How Many Runners in Marine Corps Marathon?
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is one of the most prestigious and challenging marathons in the world, held annually in October in Arlington, Virginia. The event attracts thousands of runners from all over the globe, making it one of the largest and most popular marathons in the United States. In this article, we’ll explore the number of runners who participate in the Marine Corps Marathon and provide an overview of the event.
History of the Marine Corps Marathon
The Marine Corps Marathon was first held in 1976, with 2,000 participants. The event was created to promote physical fitness and patriotism, and to honor the sacrifices of Marines and their families. Over the years, the marathon has grown in popularity, with a significant increase in the number of participants. Today, the MCM is one of the largest and most prestigious marathons in the world, attracting over 30,000 runners from more than 40 countries.
Number of Runners in Marine Corps Marathon
The number of runners who participate in the Marine Corps Marathon varies from year to year, but it has consistently grown over the past few decades. Here are the numbers:
- 2020: 33,000 runners
- 2019: 30,000 runners
- 2018: 28,000 runners
- 2017: 26,000 runners
- 2016: 23,000 runners
- 2015: 20,000 runners
- 2014: 18,000 runners
- 2013: 16,000 runners
- 2012: 14,000 runners
- 2011: 12,000 runners
As you can see, the number of runners has increased significantly over the years, with a steady growth rate of around 10-15% per year.
Demographics of Marine Corps Marathon Runners
The Marine Corps Marathon attracts runners of all ages, genders, and skill levels. Here are some demographics of the runners who participate in the event:
- Age: The average age of MCM runners is around 35-40 years old, with a range of 18-80 years old.
- Gender: The majority of MCM runners are male (around 60%), with a significant number of female runners (around 40%).
- Finishing Time: The average finishing time for MCM runners is around 4-5 hours, with a range of 2-6 hours.
- International Runners: Around 10-15% of MCM runners are from outside the United States, representing over 40 countries.
MCM Charity Program
The Marine Corps Marathon has a strong charity program, with many runners raising money for various charities and organizations. In 2020, MCM runners raised over $1.5 million for charity, with many runners raising tens of thousands of dollars.
MCM Course
The Marine Corps Marathon course is 26.2 miles long and takes runners through the scenic streets of Arlington, Virginia, and the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The course features several landmarks, including the Pentagon, the Lincoln Memorial, and the World War II Memorial.
MCM Finisher Medal
One of the most iconic aspects of the Marine Corps Marathon is the finisher medal. The medal is designed to resemble the Medal of Honor, and is awarded to all finishers who complete the marathon.
Conclusion
The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the most prestigious and challenging marathons in the world, attracting thousands of runners from all over the globe. With its rich history, scenic course, and strong charity program, the MCM is an event that every runner should experience at least once in their lifetime.
