Marine Corps Marathon to go virtual-only

The Marine Corps Marathon will shift to a virtual-only platform due to the coronavirus pandemic, organizers said Monday.

“We explored various approaches to safely execute a live event and held numerous meetings with Marine Corps leadership, local government and public health officials,” Rick Nealis, director of the Marine Corps Marathon Organization, said in a statement. “We understand this is disappointing news for many, but we could no longer envision a way to gather together in compliance with safety guidelines.”

The race weekend was scheduled for Oct. 23 to 25 in Arlington, Va., and the nation’s capital. 

The virtual marathon weekend will include the marathon, 10K, 50K and MCM Semper Fun Mile runs. The races must be completed between Oct. 1 and Nov. 10. 

All participants of the virtual run will receive the corresponding participant shirts, commemorative bibs and a patch or finisher medal. Runners will also have access to an online event program, personalized finisher certificate, the MCM Audio Experience and several new digital engagement platforms. 

Runners also have the option to defer entries to a future year at no additional fee, or request a full registration refund. 

Other marathons have similarly canceled or shifted to virtual races amid the pandemic, including the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon and Chicago Marathon.