- The MCM was first run in 1976 to increase recruitment for the marine corps after the Vietnam War.
- The MCM caps its size at 30,000 entrants, making it the fifth-largest marathon in the United States and the tenth-largest in the world.
- The race starts in Arlington, Virginia, crosses into downtown D.C., and finishes at the Marine Corp Memorial.
- There are 12 water stops and three food stops along the course.
- The MCM is the largest marathon that does not offer prize money to the winners, which has earned it the nickname, "The People's Marathon."










