The Marine Corps Marathon, known as "The People's Marathon," is one of the largest marathons in the world and the biggest marathon that does not offer prize money. Held each October in and around Washington, D.C., the course passes the nation's most iconic monuments and memorials, from the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol to Georgetown and the Pentagon. With over 20,000 runners and Marines cheering at every mile, it is an unforgettable experience that blends patriotism with personal achievement.
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The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Marine Corps Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, October 25, 2026 |
| Venue | Start: Arlington, VA (near the Pentagon) / Finish: Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) |
| Address | Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, VA 22209 |
| Airport | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) |
Late October weather in Washington, D.C. is crisp and cool. Expect average highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Race morning temperatures typically sit around 9-12°C (48-54°F), which is near ideal for marathon running. Rain is possible, so pack a disposable poncho.
The Venue: Marine Corps War Memorial
The Marine Corps War Memorial, commonly known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, serves as the finish line for the marathon. Located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., the iconic statue of Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima provides one of the most stirring finish lines in all of running. The final uphill stretch to the memorial is emotional and memorable.
What's nearby:
- Arlington National Cemetery — the nation's most hallowed military burial ground, directly adjacent to the memorial
- National Mall — the course passes along this iconic stretch connecting the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial
- Georgetown — the charming, historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, shops, and restaurants is part of the course
- Rosslyn — the Arlington neighborhood nearest to the start/finish, with hotels, restaurants, and Metro access
Important: The start and finish are in Arlington, Virginia, not in D.C. proper. Use the Rosslyn Metro station for finish line access. Road closures are extensive on race morning across both D.C. and Arlington, so plan to use Metro rather than driving.
Where to Stay
Rosslyn and Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia offer the closest hotels to the start/finish area and are connected to D.C. by Metro. Foggy Bottom and Georgetown in D.C. are also excellent choices, placing you near the course and the monuments. The Penn Quarter/Chinatown area puts you near the expo location and central D.C.
The Westin Arlington Gateway — Best for Start/Finish Access
Located in the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington with direct Metro access, The Westin is a short ride to the start/finish area. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and is surrounded by restaurants. Runners can reach the Iwo Jima Memorial easily on race morning.
The Watergate Hotel — Best for Course Views
Situated in Foggy Bottom along the Potomac River, The Watergate Hotel places you along the marathon course with stunning views of the river and Kennedy Center. The hotel itself is a landmark, and you are within walking distance of Georgetown and the National Mall.
Pod DC Hotel — Best Budget Option
Located in Penn Quarter near the National Mall and Chinatown, Pod DC offers compact, well-designed rooms at competitive prices. The location puts you close to the marathon expo, multiple Metro lines, and some of D.C.'s best restaurants. A great value base for marathon weekend.
Getting There
From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
DCA is located approximately 6 km (4 miles) south of downtown Washington, D.C., in Arlington, Virginia.
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro (Blue/Yellow Line) | ~15 min | $2.25-3.00 | Direct to downtown D.C. and Arlington stations |
| Taxi/Rideshare | ~15 min | $15-25 | Quick and convenient |
| Walking | ~30 min | Free | To Crystal City or Pentagon City hotels |
DCA is the most convenient airport for the Marine Corps Marathon, connected directly to the Metro system. If flying into Dulles (IAD), the Silver Line Metro now provides rail access to D.C. in about 50 minutes. From BWI, the MARC train or Amtrak reaches Union Station.
Public Transport
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ride (Metro) | $2.25-6.00 (distance-based) |
| 1-day Metro pass | $13.00 |
| 7-day Metro pass | $38.50 |
Get a SmarTrip card at any Metro station or use contactless payment. The Metro is clean, efficient, and the best way to get around D.C. during race weekend when road closures make driving impractical.
Where to Eat
Georgetown (M Street and Wisconsin Avenue) — D.C.'s most charming dining neighborhood with Italian restaurants, upscale American cuisine, and waterfront dining along the Potomac. Penn Quarter/Chinatown (7th Street NW) — the area near the expo is packed with restaurants ranging from chef-driven American spots to excellent Chinese and Ethiopian restaurants.
Washington D.C. Food to Try
- Half-smoke — D.C.'s signature sausage, a half-pork, half-beef smoked sausage topped with chili and onions, best at Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street
- Ethiopian food — D.C. has the largest Ethiopian community outside of Africa, offering incredible injera platters with spiced stews in neighborhoods like Shaw and Adams Morgan
- Chesapeake Bay crab cakes — jumbo lump crab cakes are a regional delicacy, served at spots like Old Ebbitt Grill near the White House
- Mumbo sauce — a tangy, sweet red sauce unique to D.C. that locals drizzle on chicken wings and fries from carryout spots
- Georgetown Cupcake — the famous cupcake shop that launched a TV show, located on M Street in Georgetown
Budget eating: D.C. has excellent affordable food if you know where to look. Adams Morgan and U Street offer diverse, reasonably priced restaurants. The food halls at Union Market and the Wharf feature excellent vendors at various price points.
Essential Washington D.C. Tips
Currency. US Dollar (USD). Cash vs card. Card is accepted virtually everywhere. Cash is rarely necessary. Tipping. 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink, 15-20% for rideshares and taxis. Language. English is the primary language. Weather in October. Highs around 17°C (63°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F). Pleasant fall weather with occasional rain. The leaves are often at peak color. Safety. The tourist areas (National Mall, Georgetown, Penn Quarter, Arlington) are very safe. Use standard urban awareness in less-traveled neighborhoods at night.
What to See
- National Mall — the iconic stretch from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, lined with monuments and Smithsonian museums, all free to visit
- Lincoln Memorial — the awe-inspiring memorial to the 16th president, especially beautiful at night when lit up and reflected in the pool
- Smithsonian Museums — choose from the Air and Space Museum, Natural History, American History, and more, all completely free
- Arlington National Cemetery — walk among the rows of white headstones and witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- U.S. Capitol — free guided tours of the Capitol building are available and offer a fascinating look at American democracy
- The Wharf — D.C.'s revitalized waterfront district along the Potomac with restaurants, music venues, and harbor views
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | Ronald Reagan National (DCA), ~15 min by Metro |
| Venue | Start: Pentagon area / Finish: Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington |
| Nearest station | Rosslyn (Blue/Orange/Silver Line) |
| Transport to venue | Metro to Rosslyn, then walk |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely |
| Language | English |
| Weather | 8-17°C (46-63°F), cool and pleasant |
| Tipping | 18-20% at restaurants |
| Emergency | 911 |
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.