In runner-geek news, the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) announced they're adding a 50K option this year! This is interesting for a few reasons. It's certainly the first time I've seen a major US marathon add an ultra option, and it's the first (and only, to my knowledge) big ultra in a major city. All the other big US ultras like Leadville, Badwater, Western States, etc., are in parks and/or rural settings. They're only allowing 500 entrants in the 50K. It'll be interesting to see if this event fills (I'm guessing it will - lot of ultra runners around here) and if it triggers more interest in ultras (hard to say). It would be great to see a big, Comrades-style ultra here in the US.
Just when I was thinking I was done with the MCM for a while, they announce this. Inaugural events are so tempting! Hmmm.....
Anyone else interesting in this?
I would love to do this! I imagine the 500 slots will sell out in seconds, especially for the inaugural year. It'd be amazing if they could build it to even half the level of Comrades.
You very well may be correct re selling out in seconds. This announcement already has nearly 400+ comments on their Facebook page, and the MCM itself is already sufficiently popular that they went to a lottery several (2013?) years back. Of course, that was also before they drastically increased pricing, too. Prior to the lottery, the marathon was only $100, and they sold out in less than a day or so. About two years ago, they raised the fee to $160, and it's $180 now. I don't know how much that's affected demand, but both years I entered the lottery, I got an entry, as did all my running club. In fact, every runner I know who entered the MCM lottery got a bib, so who knows the actual numbers these days? Anyway, the 50K registration opens at 12 noon EST on Feb. 27th. I'm probably going to try to get in. It's $200, but (using my go-to rationalization again) that's still cheaper than the NYC Marathon!
QOTD: What type of surfaces do you run on regularly? Which do you prefer of those type?
ATTQOTD: I really only encounter two types of surfaces; asphalt and concrete. I prefer asphalt of the two because in my mind it feels softer than concrete.
Sorry for missing yesterdays QOTD: I woke up with a stomach bug from hell! I am also way behind on the thread and work is keeping me from catching up at the moment. I will try to catch up in the next few days.
I haven't looked at the course route. It might be worth $200 if you get to run a lot of the course AWAY from the other runners, but still get the iconic finish line. I did MCM in 2017 and for this middle-of-the-pack runner, it was so darn CROWDED for at least the first half. I live in the area, so it was a great experience to be able to do, but the crowded course makes me seriously reconsider ever doing it again.
Since we are on the topic of the lottery/cost...you can get a guaranteed entry (you still have to pay for it) if you finish the 17.75K the Marine Corps runs in March/April in Virginia. That's how I got in in 2017 because I didn't want the uncertainty of the lottery. This race registration sells out within hours. I forget how many runners they allow. It's in a state park, so it's not huge.
QOTD: What type of surfaces do you run on regularly? Which do you prefer of those type?
It's been a crazy long week! Thankfully it's finally Friday and time for our Fun Friday QOTD: With football season being over (college with signing day ended this week and NFL) what sporting events are you looking forward to now? College and pro sports?
ATTFFQOTD: Hockey! I mean, I know it's been going on, but now I can devote more attention to it. GO BOLTS!!!It's been a crazy long week! Thankfully it's finally Friday and time for our Fun Friday QOTD: With football season being over (college with signing day ended this week and NFL) what sporting events are you looking forward to now? College and pro sports?
QOTD: With football season being over (college with signing day ended this week and NFL) what sporting events are you looking forward to now? College and pro sports?