The 2011 registration date falls on the anniversary of the American flag raisings during the Battle of Iwo Jima. According to the Marine Corps History Division at Marine Corps University, the American flag was raised 66 years ago on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, while the battle ensued.
As a larger American flag was raised several hours later atop Mount Suribachi, it was famously captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, and continues to be immortalized by the Marine Corps War Memorial located in Rosslyn, Va.
Each year, the MCM begins in Arlington, Virginia, runs through the nation's capital and finishes at the spectacular Memorial featuring five Marines and one Navy Corpsman from that famous moment in history.
"The flag raising on Iwo Jima remains significant to all of the men and women who are serving today," says MCM Race Director Rick Nealis. "Having the memorial site as the MCM finish makes the marathon even more memorable for all who participate."
After crossing the MCM finish, runners may have their pictures taken by MarathonFoto at the Marine Corps War Memorial to commemorate their athletic accomplishment.
In 2010, 21,948 runners from across the United States and 54 countries completed the MCM.
Voted the best marathon for families, the Marine Corps Marathon honors the dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism of its participants. Runners from all walks of life participate in the largest marathon not to offer prize money, earning the name, "The People's Marathon." The MCM is the fifth largest marathon in the United States and the ninth largest in the world. The 36th MCM will be held on Sunday, October 30, in Arlington, VA. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement is implied.
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