Marine Corps Marathon spectators: Best places to watch runners and what to leave at home

Runners start the 41st Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)(AP/Jose Luis Magana)

WASHINGTON — Thousands of runners will flood D.C.-area streets later this month during the Marine Corps Marathon — and with them comes even more spectators.

This year, more than 100,000 spectators are expected to come out to support the more than 30,000 runners competing in the Marine Corps Marathon and MCM10K on Oct. 27, said Marc Goldman, marketing and sponsorship manager for the Marine Corps Marathon. There are about four spectators for every one runner, plus the local population that comes out to watch the event, he said.

Heading out to cheer on a runner? Don’t forget a way to stand out, Goldman said.

“You either want to be wearing something identifiable or a sign that is clearly distinguishable. Some people get giant cutouts of the runner’s face that they hold up. Some people bring balloons so runners can see their support crew,” he said.

“It’s really important to the runners along the way to get that extra burst of energy from seeing their loved ones multiple times throughout the day.”

Also, spectators want to have the MCM app downloaded on their phone so they can track the runner and receive live updates as runners hit different splits along the course.

Spectators should leave glass bottles, face masks, drones and big bags at home. There are screening points around the start and finish areas, and spectators will have their bags checked — it’s all part of keeping the race safe, Goldman said.

“It is intended to keep the experience safe for all those participating in the event — whether they are running or supporting on event day,” he said.

Still, the marathon relies on spectators to be “agents of good.”

“We reinforce ‘if you see something, say something’ and hope that they are out there to keep the event as safe as possible,” Goldman said.

Where to watch runners

The Marine Corps Marathon is a good course for spectators, Goldman said.

“What’s nice about the Marine Corps Marathon course is that it’s all pretty close quarters,” Goldman said. “[Unlike other marathons,] this is 26 miles in a pretty close radius.”

Spectating for the Marine Corps Marathon can sometimes be as exhausting as the 26.2-mile race — bouncing around town and dodging road closures. Spectators can see their runner in as many as five locations on the course.

Here are the stops Goldman suggests for spectators who want to cheer on marathoners.

Runners start the 41st Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
1) Watch the opening ceremonies at the MCM Start Line on Route 110 in Arlington, Virginia. Access this location by Metro using Rosslyn or Pentagon stations. In photo, runners start the 41st Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in Arlington, Virginia. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Marine Corps Marathon runners at the Lincoln Memorial. Year not know. (Courtesy Marine Corps Marathon)
2) Make your way to the Lincoln Memorial in D.C. via Arlington Memorial Drive. You can see runners at mile 10 and again at mile 16 in this location. In photo, Marine Corps Marathon runners round the Lincoln Memorial. Year not known. (Courtesy Marine Corps Marathon)
WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 31:  Runners pass the US Capitol Building on Capitol Hill during the Marine Corps Marathon October 31, 2010 in Washington, DC.  Event organizers have requested increased security at the annual 26.2 mile race after the National Museum of the Marine Corps was shot at twice this month by the same weapon used in similar acts at the Pentagon and a vacant Marine Corps recruiting station in Chantily, Virginia.  (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
3) Head east on Independence Avenue and make your way to the National Mall. Runners will be at miles 17-19 on the Mall. After this, you can head toward the finish if you’re not up for heading into Crystal City. In photo, runners pass the U.S. Capitol Building on Capitol Hill during the Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 31, 2010. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
SBMARATHON2.jpg
4) Get on Metro at the Smithsonian station and take it to the Crystal City station. Root on runners at miles 22 and 23, and enjoy the Crystal City Family Festival. “It’s a really great spot for families with kids … there’s all sorts of activities to keep youngsters occupied while their parents are out there running on the course, and they can cheer for mom and dad at that location.” In photo, marathoners trot through Crystal City during the 2016 race. (WTOP/Sarah Beth Hensley)
A runner crosses the finish line. Year not known. (Courtesy Marine Corps Marathon)
5) Head to the finish line by taking Metro from Crystal City station to the Rosslyn station, or by taking the MCM shuttle from 23rd Street in Crystal City. “Everyone wants to wind up at the Marine Corps War Memorial finish line to see their loved one cross the finish,” Goldman said. In photo, a runner crosses the finish line. Year not known. (Courtesy Marine Corps Marathon)
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Runners start the 41st Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Marine Corps Marathon runners at the Lincoln Memorial. Year not know. (Courtesy Marine Corps Marathon)
WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 31:  Runners pass the US Capitol Building on Capitol Hill during the Marine Corps Marathon October 31, 2010 in Washington, DC.  Event organizers have requested increased security at the annual 26.2 mile race after the National Museum of the Marine Corps was shot at twice this month by the same weapon used in similar acts at the Pentagon and a vacant Marine Corps recruiting station in Chantily, Virginia.  (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
SBMARATHON2.jpg
A runner crosses the finish line. Year not known. (Courtesy Marine Corps Marathon)

Near the finish area, runners and spectators can reunite in the “family link up” area. There are several large 13-foot towers with letters of the alphabet where both parties can plan to meet up after the race.

Get more spectator tips on the Marine Corps Marathon website.

View an interactive map with spectator locations:

Sarah Beth Hensley

Sarah Beth Hensley is the Digital News Director at WTOP. She has worked several different roles since she began with WTOP in 2013 and has contributed to award-winning stories and coverage on the website.

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