between miles 2-5 there are some decent hills. These used to come later in the race, so enjoy getting them out of the way early, and then settle in to your race pace.
• At Mile 17 the White House is to your left. . . anyway you look at it, that is pretty cool running by the White House.
• At Mile 19, look to you right, and you can see everyone that you are beating.
• At Mile 20 you will hit the "beat the bridge" portion of the race. Smile as you run across knowing that you easily beat the 1:15 pm cut off time.
• At Mile 22 you hit an out-and-back stretch. My experience tells me that segments like this always feel longer than they look on the map. It is a mile out and a mile back. Don't dread this section. Look forward to being able to see runners face to face, and know there are only two miles left once you get back to the Pentagon.

Tips still to come. . . Getting to the Start, Mental Preparedness, Hydration, etc.