Skip to content

Marine Corps Marathon 2026

  • 25 October 2026
  • Marathon
Why run it?

This Boston qualifier event is known around the world for it's impeccable organisation and iconic course. Managed by the US Marines, the Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the US and across the world. Known as 'the best marathon for beginners' it offers a mostly flat, highly scenic course through the most recognisable landmarks in the United States. The event starts between the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial. The route also offers sights of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial along the way. Take your place at 'The People's Marathon' and run Marine Corps this year.

What's it like to run?

Runners:
16000
Surface:
Road
Start:
Course:
Mostly flat
Temp:
Distance:
Marathon

How to Enter

Our events are sell-out races, so places are limited and will be made available on a first come first serve basis.
Don’t miss out, enter today in three simple steps:
Step 1
flag-circle

Pick your charity and sign up

Simply pay a refundable holding deposit to reserve your place supporting an amazing cause. 

Step 2
hand-hert

Set up your fundraising page

Plus activate your free realbuzz account - we’ll drop all the details in your inbox as soon as you sign up.
Step 3
money

Get to 75% of your fundraising target

about 2-3 months before your event, to confirm your place for race day! Reach 100% or more and we’ll refund your deposit.
Can’t see your charity on the list? Get in touch here.

Our charity partners taking part in this event

Kesem
Kesem
Supporting children through and beyond their parent's cancer with free camp and other fun-filled programs.
Alzheimer's Research UK
Alzheimer's Research UK
We are the UK's leading dementia research charity. We exist for a cure.
Back on My Feet
Back on My Feet
Combatting homelessness through the power of fitness, community support and essential employment.
Children's Tumor Foundation
Children's Tumor Foundation
Our mission is to drive research, expand knowledge, and advance care for the NF community.
Team Red, White and Blue
Team Red, White and Blue
Team RWB is a community of Veterans, Service Members, military families, and supporters, united by teamwork, shared values, and a common goal.
Autism Speaks (US)
Autism Speaks (US)
Join us in creating a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.
Allyson Whitney Foundation
Allyson Whitney Foundation
The Allyson Whitney Foundation highlights rare genetic cancers in young adults.
Cancer Research Institute
Cancer Research Institute
Advancing immunotherapy to treat, control, and cure all cancers.
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (USA)
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (USA)
We are dedicated to finding cures for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Raising awareness and improving the survival rate and quality of life for women with Ovarian cancer.
Share the event

Similar events

Jan
25
Miami Marathon 2026
US Miami, Florida
Marathon
Jan
25
Miami Half Marathon 2026
US Miami, Florida
Half Marathon
Feb
01
Dubai Marathon 2026
AE Dubai, UAE
Marathon
Feb
22
Napoli City Half Marathon Relay 2026
IT Naples, Italy
Relay
realbuzz-runna-white

Get race day ready with Runna

Runna is the #1 rated running coaching app in the world, with a mission to make running as easy, effective and enjoyable as possible.

Get your first 2 weeks for free using the code REALBUZZRUNNA1 
Training Hub
Image

FAQs

Whether you’re lacing up for your first race or returning for another year, we want you to feel prepared and inspired. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about signing up, fundraising, and making an impact.
View all FAQs
  • Running for charity means taking part in an official race while committing to raise money to a set level (fundraising target) for a chosen cause. Because you're committed to fundraising, you can get guaranteed entry subject to completing a certain amount of fundraising, even if your chosen event is sold out for general entry, plus expert fundraising support to help you reach your target.

  • It's simple. Choose your distance, pick your event and select the charity you'd like to support. Once you've secured your place - either by signing up for an individual entry straight away or applying for a team if your charity has an official team in your chosen event - you'll receive everything you need to prepare, fundraise, and take on race day with confidence.

  • Not at all! Charity runs are open to all abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned marathoners. Whether you’re aiming for your first 10K or a major marathon, we’ll provide training tips and fundraising advice to help you succeed. With realbuzz, you can choose from marathons, half marathons, shorter distances such as 10ks and 10 miles, and team relay races.  
  • There will be a fundraising target, based on the event you choose, which you'll need to commit to as part of securing your place. When you sign up, you'll receive info about your chosen charity's preferred fundraising platform so you can set up your fundraising page. 100% of your fundraising goes to your charity, usually directly through the fundraising platform you're using. 
Deposit
Fundraising Target