News Summary
The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., is scheduled for October 26, with organizers confirming the event will occur despite a government shutdown. Known as ‘The People’s Marathon,’ it attracts thousands each year, highlighting community participation over competition. Participants will run through iconic landmarks, with military support and enhanced security during the event. Metro services will adapt to accommodate the influx, and restrictions on some areas will be in place for safety. Spectators are encouraged to cheer along the route as preparations continue for this beloved annual race.
Washington, D.C. – The Marine Corps Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, October 26, 2025, despite the ongoing government shutdown. This annual event is anticipated to draw thousands of runners to the streets of Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia. Known as “The People’s Marathon,” it stands out as the largest marathon in the world that does not offer prize money, emphasizing participation and community over competition.
Initially, there were concerns that the government shutdown might impact the marathon. However, the organizers have confirmed that the event will proceed as scheduled. Participants can look forward to a race route that showcases many of the nation’s most notable landmarks, including the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, and the National Mall.
On race day, service members from the U.S. Marine Corps will be on hand to assist racers. The marathon will begin at staggered times, with wheeled athletes starting at 7:15 a.m., duo teams at 7:17 a.m., and runners competing in color-coded waves starting at 7:20 a.m. Before the marathon, the weekend will kick off with a Health and Fitness Expo, allowing runners to pick up their race packets. Additionally, the MCM Kids Run is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, October 25, before the main marathon.
As part of the race route, participants will cross the Potomac River using the 14th Street Bridge and finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Security measures will be heightened, leading to limited access to both starting and finishing areas. Significant road closures are expected throughout D.C. and Arlington, which will affect traffic from early morning until the evening.
To accommodate the influx of participants and spectators, Metro service will start at 5 a.m. on race day, with trains running every 6 to 12 minutes. Passengers are encouraged to utilize their debit, credit, or mobile wallet cards for fare payments, eliminating the need for a SmarTrip card. However, bus services will see disruptions due to the marathon festivities.
Moreover, spectators are encouraged to bring signs to cheer their friends and family members participating in the race. Key locations for cheering include the National Mall and Crystal City, but access points to the route will be restricted. Notably, spectators will not be allowed entry onto Arlington Memorial Bridge, Memorial Avenue, or the finish line at the Marine Corps War Memorial.
Weather conditions are expected to be cool, with temperatures hovering around 40°F before sunrise and warming up as the morning progresses, which may affect runners’ comfort levels. Participants are advised to prepare adequately for these chilly conditions.
Given the anticipated road closures, residents of Washington, D.C., and Arlington are recommended to utilize public transport or rideshare options to navigate potential traffic disruptions during the marathon weekend. Emergency no parking regulations will also be enforced on various streets from early morning until mid-afternoon.
For those planning to attend the marathon, a comprehensive map detailing road closures and the marathon route is available on the Marine Corps Marathon website, ensuring that all attendees are well-informed and prepared for the day’s events.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WTOP: Road Closures for 50th Marine Corps Marathon
- Wikipedia: Marine Corps Marathon
- NBC Washington: Marine Corps Marathon Expectations
- Google Search: Marine Corps Marathon 2025
- WJLA: Marine Corps Marathon Road Closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marathon
- Popville: Marine Corps Marathon Street Closures
- Google News: Marine Corps Marathon
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
