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

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=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! [/quote]

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![/quote]

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