The 51st Marine Corps Marathon is underway as thousands of runners hit the streets Sunday, 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.”

The runners started the marathon around 7:20 a.m. in chilly temperatures, but the weather will warm up as the race progresses.

Marine Corps Maj. Kyle King became the first person to cross the finish line in this year’s marathon, clocking in at 2 hours and 17 minutes in the men’s race. This is not the first time King has won the marathon. In 2024, he became the first active-duty Marine to secure two Marine Corp Marathon victories. This is his fourth win in the race, including winning one in 2025.

The women’s winner was Kaylee Slade, from Colorado, clocking in at 2 hours and 44 minutes.

WTOP’s Luke Lukert is among the competitors as it’s his third Marine Corps Marathon. He said that this marathon’s participants are smaller than last year’s.

Nathan Carrera, who is wearing a sports sling to support his dislocated shoulder, is competing in the marathon for the first time. He told WTOP that he hurt himself about a week ago playing flag football, but the Marine Corps Marathon still remains his top priority.

“(The) Marines wouldn’t give up on it. So I’m not either,” Carrera said.

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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 gathered in corrals based on their anticipated finish times.

Corral numbers are located on racers’ bibs. Marines organized the runners as they got 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.

As usual, the race is bringing a long list of road closures to the area. View them at this link.

Reporting from the Marine Corps Marathon, WTOP’s Luke Lukert contributed to this report.

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