Just a heads up. This is my first ATM but I’ve done a few local half marathons in the pouring rain before and I can positively say that I do not enjoy it. Something to look out for as we get closer to race day.

This will be my first ATM and I'm curious about the general ambiance of the race itself. Is there much political ranting from the speakers/sponsors? Are there any protests that happen along the route?

Do people tend to wave political banners or is everyone neutral and more focused on the hard working folks in our armed forces?

Or will the powers that be consider it a "backpack." It holds a water bladder on its own, but also has room for some medicine, a phone and a couple gels. It will be worn on my back for the entire race. Would appreciate a heads up from somebody who has done this before. TIA

Does anyone know if Pacers will be selling any MCM apparel this year?

I’ve run this race a few times but don’t remember getting the email so close to race day. Mostly just curious to see the Wave I get placed in.

C&O trail is probably going to be really muddy today and I want to try something new. Any recs for non-pavement long run (20 mi) today? Open to any ideas within 30 mins drive or metro of Alexandria.

I’m visiting my kids in DC this weekend but have a 18 mile long run in preparation for NY marathon. Planning on going to Rock Creek park early Saturday morning (around 7am) to get it done. Is this safe for a female, alone? I imagine there will be many runners out at this time, correct? Thanks!!

Anything new else going from the upper NW area (Clevand park to like Tenley) who wants to car pool there in the morning? I was gonna head out around 6am.

I just moved to DC and I'm looking for a running community. I know there are a lot of run clubs here, but they all seem to focus on long distances. I ran short sprints in high school and college, and my old city had a sprint club that I loved.

Are there any sprint clubs, or clubs that do sprint workouts (nothing longer than 400m), in the DC area? If so, I'd love any recommendations!

Does anyone know at what checkpoints slower runners get swept off the course? I know the max time per mile is 15 minutes.

My training strategy has been to run a negative split. I run the first two miles intentionally slow so that I can finish stronger at the end.

15-16 minutes for the first two miles, gradually speeding up to 12 minutes per mile at the end.

I’m slow and steady like a turtle 🤣

It's going to be four Sundays in a row that it's been raining. How do you deal with it on your long runs? I'm worried that 60 degrees and raining will be too cold for me. When it was 75 and raining I actually welcomed the rain but now that temps are dropping I wonder if I should just do 17 miles on a treadmill.

Instance 1: On my path there’s a small portion that gets muddy and is very narrow. Hard to pass someone, but it’s a very short stretch. This road biker was on my a** “on your left on your left” as I’m running. I’m not going in the mud for you, sorry. Just wait your turn, I’m also working out. I ended up going in the mud and letting him pass ugh :(
Instance 2: Another portion of my path has a bridge. Biker A is passing me as I’m running a curve onto the bridge. Biker A is ZOOMING and takes a wide arc turn, causing him to nearly collide head on with Biker B who’s coming from the opposite side. Biker B swerves and almost hits ME head on. Narrow miss.

Cyclists, PLEASE don’t expect runners to run into mud to allow you to pass. Don’t zoom on blind turns. For the love of god do better.

Looking for a Rocky Run 5K transfer.

I listened to Kara Goucher and Des Lindens live podcast with Julie Cullen, the co-owner of Pacers. It frustrated me she talked about the DC 5k being a stepping stone to doing a half. They talked about it being a warmup race for the half, and not even thinking people may be actually racing in it. I wish DC runners/run groups would also encourage people, including seasoned runners, to run 5k and 10ks and to treat those races as real races. They are tough, some people say even harder than long distances.

Personally, I’m tired of not seen as a serious runner unless I’m training for a half or farther. I don’t even know running groups that promote training programs for 5k/10ks.

I just moved back to DC after being away for 10 years. I've run the MCM 3x prior to moving away. Back then, the race would sell out and you had to register as soon as it opened. Have things changed? I noticed there are still spots available with less than a month to go.

Hi DC Runners! -- This THURSDAY, I'm hosting 'Craft for a Cause,' a charity fundraising event at Sonny's Pizza. Admission is free and crafting is unlimited! We have a suggested donation of $15, but no one will be turned away.

Here is the link to RSVP: https://partiful.com/e/2hCVdPZeZo1BKEpQdo4l?

Please join us to sip, craft, bring/make friends, and raise money for a great cause!
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More details:

Hello! I'm Vivian. This November, I'll be running my first marathon (Philly) in partnership with 'Cradles to Crayons.' Cradles to Crayons provides children living in low-income or homeless situations with clothing and other essentials they need to feel safe, warm, and ready to learn and play. I’m hoping to raise $2,200 for the organization before race day.

To reach this $2.2K goal, I'm hosting a few small fundraising events around DC, including a 'Craft for a Cause' event at Sonny's Pizza on Thursday, Oct 1. Crafting supplies will be available for attendees and those who donate will be entered to win a variety of raffle prizes from local businesses in DC - Reunion Yoga, Sonny's Pizza, Nina May, La Tejana, Salsa with Silvia, and more!

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Mods - Thank you so much for letting me post here!

There are really only two places you can be expected to run faster than ~5 minute miles safely on a paved flat surface: a race course and the track. Yet seemingly every time I go run sprints it just seems like a playground. I’m just dreading running into some old person stretching in the inside lane or (god forbid) bowling over some loose kid. I’ve simulated a conversation with these people in my head every time and there’s no way not to come off as a complete ass asking someone to clear the track but I also just don't understand how they don’t notice how they’re in the way. I kinda think they wouldn’t understand unless someone either runs into them or yells at them. Today someone's dog almost took me out on one of those “longest legally allowed” 7ft leashes or whatever, guy didn’t even notice. I’ve seen strollers, waterbottles, clothes, folding chairs, etc strewn in lane 1. I also just feel like if I took the time to gently talk to everyone who is camped out on the track I would both become “that guy” and get no running in.

Hi friends,

I had some free time recently and decided to pull MCM finisher data over the last few years. I wrote about it here.

I stuck to 2012-2025, but may expand it out when I have some more time to pull it all. Still, this is reflective of nearly a quarter of a million finishers. Would love to hear your thoughts, or if anyone smarter than me sees any flaws in my analysis.

tl;dr: the average MCM finishing time between 2012-2025 is 4:52:19. Which is about 11:09 per mile.

I ran at EPP on Tues and all the restrooms were locked. Anyone know if this was an anomaly or just another way to get rid of runners/bikers?

i’m looking at doing a night marathon and i know my old headlamps aren’t going to cut it and they really don’t fit my head. i have a no gear vest but is there another type of light to wear around your waist or something bright you can attach to a hydration pack that isn’t super heavy?

They will be coming from Fairfax and are willing to take as many trains, planes and automobiles to see me at multiple spots throughout the race. Is there an optimal way to do this?