WASHINGTON — The Marine Corps Marathon returns on Sunday, October 25, 2026, taking runners through Arlington and Washington, DC, while bringing extensive road closures and parking restrictions to the capital.
For runners, the morning begins before the 7:20 a.m. general start. For drivers, disruption starts even earlier: DC police have announced emergency parking restrictions from 2 a.m., followed by road closures beginning at approximately 5:30 a.m.
Known as “The People’s Marathon,” the event combines a landmark-filled 26.2-mile course with military remembrance and an uphill finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Here are the key details for participants, spectators and anyone travelling through the area.
View or download the official Marine Corps Marathon certified course map (PDF)
Marine Corps Marathon 2026 start times, route and runner information
According to the official race-day guide, Sunday’s scheduled starts are:
- Wheels: 7:05 a.m.
- Duos: 7:07 a.m.
- All runners: 7:20 a.m.
All times in this guide are Eastern Daylight Time.
Runners Village will be in the North Pentagon Parking Lot, with participants directed to use Pentagon and Pentagon City Metro stations for access. Runners and spectators will undergo security screening at the start and finish areas, so allow additional time when planning your arrival.
The course begins between the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, passes through Rosslyn and crosses into Washington for Georgetown and the National Mall. Runners then return to Arlington, passing the Pentagon and Crystal City before the final uphill approach to the Marine Corps War Memorial.
One of the most meaningful stretches comes at mile 12. The wear blue Mile at Hains Point honours fallen military members with photographs, names and American flags held by volunteers, including relatives and fellow service members.
Three course deadlines matter:
- DC Gauntlet — 12:33 p.m.: Runners missing this deadline will be diverted at Independence Avenue toward 14th Street. The shortened route does not qualify them as official marathon finishers.
- Beat the Bridge — 1:15 p.m.: Participants must reach 14th and D Streets, before the 14th Street Bridge, at mile 20.
- Crystal City Gauntlet — 1:49 p.m.: Runners missing this deadline will be diverted at 12th Street South as it becomes Crystal Drive and will not complete the certified marathon distance.
Check the official course map and cutoff information before race morning.
UnTapped energy gels are scheduled near mile 14, between miles 18 and 19, and approaching mile 24. Water points and medical stations are positioned along the route, with a self-service, cupless water station on the 14th Street Bridge.
For baggage, use the clear bag supplied at packet pickup and attach the sticker from your bib. Drop-off is at the UPS trucks in Runners Village; collection is at Wilson Boulevard and North Lynn Street in Rosslyn after the race.
DC road closures and parking restrictions for October 25
The Metropolitan Police Department’s traffic advisory lists the following streets for both emergency no parking from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m. and vehicle closures from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.:
- 3rd, 7th and 14th streets between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW.
- M Street NW between Canal Road and Wisconsin Avenue.
- Canal Road NW between Arizona Avenue and Foxhall Road.
- Wisconsin Avenue NW between M Street and K Street.
- K Street NW between 27th Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
- Madison Drive NW between 3rd Street and 15th Street.
- Jefferson Drive SW between 3rd Street and 15th Street.
- Independence Avenue SW between 23rd Street and 12th Street.
Additional closures during the approximately 5:30 a.m.–3 p.m. window include:
- Rock Creek Parkway between Calvert Street and Ohio Drive NW.
- 14th Street SW between Independence Avenue and the 14th Street Bridge.
- The HOV lanes of the 14th Street Bridge.
- Key Bridge.
- Memorial Bridge.
The bridge restriction specifically identifies the 14th Street Bridge HOV lanes. Drivers should check their intended crossing and follow police directions rather than assume every lane has the same restriction.
Vehicles parked in violation of emergency no-parking signs will be ticketed and towed. Police warn that closure times can change with conditions, and motorists should expect delays and increased pedestrian traffic around the event.
These are the restrictions listed in the DC advisory. Drivers travelling through Arlington should also check local notices for the Virginia portion of their journey. For updates in Washington, follow DC Police Traffic.
Looking for results? The race-day page currently displays results from 2025. Those are previous-year results, not the outcome of the October 25, 2026 race. Check the Marine Corps Marathon website for current results information after the event.
Sources: Marine Corps Marathon official race-day and course guides; Metropolitan Police Department traffic advisory issued October 22, 2026.
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