Not satisfied with simply hosting the country's third-largest 26.2-miler, Marine Corps Marathon organizers are sponsoring several events this year with activities geared toward different levels of fitness and fun.
Of particular note for runners hoping to land a coveted spot in the Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 25 is the Marine Corps 17.75K run, an 11-mile route through Prince William Forest Park that commemorates the Corps' founding year.
If you finish that race, which traverses the vast woods adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, you earn entry into the 40th running of the Marine Corps Marathon.
But those wanting to participate also have to be quick with their computers or smartphones, as registration opens at noon Eastern Daylight Time on March 11 at www.marinemarathon.com — and last year, the event sold out in nine minutes.
Entry fee is $55.
For those seeking something shorter, dirtier and more challenging to the upper body, Marine Corps Marathon officials offer the Run Amuck, a four-mile mud run and obstacle course over the hills, trails and creeks at Quantico on June 13.
For families or those who don’t want to go the entire distance, there’s a two-mile Mini Run Amuck on the same day. Registration opens April 8 for both events at www.marinemarathon.com, and the event welcomes muckers ages eight 8 and above.
Triathletes get their opportunity to compete at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Aug. 22, with a sanctioned sprint triathlon that this year will feature a 750-meter open-water swim, a 10-mile bike and a 5K run. Registration fee is $95 and sign-ups begin Feb. 25 at www.marinemarathon.com.
Finally, any runners still hitting the pavement in November can strike a pre-emptive blow against holiday weight gain by signing up for the Quantico 10K Turkey Trot or Turkey Trot Mile. The family-friendly event dishes out pies and turkeys for prizes and features a petting zoo at the finish. Registration opens Oct. 7; fees are $35 for the 10K and $7 for the mile.
For more information on all events, check out www.marinemarathon.com.
