Marine Corps Marathon 2017: Everything You Need To Know

The annual Marine Corps Marathon is almost upon us, as thousands of people from around the country descend on the Pentagon in Arlington to participate.

This will be the 42nd edition of the MCM, and it will take place on Sunday, Oct. 22. The field is limited to 30,000 registered participants.

"The mission of the Marine Corps Marathon is to promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill and showcase the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps," according to the MCM website.

Here's everything you need to know about the marathon.

Location: The Pentagon, Arlington, Va.

Opening ceremonies: 7:25 a.m.

National anthem: 7:33 a.m.

Marathon start: 7:55 a.m.

Transportation: Metro will open at 6 a.m. on the morning of the event. You'll need to head to the Pentagon Metro station on the Blue and Yellow lines to reach the Runners Village. You can also take free shuttles to the Village from Crystal City at the corner of 23rd and Crystal Drive, or from Gaylord National in National Harbor, Md.

Route map:

Map: Here's where you can go to see today's Marine Corps Marathon https://t.co/2GQ3g1K9sm pic.twitter.com/2CZ6gES5xL
— Post Graphics (@PostGraphics) October 25, 2015

Social media tags to follow the event: #RunWithTheMarines

The pre-marathon Health & Fitness Expo: "The Health & Fitness Expo will be held at Gaylord National Harbor and Convention Center. Expo hours are Friday, October 20 from 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 21 from 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m."

Where to watch the race: "A great spectator location situated on Mile 22 and 23 of the marathon course, Crystal City hosts a fun-filled family festival including games, live music and activities. Free parking is available at Crystal Drive and 23rd Street on Sunday during the MCM from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. "

Famous finishers: Oprah Winfrey, Drew Carey, Al Gore, Ted Koppel, and Clarence Thomas, to name a few.

For more information, visit the MCM FAQ.

Image via MCM