Tens of thousands of runners hit the streets Sunday for the 51st Marine Corps Marathon, traveling from Arlington, through parts of D.C. and back into Virginia to complete the 26.2 miles affectionately known as “the People’s Marathon.”
As usual, the race is bringing a long list of road closures to the area. View them at this link.
The runners set off at around 7:20 a.m. in chilly temperatures, likely in the 40s, but the weather will warm up as the race progresses.
While the route and many of the traditions remain the same this year, the organizers have introduced some new elements.
In years past, runners got to choose where they ran in the pack and stood near signs next to their projected run times. This time, runners instead gather in corrals based on their anticipated finish times.
Corral numbers are located on racers’ bibs. Marines will organize the runners as they get to the starting line near the Pentagon.
Much like last year, the finish line at the grounds of the Marine Corps War Memorial is closed to spectators. Instead, family and friends can reconnect with their runners at the finish festival in Rosslyn.
Reporting from the Marine Corps Marathon, WTOP’s Luke Lukert contributed to this report.
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