What is "normal" or "typical" in terms of spectators at a marathon (Marine Corps Marathon)

[Anonymous]

OP, do you train with a training group? If not, I would ask your friend what her pace is and (if possible) try to stick together.

I have run one marathon and several half marathons. DH has run MCM twice as well as some other marathons. People will cheer for you as others have said if you put your name on your shirt in big letters or write it with a Sharpie down your arm. You could even make a sign for your back that says "Cheer for Sue - I'm ruinning alone!" and people will. It's an incredible feeling and there is a lot of energy, but when it is over you will be pretty tired and possibly sore (although that may not happen until the next day). If he is worried about crowds at the finish, then I would arrange for him to meet you one metro stop away or soemthing so that you are not going all the way by yourself. I think he should plan to come, though. When I was unable to run in MCM at the last minute, my whole training group came to Richmond two weeks later to support me in the Richmond Marathon. It's a big deal to run your first marathon, and perhaps if he asks around he will learn that.

Good luck to you! It's a great race and I wish I were running with you (although you are probably faster!).

[Anonymous]

It varies. DW has run 10 marathons, 5 of them Marine Corps.

I stopped going to the MC marathon because the crowds at/near the finish area just ridiculous and have gotten worse over time. It's hard to even get into that area at times and if/when you do, very hard to get to a spot to see your runner unless you stake it out early and stay in one place for hours.

I used to start at the Key Bridge and watch DW come across there. Then I'd walk over by the Lincoln Memorial and see her come by there (I forget the mile markers).

Then I'd go over to Const. Ave side and see her come down and head out that way.

Then I'd walk back across the river and head towards finish line to see her as she got there.

So I'd see her 4-5 times in a MC Marathon, one advantage of the course if you're willing to walk a lot to watch.

DW is now fine with my not coming to watch since she realizes that in many ways, marathons are not great spectator sport if they're too big.

She did NY and I saw her once for 15 seconds and then almost couldn't find her at the finish. Not going through that hassle again (and she even got to the NYM last year and skipped it because logistics were so poor/crowding was so bad).

I've also driven her up to Hunt Valley MD for one there up and back on an old rails to trails course and saw her 3x there (out & back, and then drove to the finish line to cheer her across to break 4:00 and qualify for Boston).

Did Boston with her (2007) and her sister and I stood freezing our butts off for 2+ hours and never even saw DW cross the finish line in front of us (it was so crowded). But I have the DVD to prove she was there ;-o

So ... first timer, yes, it would be nice if the family made some effort (I guess I've seen 6 or 7 of DW's 10 including traveling to NY, Balt. and Boston with her).

But the MC Marathon has grown so huge that they could easily get there and never see you, so realize that, too.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Meeting at the finish is hard. You are separated by a tall chain link fence from the crowd. You have to go pretty far to get out of it. Then it is a clusterfuck trying to get a cab or into the metro home (last year they wmata just kept Rosslyn gates open, you didn't need to pay to get into station, it is the best way though to get home). You will get a box of food at the end, but it isn't very good, like pretzels.

I had friends meet me at mile 2 or 3 near the Italian store, my family at 19 on the mall, and mile 23 in Crystal City. My family was able to drive into DC from NOVA. DH had subscribed to track me via text for my bib number, so he timed it so he wasn't waiting too long.

The course is different this year, but for me it was SUPER important to have a familiar face after mile 19, I hit the wall at the 14th st bridge, if my friend hadn't been there at 23 I don't think I would have finished.

IMO the best crowds are at Key Bridge, on M as you enter Georgetown, right when you come to Lincoln Memorial Circle from Ohio Drive, along the Mall, in front of the mint, Crystal Drive and the very end.

[Anonymous]

Sounds horrible for the spectator. I wouldn't want to go, either.

[Anonymous]

I ran it last year, first marathon. One of the best tips someone gave me was to iron or write on your name to your shirt. I got those iron letters from michaels and put it on the front of my shirt. A ton of people did this, others wrote first marathon on their legs or something funny on their arms, etc.

The reason you do this is to get spectators to cheer for you, yell "Go Larla, you got this" when they see you and read your shirt. So many strangers did this for me, it was incredible and had a profound effect on me and my spirit. Because after a while you sort of end up in a pack, all running a similar pace, I was seeing the same people at different points because these strangers were moving from point to point to cheer on someone who must have been just a few minutes behind me. It was great.

So if you think you may not have anyone to see you (and I really hope you do, it is a major accomplishment) consider doing this.

[Anonymous]

OP, it might help your DH to understand if you show him this thread. Enjoy your race. We will be there to cheer!

[Anonymous]

There will be professional photographers everywhere along the course and finish, and will take your picture including right after you get your finisher medal. As long as your bib shows, MCM groups all your personal pictures together and you are able to purchase them online. I ran with my iPhone, and asked a Marine to take my picture at the beginning and at the end. So there are several ways you can get your picture eve if DH doesn't show.

[Anonymous]

If there is no one to meet you at the end, you need a plan, and even if there is, you need a plan B. last year my DH couldn't get to me at the finish bc he was driving and traffic was a nightmare. My sister had gotten dropped off ad walked to it, we met at the end of the chain link fence and tried to get a cab, then an uber, then gave up and took the metro which had a crazy line at Rosslyn but it move kind of fast so it was ok. remember your legs will be killing at the end, and for me at least once I sat down I was scared I couldn't get back up. Good luck, you will love it!

[Anonymous]

DO NOT USE IRON ON LETTERS!

they can chaffe and that will be really uncomfortable. Use a marker.

[Anonymous]

I've done four marathons. Marine Corps twice.

You don't really need anyone there. The crowd and other runners will give you plenty of support during the race. You won't need anyone to give you snacks or fluids. You'll get plenty along the race course. I did pin a gel packet to the outside of my shorts just in case I needed the extra energy.

I met my husband and kids for lunch afterwards. I was perfectly fine driving once I had about an hour to rehydrate and recover.

Good Luck!!!!! Marine Corps is one of my favorite races!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've done four marathons. Marine Corps twice.

You don't really need anyone there. The crowd and other runners will give you plenty of support during the race. You won't need anyone to give you snacks or fluids. You'll get plenty along the race course. I did pin a gel packet to the outside of my shorts just in case I needed the extra energy.

I met my husband and kids for lunch afterwards. I was perfectly fine driving once I had about an hour to rehydrate and recover.

Good Luck!!!!! Marine Corps is one of my favorite races!

I've also done four marathons in the last 2 years: MCM 2x's, Chicago, and Philly. I definitely agree with you about not needing someone there----with the exception of your first marathon. My husband/son used the tracker and were waiting for me at various spots in the race (Palisades, Georgetown, Haines Point, etc). I had a dear friend (who was a very experienced marathoner) volunteer to run with me as a "bandit" from miles 15-25---didn't think I would want that but it made the miles fly by and was such a bonding experience (as well as my best race time to date)! In addition, my sister flirted her way past the Marines and was waiting for me with a huge hug in the finisher's shoot (she had run it before and knew how overwhelmed with emotion you feel at the end of your first marathon). Since Boston, I don't think this will be possible any more---security at the finish line will be much tighter. My husband and son *hate* coming to my races so I don't include/expect them any more. However, I'm immensely grateful that they were there for my first. If your husband won't come, see if a runner friend will come along for support.

It's an absolute nightmare trying to get on the metro after the marathon. Here's my tip---have your ride park across the Key bridge (the Georgetown Univ garage along Canal Road is open to the public on the weekends). When the race is over, have them walk across Key Bridge to get the car while you wait (or maybe you'll still be up for the walk---I know I wasn't!!). They'll easily be able to come back across the Key Bridge, pick you up, and then escape the insanity. If you belong to the Montgomery County Road Runners, they will have a hospitality room at the Holiday Inn near Key Bridge where you can shower, eat, and commiserate with other runners after the race while your ride walks across the bridge to get the car. Your ride can pull up right in the hotel valet area to pick you up! We have the Marine Corps Marathon logistics down to a science!

Best of luck----I'm getting excited again just thinking about it! I have deferred MCM this year (body needed a rest from marathons) but I'll definitely be back next year! Soak up every minute of it---the marathon is your victory lap after months of training!