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88-581: The MCM was established in 1976 and is currently the fourth-largest marathon in the United States and the ninth-largest in the world. The event field of 30,000 is composed of runners from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 50 countries. Known as "The People's Marathon", the MCM is open to all runners ages 14 and above and is the largest marathon that does not offer prize money. The 50K Ultramarathon race

176-400: A 4 mi (6.4 km) course through trails with mud pits, low crawls and various obstacles culminating in a fire hose dousing just before reaching the finish line. Mini- muckers share in on the fun by completing a scaled-down, 2 mi (3.2 km) version of the course. August 19 The Quantico Tri is a sprint distance event held aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. Participants complete

264-421: A 750-meter (820-yard) swim, a 20 km (12 mi) bike course, and a 5 km (3.1 mi) run. For 2014, chip timing was introduced providing the most accurate results for participants.("RunnersWeb Triathlon: Quantico Tri Introduces Upgrades to Athlete Experience." RunnersWeb Triathlon: Quantico Tri Introduces Upgrades to Athlete Experience. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.) The Quantico Tri additionally features

352-559: A bridge to be built between Alexandria and Washington, DC. This reignited interest in a roadway to Mount Vernon. The idea generated interest among many of the individuals active in the City Beautiful movement , Colonial Revival architecture movement, and groups dedicated to promoting local and national history. Soon, the idea of a roadway became a call for a grandiose, monumental avenue lined with Beaux-Arts memorials, tombs, and roadside attractions. The idea received even more impetus when

440-656: A chance to qualify for the Boston Marathon , earning it the nickname "The People's Marathon." A native of Mineola, New York , Colonel Fowler was the recipient of two Bronze Stars , a Joint Service Commendation Medal, and two Purple Hearts during his service in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Fowler earned one of the Purple Hearts in 1968, while serving as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marines as battalion commander of

528-467: A featured speaker. Previous motivational addresses have been provided by Robert Swan, OBE, Dave McGillivary, Kathrine Switzer, Larry Rawson, Deena Kastor and Roger Robinson. Add in appearances by Miles and Molly, the MCM bulldog mascots, amazing prize giveaways, and the camaraderie of fellow runners, this becomes the perfect way to prepare for "The People's Marathon." Introduced in 2010, the MCM Pep Rally

616-708: A final, up-hill challenge to the finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial . This finish has remained unchanged since the inaugural running of the MCM in 1976. In 2006, the Marine Corps Marathon introduced the MCM10K, a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) run starting at the National Mall in Washington, DC. The MCM10K and MCM begin simultaneously with MCM10K runners joining the final leg of the marathon course, sharing in

704-598: A full refund. Similarly, the 2021 in-person edition of the race was cancelled due to the pandemic, with all registrants given the option of running the race virtually, transferring their entry to 2022, or obtaining a full refund. For 2023, over 23,000 runners registered for the 48th MCM. The course, which varies slightly from year to year, is certified by USA Track and Field . The current route starts in Arlington, Virginia, on Route 110 and winds its way through Rosslyn along Langston Boulevard before turning on Spout Run and

792-490: A highway was not the appropriate way to commemorate George Washington all were raised as objections to the bill. Rep. Louis C. Cramton , leader of a coalition of interests that wanted to protect the Potomac River banks from any development, criticized the damage to the environment the highway would cause, the stuffy architectural designs, and the elaborate roadside attractions which had been proposed. But patriotic concerns won

880-536: A law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1958, a master of business administration degree from the University of Virginia in 1960, a master of laws degree from Georgetown in 1961, a master's degree in business from Columbia Business School in 1973 and a master's degree in history from Georgetown University in 1979. This biographical article related to the United States Marine Corps

968-699: A left turn onto 15th Street at the Washington Monument . At Madison Drive, runners pass the north side of the National Mall, running by the Smithsonian Institution 's National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art . After a loop around the reflecting pool in front of the U.S. Capitol , runners continue along the south side of the National Mall past the Smithsonian Castle . Runners move along Jefferson Drive and turn onto

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1056-556: A means of demonstrating the latest highway construction technology. Its first proposals were merely to upgrade the existing roads in the area and perhaps add a tree-lined boulevard , with formal, uninspired masonry bridges. But the BPR's proposals quickly evolved into much more. The agency hired Gilmore David Clarke and Jay Downer, who had designed the highly celebrated Central Westchester Parkway in New York , as consultants. They quickly proposed

1144-420: A more elaborate system of plantings, historic roadside pullouts, and scenic overlooks, and a more sinuous road design. The BPR began calling the road a "highway" rather than a parkway to de-emphasize its commemorative nature in the hope that Congress would fund its construction. As the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of George Washington approached in 1932, the BPR took advantage of the national interest in

1232-586: A move south to Marine Corps Base Quantico in 1982, where the MCM headquarters remains. Additions to MCM weekend include the MCM10K, starting at the National Mall and finishing at the Iwo Jima monument; the MCM Kids Run, a 1-mile (1.6 km) event held one day prior to the MCM; and the MCM Forward, where Marines stationed throughout the world participate in a satellite 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run simultaneously with

1320-481: A pistol. The Marine Corps Marathon boasts a slightly bigger starting gun: A 105mm Howitzer. The 2014 starting ceremonies included Medal of Honor recipient, Kyle Carpenter, parachuting to the start and delivering a 7,800 square-foot American flag. (Lin, C. J. "Big Day for Army Runners at 39th Marine Corps Marathon." McClatchy - Tribune Business News. Oct 26 2014. ProQuest. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.) Ground Pounders Only one individual as of 2016 had completed every marathon since

1408-662: A stop in Alexandria). By the 1920s, 200,000 people a year were visiting Mount Vernon. In the 1880s, officials in Alexandria, Virginia , attempted to boost local commerce by advocating for a "national road" to Mount Vernon. They formed the Mount Vernon Avenue Association in September 1887, to promote this idea. Congress appropriated $ 10,000 for a survey in 1889. The United States Army Corps of Engineers conducted

1496-417: A time of 2:21:14, becoming the first MCM winner. He was awarded a trophy—provided by Secretary Middendorf—for his achievement. Marathon organizers examined the course for the 1977 MCM and secured permits to run through Washington, D.C. The new route laid the foundation for the traditional scenic run, starting in Arlington, Virginia, winding its way around key landmarks in the nation's capital, and returning for

1584-533: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . George Washington Memorial Parkway The George Washington Memorial Parkway, colloquially the G.W. Parkway , is a 25-mile-long (40 km) limited-access parkway that runs along the south bank of the Potomac River from Mount Vernon, Virginia , northwest to McLean, Virginia , and is maintained by the National Park Service (NPS). It

1672-648: Is located almost entirely in Northern Virginia , except for a short portion of the parkway northwest of the Arlington Memorial Bridge that passes over Columbia Island in Washington, D.C. The parkway is separated into two sections joined by Washington Street ( State Route 400 ) in Alexandria . A third section, which is the Clara Barton Parkway , runs on the opposite side of the Potomac River in

1760-466: Is maintained by the City of Alexandria. In 1929, the city and the federal government entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA). The MOA gave the federal government a permanent and irrevocable easement over Washington Street. It also called for the construction of roundabouts at both the north and south ends of Washington Street as transition points between the rural and urban sections of the parkway. Finally,

1848-599: Is often filled with recreational and commuter cyclists and runners. Points of interest on or near the parkway are Mount Vernon Plantation , Huntley Meadows Park , P. O. Box 1142 , Fort Hunt Park , Dyke Marsh , Hunting Creek , Jones Point , and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge . Although designated as part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Washington Street in Alexandria still belongs to and

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1936-407: Is open to all marathon runners. The evening offers the chance for runners to receive last-minute information and inspiration from an expert panel of runners, coaches, Clif Pace Team leaders, Brooks consultants, and MCM staff members, among others. The evening celebrates the achievements of every marathoner with music, cheerleaders, activities, and prize giveaways. First time runners are also presented

2024-513: Is the largest in North America. The event typically occurs on the final Sunday in October, a few weeks before the United States Marine Corps' birthday on November 10. On October 17, 1975, MCM founder Colonel James L. Fowler wrote a memo to his supervisor, Major General Michael P. Ryan , outlining his idea of creating a Marine Corps Reserve Marathon to promote goodwill between the military and

2112-605: Is the primary police agency responsible for patrolling the George Washington Parkway, the Clara Barton Parkway, and the above listed areas. The Clara Barton Parkway is administratively part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It was signed and designated as the George Washington Memorial Parkway until 1989, when it was renamed to overcome motorist confusion with the main segment in Virginia. The parkways on

2200-677: The 14th Street to marathon's "Beat the Bridge" checkpoint at mile 20 before returning to Virginia via the 14th Street Bridge . For the last 10 kilometers, runners enjoy the color and energy of Crystal City in Arlington County, Virginia . At The Pentagon , runners pass in close proximity to the Pentagon Memorial honoring the victims of 9/11 . Finally, the course unfurls alongside the Arlington National Cemetery then offers

2288-722: The 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines , in action near the Bến Hải River on the border between North and South Vietnam . This medal was photographed for the image on the United States Postal Service's Purple Heart stamp, first issued in 2003. He died on January 20, 2015, in Alexandria, Virginia , at the age of 84. He was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, Betsy Goodwyn Blackwell. Fowler graduated in 1952 from Dartmouth College . He went on to receive numerous advanced degrees:

2376-549: The COVID-19 pandemic , the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon and all the events planned with it were canceled when Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ordered a "stay at home" order for the state until June 10. However, on April 27, 2020, the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon became a virtual event with the help of their technology partner, haku. Held aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico and the surrounding community,

2464-734: The Daughters of the American Revolution took up the cause. In 1902, the McMillan Plan endorsed a road along the Virginia side of the Potomac River shoreline. Although Virginia was outside the plan's scope, the Senate Park Commission (which drafted the plan) saw a Mount Vernon avenue as an extension of the DC park system as well as a means of protecting the Great Falls of the Potomac River and

2552-471: The District of Columbia and suburban Montgomery County, Maryland . A fourth section was originally proposed for Fort Washington, Maryland , but never built. The parkway has been designated an All-American Road . Virginia's official state designation for the parkway is State Route 90005 . At Mount Vernon , the parkway begins at a traffic circle , where it joins and leaves SR 235 . Most of this route

2640-589: The George Washington Memorial Parkway . Runners experience a climb on Langston Boulevard in the first few miles of the course, but are rewarded with a descent along Spout Run and the GW Parkway. After crossing Key Bridge into Georgetown , runners used to turn toward the Palisades Community when the course followed Canal Road , up to the reservoir and down MacArthur Boulevard . However,

2728-728: The Quantico 12K run which runs through the trails of famed Officer Candidates School aboard the Marine Corps Base. November 18 – The final challenge in the MCM Event Series is the Turkey Trot 10K and accompanying Turkey Trot Mile . The 10 km (6.2 mi) adult course offers a great way to counteract Thanksgiving calories while kids enjoy getting in on the holiday fun with their own 1 mi (1.6 km) course. I Start Marathons and other road races are traditionally started with

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2816-626: The " Great Falls of the Potomac River ". The idea for a large George Washington Memorial Parkway came from Rep. Cramton, who introduced legislation in January 1929, to construct a larger system of roads and parks. In the US Senate, the bill was amended by Sen. Carter Glass to include a bridge across the Potomac at the Great Falls. Congress enacted the "Act of May 29, 1930" (46 Stat. 482)—more commonly known as

2904-632: The 2001 MCM was in serious question until three weeks prior to the scheduled event day. Post-9/11, approval by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to proceed with the marathon was contingent upon a new security plan. With approval in place, mile five on the MCM course gave runners an up-close view of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Many 2001 MCM finishers agree this was a very special year. More than 15,000 runners from 50 states and 39 countries participated in

2992-467: The 2017 MCM Event Series features five weekends of events celebrating the accomplishment of distance running by wrapping each event in a unique experience that showcases the organizational excellence of the United States Marine Corps. March 25 - The first run of the event series, the Marine Corps 17.75K , offers participants the unique opportunity to secure a golden ticket, which is a guaranteed spot in

3080-604: The 2017 MCM. This event celebrates the founding of the United States Marine Corps in 1775 and travels through Prince William Forest Park in Dumfries, VA. April 29 - Introduced in 2017, the Quantico 100 celebrates the 100th anniversary of Marine Corps Base Quantico. Participants have 100 minutes to log as many miles as possible during this evening run. June 10 – Consistently sold out, the Run Amuck and Mini Run Amuck encourage runners to get down and dirty. Run Amuck participants run

3168-407: The 26th annual Marine Corps Marathon. Shadow Runs The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the top stateside military event with sanctioned "shadow runs." In 2014, the shadow run was held at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.(Miller, and Amanda. "Event Rundown." Army Times (2014): 31. ProQuest. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.) James L. Fowler Colonel James Loftus Fowler (January 11, 1931 – January 20, 2015)

3256-537: The 30,000 runner capacity. For the 2012 MCM, all 30,000 registration sold out within 2 hours 41 minutes. In 2014, a lottery was introduced for the first time for those applying to run in the Marine Corps Marathon. RACE IT, race services division of Competitor Group, Inc., was awarded a multi-year agreement to provide registration services to facilitate online entries for the MCM. ("Race IT Awarded Marine Corps Marathon Contract." PR Newswire Oct 15 2013. ProQuest. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.) Challenge Cup The Challenge Cup competition

3344-452: The BPR drew attention to the poor condition of the existing roads, and their inability to handle more traffic. Although the existing Mount Vernon Avenue from Arlington National Cemetery to Alexandria was in good condition, the roads from Arlington Memorial Bridge to Mount Vernon Avenue and from Gum Springs to Mount Vernon were not. The BPR said a highway along the existing ridge-top route would cost $ 890,000 to $ 1.2 million (and it recommended

3432-423: The BPR issued a draft report in which it still favored the ridge-top route. BPR then abandoned this idea, and produced a final report in January 1927, advocating the river's edge route. The river's edge route was relatively flat (unlike the ridge-top route, which had steep grades), had few intersecting roads, needed few underpasses and overpasses, and nearly all the land was already owned by the federal government. It

3520-519: The Capper-Cramton Act—to establish the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The Act appropriated $ 13.5 million to acquire land and build a Parkway on the Virginia southern shoreline from Mount Vernon to the Great Falls" (excluding the city of Alexandria), and to also build a parkway on the Maryland northern shoreline from Fort Washington, Maryland , to the Great Falls of the Potomac (excluding

3608-594: The District of Columbia). A bridge across the Potomac at or near the Great Falls was also included in the final bill. Included in the parkway were to be lands to extend the park and playground lands of the National Capital Parks system, and for the acquisition and preservation of the Patowmack Canal and a portion (below Point of Rocks ) of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal . The George Washington Memorial Parkway

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3696-541: The District of Columbia, from I-495 in Virginia to the Great Falls, and from MacArthur Boulevard/Carderock north to the Great Falls. Significant opposition to these segments emerged from the Izaak Walton League , the Wilderness Society , and other groups, which argued that the environmental damage caused by these segments would be too severe to justify their construction. Over time, small additions were made to

3784-667: The Finish Festival includes shuttles to Crystal City, Metro access at the Rosslyn station and taxi service. The MCM Kids Run is a 1 mi (1.6 km) event held annually the day before the MCM. Children ages 5 through 12 are eligible to participate in the fun run located in the Pentagon North Parking Lot. Once children have completed the run, they can visit Camp Miles, a festival area with healthy activities and games promoting physical fitness. School groups participating in

3872-454: The George Washington Parkway to Mount Vernon as a kick-off for Washington's 200th birthday celebration. Due to a lack of lights, ongoing construction and poor connections on the Virginia side, the bridge and highway were only open during daylight hours on Saturday and Sunday. Weekend-only operations ended on March 16, 1932. Though temporary lights were added in time for the 200th birthday, the highway wasn't opened for day and night use until both

3960-694: The LBJ National Grove, Gravelly Point Park, Fort Marcy, Columbia Island Marina and Turkey Run Park. There are scenic view rest areas for those wishing to view the Georgetown skyline and the Potomac Palisades . The cloverleaf interchange with the 14th Street Bridge , dating to 1932, is one of the oldest cloverleaf interchanges in the United States. The Spout Run Parkway connects the George Washington Memorial Parkway to US Route 29 (US 29), providing an indirect connection to I-66 . The portion of

4048-473: The MCM Kids Run compete for a Healthy School Award. This award is based on student participation and is awarded to the top five schools with the most runners. Winning schools receive a donation to their physical education department presented by MCM partner Sodexo. All registered MCM, MCM10K, and MCM Kids Run participants must attend packet pick up at the MCM Health and Fitness Expo. Held in the two days prior to

4136-512: The MCM, the Health and Fitness Expo features more than 200 booths and interactive displays for runner enjoyment. Supported by nearly 300 military and civilian volunteers, the expo attracts nearly 100,000 runners and guests. Held annually on the eve of the Marine Corps Marathon, the Carbo Dining In serves up last minute inspiration and excitement as well as carbohydrate fuel for MCM morning. Held at

4224-454: The MCM. The MCM and all associated events continue to promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill and showcase the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps. The running of the 44th Marine Corps Marathon took place on October 27, 2019. The 2020 in-person edition of the race was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic , with all registrants given the option of transferring their entry to 2021, 2022, or 2023 or obtaining

4312-423: The MCM10K. USMC Runners The first female active duty Marine MCM winner was 1st Lieutenant Joanna Martin at the 1979 MCM. Martin, a native of Woodbridge, VA and stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA at the time, finished with a time of 2:58:14. Four years later, the first male active duty Marine won the MCM. Sergeant Farley Simon of Alea, Hawaii finished with a time of 2:17:46. 2001 Marine Corps Marathon The status of

4400-459: The MOA required Alexandria to adopt zoning regulations so that construction along Washington Street would be "of such character and of such types of buildings as will be in keeping with the dignity, purpose and memorial character of said highway". Commercial vehicles, such as trucks, are prohibited from the George Washington Memorial Parkway. However, taxicabs and airport shuttles are allowed to operate on

4488-590: The Marine Corps Historic Half during the days prior to the event. Located at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, this free event is open to the public and will showcase health, fitness, food, and exercise through featured vendors such as Mary Washington Hospital, Geico, and Jelly Belly Sport Beans. Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center is located at 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. On March 31, 2020, in response to

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4576-810: The Moore-Swanson bill also came from President Calvin Coolidge , the bicentennial commission, the US Senate, the Bureau of the Budget , the Daughters of the American Revolution , and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association . S. 1369 passed the Senate on March 6, 1928. In the House, the cost of the bill, the use of federal funds for a local infrastructure project, and concerns that

4664-405: The Navy , J. William Middendorf , the inaugural running of the MCM was held on November 7, 1976. The 1,175 participants ran a course through northern Virginia and finished at the Marine Corps War Memorial, becoming the first of thousands of MCM runners over a span of 38 years to take the final hill and finish at the Iwo Jima memorial. Kenneth Moore of Eugene, Oregon, finished the inaugural event with

4752-455: The Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital on August 10, 1933. On November 28, 1989, the portion in Maryland was renamed the Clara Barton Parkway . The parkway also administers other National Park Service features and areas in the vicinity. Parkway sites include: Information, brochures, maps, and stamps are in the Parkway headquarters located next to the US Park Police station in McLean, Virginia . The Park Police

4840-399: The Potomac Palisades. The McMillan Plan, however, focused not on a monumental avenue but on tree-lined boulevards and quiet carriage paths designed to relax and calm. The Mount Vernon Avenue Association disbanded some time during World War I, but the concept of a Mount Vernon roadway was now championed by the federal Bureau of Public Roads (BPR). The BPR seized on the idea in the 1920s as

4928-464: The State of Virginia, with the Arlington Memorial Bridge across the Potomac River at Washington." After the law's passage, BPR issued yet another report advocating the river's edge route. On January 25, 1929, the bicentennial commission decided the highway should follow the river route. The parkway's original name was the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. But Congress renamed it the George Washington Memorial Parkway in 1930, and authorized its extension to

5016-398: The bridge and highway were officially illuminated on May 6, 1932. The northern sections of the Parkway were mostly completed in the 1950s-1960s. The portion of the parkway from Glebe Road to I-495, was built primarily to provide access for workers at the new Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, Virginia , in 1959. The portion of the parkway just north of the Key Bridge

5104-457: The coveted MCM First-Timer pin. Key :       Course record (in bold) = Short course Among the notable finishers are: The Marine Corps Historic Half (MCHH), held in Fredericksburg, VA, takes participants on a 13.1 mi (21.1 km) journey from the retail hub of Central Park through historic downtown streets, up Hospital Hill, and back to waiting Marines at the finish line. Held annually in May and open to ages 10 and up,

5192-409: The day. The House voted in favor of HR 4625 by a margin of 177 to 61 on May 22, 1928. President Calvin Coolidge signed the measure into law on May 24. The legislation authorizing construction of the George Washington Memorial Highway is Public Law 493. Its formal title is "An act to authorize and direct the survey, construction, and maintenance of a memorial highway to connect Mount Vernon, in

5280-471: The event boasts a field of 8,000 runners. The Historic Half also offers the Semper 5ive, a five-mile event open to 2,000 participants. New in 2017 is the Devil Dog Double. Runners competing in this challenge will complete both the Semper 5ive and the Historic Half on Sunday, May 21. All events finish at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center with the Semper 5ive starting in downtown Fredericksburg. The Healthy Lifestyle Expo will be held in conjunction with

5368-467: The existing roads to Mount Vernon were heavily lined with tawdry billboards, tourist traps , garish filling stations , and fast food joints. Representative R. Walton Moore introduced legislation in early 1924 to build a memorial highway to Mount Vernon, which was endorsed by the District of Columbia Chapter of the Colonial Dames of America and Charles Moore , chairman of the United States Commission of Fine Arts . During House hearings in April 1924,

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5456-437: The finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. With the changes to the course and a surge of positive publicity from the first running, the second MCM drew a field of 2,655 runners. Participation in the MCM steadily increased over the next few years, resulting in a transfer of race coordination from the Marine Corps Reserve to active-duty Marines at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. Shortly thereafter, even more growth necessitated

5544-426: The halfway mark. Outside West Potomac Park , runners get a glimpse of the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin . On Independence Avenue , competitors run by the newly unveiled Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial and FDR Memorial . The runners loop back along Independence Avenue on the side closest to the National Mall and the Korean War Veterans Memorial and National World War II Memorial before making

5632-451: The headquarters hotel, the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the dinner welcomes world class speakers and Marine Corps - style entertainment. The unique name - Carbo Dining In - separates it from other pasta parties and carb loads by paying homage to a traditional military dining in, an evening that includes dinner and other events to foster camaraderie and esprit de corps. The evening program offers music, live entertainment and

5720-466: The iconic finish up the hill to the Marine Corps War Memorial. Since its inception, the MCM10K has steadily increased in popularity. In 2012, the event sold out with 10,000 registered runners. In 2011 a new MCM10K course record was set by Reuben Mwei, a native of the Kenya residing in Acworth, GA. His finishing time of 00:30:37 crushed the previous record of 00:32:54 set by Wyatt Boyd of Washington, DC, in 2009. Runners celebrate MCM and MCM10K finishes in

5808-404: The inaugural running in 1976: Al Richmond of Arlington, VA. Fittingly, Richmond is a retired US Marine. At the 25th running of the MCM, this elite group was given the name "Ground Pounders" at a ceremony at the Washington Post . Sold Out! The 15th running of the MCM was the first to sell out with a field of 13,000 runners. In 2011 the MCM sold out within 28 hours of registration opening, filling

5896-407: The latter). But the 1924 bill went nowhere. Rep. Moore introduced another bill in 1926. Although this bill also failed, the House Committee on Roads passed a bill authorizing BPR to survey "a route" and provide cost estimates for construction. Historic American Buildings Survey historian Sara Amy Leach has suggested that BPR's emphasis on an extremely wide right-of-way indicates that the agency

5984-421: The nation's first president to push its idea for a Mount Vernon roadway. It changed its approach, now re-emphasizing the commemorative nature of the road. It also began publishing books, pamphlets, and technical drawings; printing photographs; displaying models in the Capitol Rotunda; and exhibiting Washingtoniana alongside its materials in a well-organized public relations push designed to build public support for

6072-467: The need for extensive land reclamation at several points (Fourmile Run, Roaches Run, and Great Hunting Creek), and the proximity of the route to the railroad tracks and industrial buildings at the Potomac Yards. In 1928, Moore and Senator Claude A. Swanson introduced identical bills (S.1369 and H.R. 4625) to build a memorial highway from Arlington Memorial Bridge to Mount Vernon at a cost of $ 4.5 million. The Washington Bicentennial Commission would oversee

6160-440: The new course guides runners down popular M Street in Georgetown. Runners turn on Wisconsin Avenue and then K Street before looping under K street onto Rock Creek Parkway . The course proceeds approximately 2.5 miles north on Rock Creek Parkway before turning back, then passing the Kennedy Center . Runners then pass the back of the Lincoln Memorial before continuing on Ohio Drive into East Potomac Park 's Hains Point at

6248-422: The parks and roads included in the larger areas administered by the George Washington Memorial Parkway. These included Memorial Drive (the short section of roadway from the Arlington Memorial Bridge to the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery , at Theodore Roosevelt Island (added in 1933), and the LBJ Memorial Grove on Columbia Island in 1974. The parkway was authorized May 29, 1930, and transferred from

6336-494: The parkway north of National Airport and SR 233 is part of the National Highway System . The trip by DC area residents to see George Washington 's family estate at Mount Vernon was seen in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a patriotic duty as well as an opportunity to learn about American history and democratic values. In the late 19th century, most people took a steamboat excursion from DC (it also made

6424-535: The parkway. The northern section extends from North Washington Street at First Street, at the northern end of Old Town Alexandria, to its terminus at Interstate 495 (I-495, Capital Beltway), in Fairfax County , just south of the Potomac River. It follows the Potomac River, passing through Arlington County , and serves as the primary access point to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport . The Parkway also provides automobile access to Theodore Roosevelt Island ,

6512-418: The planning process for the first MCM began. With news of the inaugural marathon quickly spreading, Gunnery Sergeant Alex Breckenridge, a member of the 1960 Olympic Marathon Team, soon lent his support. With Gunnery Sergeant Breckenridge acting as an ambassador for the marathon effort, local jurisdictions approved of the event. Through the efforts of the marathon coordinators and with support from Secretary of

6600-523: The post-Vietnam community. Colonel Fowler believed an event like this would showcase the Marine Corps, serve as a recruiting tool, and give local Marines an opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The Marathon also serves as a way to raise money for a wide variety of charities. General Ryan embraced the idea of a Marine marathon and submitted it to then Marine Corps Commandant General Louis H. Wilson Jr. for approval. With General Wilson's backing,

6688-514: The post-event Finish Festival located in Rosslyn, VA. Runners, spectators, and the community are welcome to enjoy food, including a Restaurant Row that includes several Rosslyn eateries, live music, sponsor displays, entertainment and giveaways. Essential runner services are also located in the Finish Festival, to include Family Link Up, Info/Medical Tent, Massage, UPS Baggage Claim, and the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden. Transportation from

6776-691: The project and win congressional approval. It even commissioned a 30-minute film lauding the idea. The establishment of the George Washington Bicentennial Commission was the critical event which got the highway bill through Congress. During hearings in the House of Representatives on the issue, the American Civic Association , the National Council for the Protection of Roadside Beauty, and other groups testified that

6864-471: The project, with support from the United States Department of Agriculture with surveys, architectural and engineering plans, land acquisition, construction, etc. The bicentennial commission was also authorized to determine the route. Proponents of the ridge-top route pressed their case, but Moore pointed to the 1927 BPR report, as expert proof that the river's-edge route was preferable. Support for

6952-478: The survey, and in its report agreed that a superior, no-expense-spared road from Alexandria to Mount Vernon was necessary. However, construction of the Washington, Alexandria, and Mount Vernon Railway (an inexpensive commuter trolley/streetcar system) between 1892 and 1896 dealt a serious blow to the plan. During the Alexandria Sesquicentennial in 1899, several Alexandria civic boosters called for

7040-585: The two sides of the river were originally supposed to be joined by a bridge at the Great Falls of the Potomac River. However, opposition from preservationists led to the cancellation of that bridge. Instead, traffic between the two parkways uses the American Legion Bridge downstream. The Virginia side of the Potomac River at Great Falls is managed by the Superintendent of the parkway as a national park site, known as Great Falls Park . Some elements of

7128-595: The winner. MCM Mascots Miles the Bulldog and his sister Molly are faithful MCM companions, cheering on and entertaining runners at all MCM events. Miles models bib number 1775 to honor the year the USMC was founded, while Molly proudly displays bib number 1943, a nod to the year in which the Marine Corps Women's Reserve was created. In 2011, Miles added "10K Finisher" to his resume when he impressively completed all 6.2 miles of

7216-411: Was admittedly more expensive than the ridge-top route ($ 4.2 million, or 25 percent more). The Secretary of War, Commission of Fine Arts, National Capital Park and Planning Commission , Virginia Highway Commission, and Alexandria Chamber of Commerce all supported the BPR proposal. Opposition to the river's edge route came from Fairfax County merchants, who pointed to the ridge-top route's extensive vistas,

7304-548: Was an American Marine who was the founder of the Marine Corps Marathon , an annual race since 1976 in Washington, D.C. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars . The race, which now draws tens of thousands of athletes, was intended to promote goodwill for the military after the Vietnam War and serve as a United States Marine Corps recruiting tool. With no qualifying standards or monetary prizes, it gives participants

7392-577: Was built in stages between 1929 and 1970. The first segment, the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, stretches from Arlington Memorial Bridge to Mount Vernon and was completed in 1932. That segment of highway was informally opened on January 16, 1932. The dedication ceremony was headed by President Herbert Hoover who became the first person to drive it, leading a small party of 12 cars across the Arlington Memorial Bridge and down

7480-416: Was considered a model of modern highway design, and it was featured in many scholarly papers, engineering journals, and textbooks of the day. The Capper-Cramton Act received significant amendments in 1946, 1952, and 1958, both funding and terminating significant portions of the unbuilt parkway. The most significant changes came when Congress declined to fund construction of the segments from Fort Washington to

7568-521: Was initiated at the MCM in 1978. The Challenge Cup is a competition between the United States Marine Corps and the British Royal Navy/Marine running teams. An 1897 Victorian silver cup, donated by the British in 1978, is awarded to the winner each year. A female division was added in 1998. The finish time for the top three runners for each team are added and the lowest total running time is declared

7656-405: Was taken from the Washington, Alexandria and Mount Vernon Railway 's right-of-way. The southern section is an expressway with at-grade intersections . It extends from Mount Vernon, past Fort Hunt to South Washington Street at the southern end of Alexandria . The Mount Vernon Trail parallels the southern and middle sections of the parkway (from Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island ), and

7744-521: Was willing to abandon the inland, ridge-top route in favor of one along the Potomac River's edge. Just who suggested the river's edge route is not clear, but Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. of the famed nationally known park landscaping firm from New York, is known to have suggested it in March 1926, to Commission of Fine Arts chairman Moore, who passed it along to Rep. Moore, who in turn passed it on to BPR. But in May 1926,

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