Marine Corps Marathon
Rick Nealis
Marine Corps Marathon Director
Thursday, October 28, 2004; Noon ET
On Oct. 31, thousands of runners will converge in Washington, D.C. for the 29th running of the Marine Corps Marathon. Beginning at the Iwo Jima monument in Arlington, Va., the marathon course guides runners around the Pentagon, past the Capitol Building, down the National Mall and past the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials.
Marathon Director Rick Nealis will be online Thursday, Oct. 28, at Noon ET to field questions about Sunday's marathon.
Submit your questions and comments before or during today's discussion.
Come back Sunday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. ET to chat with washingtonpost.com's Dan Jung, who will be answering questions live from the pavement as he runs the Marine Corps Marathon.
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Fredericksburg, Md.:
What time should my family and I leave for the marathon and what is the best way to get there? Is there a lot of parking?
Rick Nealis: The MCM Shuttle Bus from Crystal City at 23rd and Crystal Drive begins at 5:30 am. This service is for runners only until after the start. Free parking is available in Crystal City at 23rd and Crystal Drive. With new access points, we recommend arriving at the race site around two hours early. This way you'll be certain to experience all the festivities.
_______________________
Chevy Chase, Md.:
Rick, how can we runners get there two hours before the race if Metro doesn't open til 6 a.m. (and that means that the first train leaves the end of the line at 6 a.m.)?
Rick Nealis: The shuttle starts at 5:30 a.m. And the 6 a.m. is our recommendation, arrive at your earliest convenience.
_______________________
Barbizon, Va.:
My brother is running this Sunday for the fisrt time in the Marine Corp Marathon. Do you have any suggestions for good viewing areas as we try to follow his progress through Washington?
Rick Nealis: First suggestion is to register for the Runner Tracking on our website www.marinemarathon.com to get his updated split times. We have a spectator guide on the websie as well with six viewing locations including Crystal City Street Spectacular at mile 22/23.
_______________________
8 K Race:
I've heard that there is an 8 K race going on as well. Is there still room to get registered for the short race? How do I do this?
Rick Nealis: registration for the 8K can take place at the solution room at the hyatt crystal city hotel in arlington...250 spots are still available.
_______________________
Laurel, Md.:
Is it too late to volunteer at the water/aid stations? If I show up the morning of the race at an aid station can I help?
Rick Nealis: we have all volunteer slots filled but if you show up at the WP and talk with the senior Marine Staff NCO they can let you know if they had any no shows that morning.
_______________________
Chicago, Ill.:
Does the race benefit the Marine Corps financially? Is there a stat on how many Marines or U.S. servicemembers would be registered to run in this race?
Thanks, and have a good race.
Rick Nealis: The MCM operates on a balance budget concept.
Military runners in the race will be about 4000 with 1800 military volunteers
_______________________
Leesburg, Va.:
Are there any plans in the works to change the requirement that you have to pick up your race packet in person at the Expo? It seems by having alternatives it would lessen the congestion at packet pickup and be easier on people who have long treks into Crystal City from the metro area and then have to turn around and do it again on race day?
Rick Nealis: Yes for 2005 we will be moving the expo to a new larger location with more parking...
_______________________
Rosslyn, Va.:
What is the MCM's policy on bandit runners? Will they be tolerated if they are considerate (i.e., do not use the aid stations, the start/finish line, etc.) or will they be pulled from the race if they are noticed? Also, I heard rumors that registered runners may be disqualified if they have a spectator/unregistered runner running with them at any point -- is this true? Thanks!
Rick Nealis: Runners safety is our #1 concern....bandit runners does add a congestion and logistical problem along with a liability issues since we don't have a signed waiver...so please only registered runners on race day
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Quick question... any special reason/circumstance/requirement why this marathon doesn't feature many international runners?
Rick Nealis: People's marathon with no prize money so international runners normally are looking for those events that do offer these benefits
we are drawing from 38 countries and have 523 alone from canada...with about 1000 runners international this year
_______________________
Arlington, Va.:
Thanks for hosting this chat. I'm submitting early because of a meeting. My brother-in-law is coming in to town to run in the marathon. What's the best way to get him to the start from north Arlington and the best way for us to go back to watch him finish? We'll have his three small children (under age 7) in tow.
Rick Nealis: go to spectator guide on www.marinemarathon.com but the best way is to take the metro blue line to rossyln stop
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
hi -- running on sunday and looking forward to it (despite the 75 degrees and windy conditions). Will you guys stagger the start to prevent overcrowding? My biggest complaint about this race is the extremely slow start and 3-4 miles of zig-zagging necessary to make up time lost at the beginning. I'm in the 4th corral. Thanks for all your hard work!
Rick Nealis: new course direction which makes a smooth....very smooth start this year....should see no zig zag in 2004
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Hi Rick -- are corrals going to be closed off -- i.e. like in Boston where you have to show your number to actually enter the corral and the corral itself is closed off? Otherwise, the corrals are pointless as people move up when they should be towards the back.
Rick Nealis: corrals are on the honor system...wish I could be like boston but they are the ONLY race that can do that since runners must certify their running ability
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
I want to watch the runners up at Hains Point -- will that be difficult to get to?
Rick Nealis: just a little walk into the park but the runners will need all the spectator support at haines point so thanks for going there for them
_______________________
Falls Church, Va.:
If I bring a water bottle on the course with me, will the water station attendants fill it with sports drink when I run out?
Rick Nealis: yes
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Where is the best place to meet up with family after you finish?
Rick Nealis: we have 4 link up points by your last name ....meeting at one of those spots would be the best......make sure they know your expected finish time to seek you out
_______________________
Pittsburgh, Pa.:
When does the registration open for the 2005 Marine Corps Marathon?
Rick Nealis: April 6 first come first in....no lottery.....also check out our web site for special locations for guarantee apps...we will be at NYC marathon at the expo booth ...stop by and get one
_______________________
Herndon, Va.:
Will the water cups be paper or paper-based so that it will be possible to close the opening somewhat and drink on the run?
Rick Nealis: yes paper base
_______________________
Brandermill, Va.:
Isn't the forecast for warm weather? Are you taking any extra precautions in terms of water stops and medical assistance above what you might for cooler conditions?
Rick Nealis: yes but the best precaution is for runners to know their own body and partake in all water and food offered on the race course
_______________________
Charlottesville, Va.:
Are you going to stagger the start to avoid a jammed up start with overcrowding?
Rick Nealis: no need as we have 14 corrals
_______________________
Waterford, Va.:
Is the corral system on the honor system or does your number designate your corral? If I plan on running 6:00 pace, will I be able to get into that corral with the hope that those around me have been honest, too?
Rick Nealis: yes, and as runners we need to educate our fellow runners to the rules of our sport
_______________________
Arlington, Va.:
I need your advice. I run a 15 minute mile. What would you suggest is a good strategy for getting to the 14th Street Bridge before it closes at 2 p.m.? I am pretty nervous that I am not going to make it. Thanks.
Rick Nealis: at a 15 mintue pace you should easily reach the 14 street bridge by 1:45. this allows for a 15 mintue cushion
see you at the finish line!
_______________________
Chantilly, Va.:
Are there security concerns for this year's marathon? If so, what are they and how have you prepared for them? washingtonpost.com:
Security Tightens for Marathon, (Post, Oct. 28)
Rick Nealis: I will assure you that we have worked closely with all law enforcement to provide a safe and secure race course
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Can you use additional volunteers today, Friday, and Saturday, as well as Sunday.
Rick Nealis: we have filled all our volunteer slots but if you out on the course on race day talk to the senior staff NCO and see if we might have had some no shows on race day...thanks
_______________________
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.:
Hi Rick,
My husband will be running in his first MCM, with an expected time finish of 2:45. My plan is to be at various places along the course to give him encouragement, as well as sustanance (he's trained with a particular sports beverage). My question: Will it be feasible for me to ride my bike along the coure (on sidewalks and roads), being extremely sensitive to the marathoners of course!, and meet my husband? Or will security not allow bikes? I plan to be at my destination before the front runners come through, so there isn't a chance I'll be in the way.
Rick Nealis: ONly authorize bicycles is approved some locations are more user friendly for moving around the course ie the Mall but on the Arlington Virginia side of the course You will not be able to ride.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
I heard you are having a street festival in Crystal City on race day. Will I still be able to make it if I am running the marathon? What activities are going on there?
Rick Nealis: street festivel goes from 1000 to 3:30 with food music children's activities...restaurant specials and Halloween activities for the kids.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
I heard one of the marathon's participants being interviewed on the radio a couple of days ago, and he said that if someone -- and I'mn assuming he meant someone in reasonably good health -- began training now, starting off with just running a mile or so three times a week, he could be in shape for a marathon in about five months. Do you think this a realistic time frame?
Rick Nealis: some organization in the charity programs do teach a run walk program that would get someone from the start to finish but they are probably doing this program in the 6-7 hour category....I would not recommend it....take a long range goal and train for a marathon over a full year.
_______________________
Alexandria, Va.:
I've been training the past six months using a Camelback to carry my GU's and for hydration. Do you suggest runners continue to use these as they run the marathon? I'm worried about proper hydration/nutrition but also do not want to be weighed down while running the race. (The race will probably take me 5 hours, so this is a concern).
Rick Nealis: train how you want to compete so a camelback is a good training aid....however on race day we will be supplying replenishment every 2 miles so you do not need to bring your camelback....but whatever gives you a piece of mind...so you focus on the run
_______________________
Arlington, Va.:
Dear Mr. Nealis, I'd like to take this opportunity to "Thank You" and your team who dedicate themselves year after year to take on what seems like an impossible logistical task and make it come to life.
This race means a lot not only to myself, but to close friends who are currently serving over in Iraq. Semper Fi.
Thank you.
Rick Nealis: It is an honor for our Marines to be able to provide our runners a first class event and for us to touch the a
American public in a very special healthy way....
_______________________
Rick Nealis: thanks
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Where is the best place to stand and cheer on the runners?
Rick Nealis: the Mall at the Lincoln ....at the street spectacular at 23rd and crystal drive
memorial bridge on both sides of the river
_______________________
Rick Nealis: thanks
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
I'm a volunteer at packet pickup for the marathon on Saturday. I got a confirmation email when I registered but haven't heard anything since. Is there anything else I need to know (or how to find out) about where to go, what time to be there, etc.?
Rick Nealis: packet pickup goes from 8am to 8pm we would enjoy your support in whatever amount you can provide us that day...thank you for helping the Marines
stop by the solution center on the exhibition level for further instructions.
_______________________
Annapolis, Md.:
I am driving in the day of the marathon and have several questions:
When do you think the parking places will be full at the designated parking areas?
How long do you think it will take to get from the parking are to the starting point?
With the various roads being shut down around the area, how much extra time should you add for traffic?
Thank you!
Rick Nealis:
parking with 4000 spots will be at the street spectacular at 23 and crystal drive or park at any metro stop and than ride the metro to the blue line stops at rossyln or arlington cemetary
arrive about 2 hours early...
_______________________
Automatically Update Page
Get New Responses
Submit Question
| 
