Photos: Thousands of runners embark on Marine Corps Marathon

WASHINGTON — Thousands of runners, from active duty Marines and veterans to cancer survivors and amputees, set off on the 43rd annual Marine Corps Marathon early Sunday morning.

The 26.2-mile course winds through D.C., passing by Georgetown and the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial before looping around the Tidal Basin and finishing near Arlington Cemetery.

See photos and videos as runners gather in the early-morning hours to start the race.

Jenny Mendez of Costa Rica crosses the finish line in first place in the women's division of the 43rd Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) — Jenny Mendez of Costa Rica crosses the finish line in first place in the women’s division of the 43rd Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Jeffrey Stein rises his arms as he finish in the first place men's the 43rd Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) — Jeffrey Stein rises his arms as he finishes in first place men’s the 43rd Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Jenny Mendez of Costa Rica holds the marathon banner after she finished in first place in the women's division of the 43rd Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) — Jenny Mendez of Costa Rica holds the marathon banner after she finished in first place in the women’s division of the 43rd Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Jeffery Stein holds the banner as he crosses the finish line to win the Marine Corps Marathon men's division. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) — Jeffery Stein holds the banner as he crosses the finish line to win the Marine Corps Marathon men’s division. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Women wearing pink start the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday morning. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Runners start the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday in Arlington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Two lanes of runners take the start at the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday in Arlington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Runners pass under a tunnel near the start of the marathon. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Barry Goldmeier juggled hockey sticks and wore Washington Capitals gear. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Marines walk with flags near the start of the marathon. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

An overhead view of the start of the marathon. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Over 20,000 people have started the marathon in recent years. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

The Marine Corps Marathon started early Sunday morning. (WTOP/Sarah Beth Hensley)

The course runs throughout D.C. and Virginia, passing by the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. (WTOP/Sarah Beth Hensley)

The Marine Corps Marathon ends near Arlington Cemetery. (WTOP/Sarah Beth Hensley)

It’s almost time! #marinecorpsmarathon @WTOP @Marine_Marathon pic.twitter.com/sRnZNkVS42
— Melissa Howell (@Mhowell003) October 28, 2018

Runners prepare moments before the Marine Corps Marathon started. (WTOP/Melissa Howell) (WTOP/Sarah Beth Hensley)

They’re off! #marinecorpsmarathon @WTOP @Marine_Marathon pic.twitter.com/XfNv5e6Kiu
— Melissa Howell (@Mhowell003) October 28, 2018

Thousands of runners gathered for the Marine Corps Marathon, which started early Sunday morning. (WTOP/Melissa Howell) (WTOP/Sarah Beth Hensley)

Lead runner on Madison dr looping around mall #marinecorpsmarathon @WTOP @Marine_Marathon pic.twitter.com/UFiYawZPJ5
— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) October 28, 2018

Runners wind through the mall on Madison Drive. (WTOP/Kristi King) (WTOP/Sarah Beth Hensley)