With worries of the shutdown ruining Washington’s biggest marathon weekend far behind us, the Marine Corps Marathon is on schedule for this Sunday with a few minor changes. Whether you’re running (good luck!) or cheering, here are a few key things to keep in mind this Sunday.
1) The morning will be cold.
The Capital Weather Gang is calling for a mostly sunny day with the high in the upper 50s to low 60s. Bundle up, folks.
2) The route is flatter.
This year the marathon debuted an altered course. The most notable change is from miles six through nine through Rock Creek Park.
3) You can take Metro.
Metro is opening at 5 AM to accommodate the 30,000 runners and countless spectators. Runners, the Pentagon station is the closest stop to the start line. Spectators, consider walking or taking Capital Bikeshare.
4) Or take Uber.
Uber is offering a special during marathon weekend: Use the promo code MCM38 and get your first UberX, black car, or SUV ride free up to $25.
5) Leave the hydration pack at home.
Due to heightened security measures put in place after the Boston Marathon bombing, the Marine Corps Marathon has banned hydration backpacks from the race. Fuel belts are okay, but check out the course map for all of the water stations along the course.
6) There’ll be lots of cheer stations.
Not running? Join local stores and running groups’ cheer stations at various spots along the course. Lululemon is back with its cheer squad this year at mile 23.5. Urban Athletic Club and Roam Fitness will also be at mile 23.5. Pacers will cheer runners near mile 5.5 on K Street in Georgetown.
7) Make a brunch reservation. Now.
Thirty-thousand marathon runners means 30,000 hungry brunch-goers post-race. Consult our Best of Breakfast and Brunch list and make a reservation now. Sticking around Arlington at the finish line? Liberty Tavern in Clarendon often draws runners on Sunday with its all-you-can-eat buffet for $20.95. Think cheese-loaded grits, thick slabs of bacon, fried chicken, biscuits, eggs, and homemade pop tarts.
