Building on the legacy of the 50th Marine Corps Marathon, MCM simplifies registration policies to protect race integrity and uphold the spirit of the Marine Corps.
QUANTICO, VA (October 28, 2025) –
With a record number of runners earning the title of Marine Corps Marathoner during the 50th edition of the event, we are taking steps to ensure our policies and processes are as simple, straightforward, and equitable as possible.
In the spirit of the Marine Corps ethos of Honor, Courage and Commitment, we recognize that—just as the decision to become a Marine is not one to be taken lightly—neither is the decision to run the Marine Corps Marathon. Therefore, we will be suspending the deferment and bib transfer programs associated with the event.
Since the introduction of the MCM Refund Protect Program (provided by Protecht), participants now have a reliable option to safeguard their registration investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances that prevent participation. Because of this, we believe the deferment and bib transfer programs are no longer necessary.
We’ve experienced a significant rise in attempted fraud related to bib transfers. These factors further support our decision to simplify and strengthen the integrity of our registration process. Additionally, the administrative time and logistical demands required to prepare for the race in an efficient and timely manner have made our previous cutoff date of September 1 increasingly challenging.
The one exception to this policy will apply to active-duty service members who receive official orders of deployment or change of station that prevents them from participating. In such cases, we will grant a refund upon submission of appropriate documentation prior to 1 September.
The People’s Marathon looks forward to welcoming runners who are motivated to invest in themselves—to train with purpose and finish with pride at the foot of the Marine Corps War Memorial. There, they will receive the iconic Eagle, Globe, and Anchor finisher’s medal, presented by a serving Marine as a powerful symbol of the Corps’ enduring oath to defend the freedom and prosperity of the nation they serve.
Semper Fidelis,
The Marine Corps Marathon Organization
For media information, please contact Amber Traunero, Marine Corps Marathon Marketing, Sponsorship and Media Manager at 571-238-4040 or amber.traunero@usmc-mccs.org
Recognized for impeccable organization on an iconic course managed by the U.S. Marines in Arlington, VA, and the nation’s capital, the Marine Corps Marathon is now the third largest marathon in the United States and remains one of the largest in the world. Known as “the best marathon for beginners,” the MCM is also the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, earning its proud nickname, “The People’s Marathon.” Connect with the Marine Corps Marathon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube #RunWithTheMarines