What to expect and road closures – NBC4 Washington

The Marine Corps Marathon is on despite the government shutdown, and the 26.2-mile race is expected to bring thousands of runners through Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Virginia on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Called “The People’s Marathon” because it’s the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, the MCM route takes runners past some of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks.

Service members with the U.S. Marine Corps support the racers. And while there was some concern that the race could be affected by the government shutdown, organizers say the race is a go.

“The Marines are ready- and we will see you at the starting line,” MCM said in an Instagram post.

Spectators should note some important changes this year, including limited access to the starting and finishing areas.

Runners, spectators and anyone in the area should plan for numerous road closures. Metro is the recommended way to get around, and trains will start running early, at 5 a.m., on Sunday.

News4’s Juliana Valencia spoke to participants in the Marine Corps Marathon about why they’re tackling the challenging race.

You can also watch NBC Washington’s coverage on NBC4 and our 24/7 streaming channel.

Whether you’re joining a race or going to cheer on the participants, read on for everything you need to know. 

When does the Marine Corps Marathon begin?

The Marine Corps Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 26.

Wheeled athletes will start at 7:15 a.m., followed by duo teams at 7:17 a.m. Runners, grouped in three color-coded waves, will begin at 7:20 a.m.

The weekend includes the Health and Fitness Expo, where runners can pick up their packets. The MCM Kids Run happens Saturday morning before the main event on Sunday. Here’s a full list of weekend events.

What’s the course map for the 2025 Marine Corps Marathon? 

The marathon will take runners from near the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, over the Francis Scott Key Bridge into Washington, D.C., and up Rock Creek Parkway. Runners then will travel south past the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Memorial before going around the Tidal Basin and the National Mall.

Participants will cross the Potomac River again on the 14th Street Bridge and run through Crystal City to end at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn.

Metro is the best way to get to the Marine Corps Marathon

Metro service will begin at 5 a.m. on race day. It’ll be the best way to get around since so many roads will be closed. Trains will run every 6 to 12 minutes, depending on the line.

According to Metro, runners and spectators can take trains to all the important locations. Here’s what Metro said:

• For packet pickup, runners can take Metro to the Eisenhower Avenue station and catch a free shuttle to National Harbor in Maryland. Shuttles will run Friday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• On race day, runners can take Metro to the Pentagon or Pentagon City stations for the Runners’ Village and the race starting line.
• Spectators can take Metro to viewing spots near the following stations: Smithsonian, Crystal City, L’Enfant Plaza and Arlington Cemetery (opening at 9 a.m.).
• You can use Metro’s Trip Planner to map out your ride.
• Spectators can meet runners at the Family Link-Up Zone near the Rosslyn Station.

New this year: You won’t need a SmarTrip card to ride. You can tap a debit, credit, or mobile wallet card to pay. Just be sure to use the same card to tap out to exit, Metro said. See other payment options here.

Bus service will be affected by the Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run on Saturday and the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday. Here’s a full list of changes.

If you plan on driving: You can park in garages in Crystal City and take a shuttle. Shuttles will pick up at 23rd Street and Crystal Drive, near Reagan National Airport. After the race, return shuttles will depart from the Finish Festival on N. Oak Street and Wilson Boulevard in Rosslyn between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

What spectators need to know: Where to watch the MCM with new restrictions

Looking to celebrate your friends and family? Bring some signs to the locations along the race course in both Arlington and D.C. where spectators can see their runners.

Before you go, note that there are some major changes for spectators this year due to “enhanced security and operational logistics.” Access to some key areas will be restricted.

Here’s what the Marine Corps Marathon says about changes for this year:

• Spectators will not be able to access the starting line or enter the Runners’ Village. Only registered runners may enter.
• The Arlington Cemetery Metro station won’t open until 9 a.m.
• Spectators won’t be allowed on the Arlington Memorial Bridge or Memorial Avenue and won’t be able to get to the Marine Corps War Memorial finish line or the Finish Festival via these routes or Route 110.
• Spectators and runners can plan to meet up at the Family Link-Up Zone at N. Lynn Street and Wilson Boulevard, near Compass Coffee. It will be outside the enclosed Finish Festival zone.

Despite the restrictions, there are plenty of places where you can cheer for runners along the route.

“Popular viewing spots include the National Mall, Crystal City, and other accessible areas throughout Washington, D.C., and Arlington,” MCM said. 

Still, there are plenty of places to set up along the route. Bands and DJs will be performing near several mile markers.

You can take Metro between Crystal City and the National Mall to see the runners from multiple areas.

Spectators should remember to never cross the course and to avoid closed areas.

Finding “your” runner:

• Want to track your runner? The MCM app and website offer real-time tracking. Virtual status reports will provide updates for one or more runners from various locations and the finish line.
• After the race, plan to reunite with runners in the Family Link-Up Zone at the Finish Festival in Rosslyn.

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

What’s the weather forecast for the Marine Corps Marathon? 

Get ready to bundle up! Those pre-dawn staging areas in the Pentagon parking lots will be cold. Temperatures will be right around 40°.

Sunrise will be at 7:30 a.m. and the race starts just before 8 a.m. Temperatures will rise into the low 50s around 10 a.m. and the mid 50s by noon, when the bulk of the finishers will be reaching the finish line.

No rain and light winds should help you keep both your spirits and your pace up.

Runners: Remember to stay hydrated in these upcoming days.

Download the NBC Washington app and stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast.

What else should MCM runners know? 

You can find an interactive course map; pacing requirements; water, food and aid locations and lodging information online here.

Marine Corps Marathon road closures

If you have any plans in D.C. or Arlington this week, plan ahead. Many roads will be closed from early Sunday until the evening, with at least one closure on Saturday, as well.

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