With its first race held in 1976, the Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) will be hosting its 50th anniversary Marine Corps Marathon this weekend on Sunday, October 26th. The race has deep roots in the National Landing community, as we make up a sizable portion of the race route and provide a multitude of race viewpoints and places to dine and explore when you’re waiting to cheer on your loved ones!  

What It Is 

The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the country, bringing in an attendance of roughly 30,000 runners each year, coming from all across the U.S. Considered unique due to being the largest marathon in the world to not offer prize money, it’s been deemed The People’s Marathon for decades. The 26.2-mile route crosses much of Washington, D.C., passing by iconic national monuments and beautiful neighborhoods, as well as through Arlington. The marathon has also attracted a wide range of celebrities over the years, from Oprah Winfrey to Dr. Jill Biden.  

Where to Watch 

National Landing offers a variety of ideal locations to watch the marathon as it passes through the area, specifically through Crystal City and down past 20th Street. Since this is the first year that marathon viewers will not be able to stand and watch participants at the start or finish line, we recommend checking out National Landing as a main viewpoint. 

Whether you’re sitting down to grab a bite from Surreal or a quick coffee from Colada Shop, there’s something for everyone while they wait for their runner. Since National Landing is situated where the final gauntlet of the marathon is, just a few miles away from the finish line, this is also the perfect place to catch your loved one and be in close proximity to meeting them at the finish line.  

How To Get There 

The MCM route that crosses through National Landing is easily accessible using a variety of public transportation modes. National Landing is one of the more popular viewing points for the marathon, especially since it’s one of the only locations along the racecourse where you have the opportunity to see the runners multiple times. Viewers can catch participants as they try to “beat the bridge” around L’Enfant Plaza and then hop on the Yellow or Blue line to get to Crystal City in just a few quick stops as runners pass through the Crystal City Gauntlet. You can then hop back on the Metro to Rosslyn to meet up with your runner near the finish line, which is at the Marine Corps War Memorial. 

Don’t want to use the Metro? National Landing also provides a bikeable city center if you’re looking to get in some movement along the course. If you’re coming in from downtown D.C., you can hop on the Mount Vernon bike trail to catch runners along Haines Point and take the trail into Crystal City. Whether you’re cheering on a loved one or just want to get in on the fun, positive atmosphere that the MCM offers, National Landing is the perfect place for anyone to watch the Marine Corps Marathon!