Race: 44th Marine Corps Marathon
Runner: Navindra G
Race Date: 10/27/2019
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Results: Finished! 5:59:23
Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/aa70UVrNd1
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Race was well organized and staffed for having over 50,000 people. Expo had lots of vendors and was quite efficient in getting runners their packets. Spectators filled the entire route and there was a whole mile dedicated to honoring fallen soldiers.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Weather was rough with a lot of warm rain, followed by heat.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Had to run through standing water at one point.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I finished, training has been rough the past couple months and I am glad I withdrew from the Javelina 100k and got a bib transfer for this marathon. I did love finishing at the Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Totally worth running, very enjoyable and you can buy bib transfers in September if you don’t get through the lottery.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Nothing in particular, need stronger prep for next year but then again I would have been doing a 100k.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Hillier than the profile makes it to be.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Beautiful course through northern Virginia and DC.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Nope, good course for a marathon, though probably not a PR one.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Huge well oiled machine! Marines did a great job, way better than the army 10 miler.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It’s a huge field so runners of all levels to run with
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Nope but if you are coming from out of town make hotel reservations early. Would recommend lodging near the metro.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Gatorade and water (never ran out of Gatorade). Honey Stinger gels, Sport Beans, oranges at a few feed zones.
Weather and typical race conditions
It was wet! Like running through 6 inches of standing water at times.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Nope.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Very friendly, spectators can use metro to cheer you on at multiple points. Very easy for spectators to access with public transportation.
How’s the Swag?
Great medal and shirt.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 stars for a large marathon with a LOT of people.
