Col Fowler imagined an event that would not only leverage the Marines’ physical fitness, but garner community involvement in a post-Vietnam War era. So, why was the Marine Corps Marathon cancelled? It’s a simple answer: we’re held to a higher standard under the DoD and we didn’t want anything that would put the Marine Corps, military or law enforcement in jeopardy of getting COVID-19.”įormally known as the Marine Corps Reserve Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon was founded in 1976 by former Marine Corps Colonel Jim Fowler, who wanted to promote the goodwill of the Marine Corps and showcase their organization skills. “Since June, Virginia had no restrictions on groupings, but the DoD directive stated that were limited to 25. “There was a major partner that factored into the decision this year for us to change from a live race to a virtual race, and that is the Pentagon, because we send our runners through the North Pentagon tunnel at the beginning of the race,” said Rick Nealis, Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) Race Director for the Marine Corps Marathon, 50K and 10K. This year however, for the second time in its 46-year history, the Marine Corps Marathon will be held virtually. Upon the completion of their journey at the Marine Corps War Memorial, a Marine presents the coveted medal and salutes the runner, symbolizing the marathon’s slogan, “Always earned. Surrounded by Marines, Sailors, family and friends, they watch the Color Guard present the National Colors, sing the National Anthem and count down the seconds to the fire of the starting gun as the Howitzer cannon booms in the distance, signaling the beginning of the race. Every October, tens of thousands of runners line up in front of the famed Marine Corps Marathon arch in Arlington, Va., anticipating a 26.2 mile run through Washington, D.C.
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