Record-Breaking Field Earns the Title of Marine Corps Marathoner in Historic Event
Major Kyle King Becomes First Three-Time Champion; Tessa Barrett Shatters 35-Year Course Record
QUANTICO, VA (October 27, 2025) – The 50th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) began under clear, crisp skies with temperatures in the mid-40s and light winds—ideal conditions for runners tackling the iconic course through Arlington, VA, and Washington, D.C. America’s expeditionary force hosted the largest field of runners in event history, who experienced an electric atmosphere as they passed every major monument and landmark along the National Mall before crossing the storied finish line at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, VA.
This milestone Marine Corps Marathon carried the theme “For Our Nation, For Us All,” highlighting the event’s enduring celebration of unity, service, and shared values that connect runners, Marines, and citizens alike. Each mile honored country, community, and the indomitable spirit that binds them together.
A record-breaking 30,191 finishers earned the coveted Eagle, Globe, and Anchor medal, presented by a United States Marine. This year’s medal design drew inspiration from the historic Marine Barracks Washington crest—the oldest post in the Corps, established in 1801. This milestone officially makes the Marine Corps Marathon the third-largest marathon in the United States for the first time, smashing the previous record of 23,519 finishers set in 2012.
In this landmark 50th running, Major Kyle King, 34, of Dumfries, VA, captured his third overall MCM title with a winning time of 2:18:52, becoming the first three-time champion in event history after previous victories in 2022 and 2024. Wojciech Kopec, 39, of Warmia-Masuria, Poland, claimed second place with a time of 2:23:10, followed by Michael Schmidt, 35, of Boston, MA, in 2:23:47.
On the women’s side, Tessa Barrett, 29, of Arlington, VA, delivered a historic performance—shattering the 35-year-old course record with a time of 2:34:08, besting the previous mark of 2:37:00. MAJ Meghan Sevcik, 39, of Westminster, CO, representing the U.S. Army Armed Forces Championship Team, finished second in 2:43:18, and Julie Hartenbach, 39, of Springfield, VA, placed third in 2:48:05.
The 50th MCM also hosted the Armed Forces Marathon Championships, a tradition since 1998, with teams representing the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, and Air Force/Space Force. The Army Men’s Team earned top honors in their division, while the Navy Women’s Team secured first place for the second consecutive year—underscoring the strong bond between the military community and the Marine Corps Marathon.
In the long-standing Challenge Cup competition—established in 1978 between the Royal Navy and the U.S. Marines—the U.S. Marine teams captured victories in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Additionally, in the Service Academy Team Awards (introduced in 2024), the U.S. Air Force Academy won the men’s title, and the U.S. Naval Academy claimed the women’s title.
The 50th MCM was ceremonially started by distinguished leaders who embody the spirit of the Marine Corps and the nation. General Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, served as the official starter for the marathon. Col. Nicole A. Mann, Marine Corps officer and NASA astronaut, started the DUOs division, while SgtMaj Carlos A. Ruiz, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, launched the Wheeled Athlete division before joining the field to run his third MCM.
The 50th Marine Corps Marathon marked a defining chapter in the event’s proud legacy—a celebration of endurance, service, and shared national pride.
Unofficial results are available at www.marinemarathon.com and on the official MCM App.
Media Contact:
Amber Roca
Marketing, Media and Sponsorship Manager, Marine Corps Marathon Organization
Email: amber.roca@usmc-mccs.org | Phone: 571-238-4040
About the Marine Corps Marathon
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is one of the largest marathons in the world and has been recognized as the Best Marathon in the Mid-Atlantic and Best Marathon for Charities. Known as “The People’s Marathon,” the MCM honors the values of honor, courage, and commitment embodied by its participants. The 50th edition of the MCM hosted runners from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 64 countries. The MCM is also the largest endurance event in the world that does not offer prize money.
No federal or Marine Corps endorsement is implied.
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