History
On October 17, 1975 MCM founder Colonel Jim Fowler wrote a memo to his supervisor, General Michael Ryan, outlining his idea of creating a Marine Corps Reserve Marathon to promote goodwill between the military and the community post-Vietnam. Colonel Fowler believed a race like this would showcase the Marine Corps, serve as a recruiting tool and give local Marines the opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
General Ryan embraced the idea of a Marine marathon and submitted it to then-Marine Corps Commandant General Louis Wilson for approval. With General Wilson’s blessing, the planning process for the first MCM began. With news of the inaugural marathon quickly spreading, Gunnery Sergeant Alex Breckenridge, a member of the 1960 Olympic Marathon Team, soon lent his support. With Gunnery Sergeant Breckenridge acting as ambassador for the marathon effort, local jurisdictions approved of the event.
Through the efforts of the marathon coordinators and with support from Secretary of the Navy, William J. Middendorf, the inaugural running of the MCM was held on November 7, 1976. The 1,175 participants ran a course through northern Virginia and finished at the Marine Corps War Memorial, becoming the first of thousands of MCM runners over a span of 36 years to take the final hill and finish at the Iwo Jima monument. Kenneth Moore of Eugene, OR finished with a time of 2:21:14 becoming the first MCM winner. He was awarded a trophy provided by Secretary Middendorf for his achievement.
Marathon organizers reexamined the course for the 1977 MCM and secured permits to run through Washington, D.C. The route planned then laid the foundation for the scenic course in place today starting in Arlington, VA, winding its way around key landmarks in the nation’s capital and returning for the traditional finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. With the changes to the course and a surge of positive publicity from the first running, the second MCM drew a field of 2,655 runners.
Participation in the MCM steadily increased over the next few years, resulting in a transfer of race coordinating from the Marine Corps Reserve to active duty Marines at Marine Barracks 8th and I. Shortly thereafter, even more growth necessitated a move south to Marine Corps Base Quantico in 1982, where MCM headquarters still remain today.
Over the years the MCM has evolved into a premier running event while remaining true to its roots. Today, 30 full-time staff members and over 2,000 Marines, Sailors and civilian volunteers work to ensure the MCM mission is carried out as its founders intended. Some additions to race weekend over the years include the MCM10K, starting at the National Mall and finishing at the Iwo Jima monument; the Healthy Kids Fun Run a one-mile race held one day prior to the MCM; and the MCM Forward, where Marines stationed throughout the world participate in a satellite 26.2 mile run simultaneously with the MCM. The MCM and all associated events continue to promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill and showcase the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps.
Read more about this topic: Marine Corps Marathon
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