Security Concerns Prompt Organizers To Make Marine Corps Marathon Events Virtual

ARLINGTON, VA — Organizers of the 2o21 Marine Corps Marathon have decided to cancel all live events this year, including the marathon itself, and move them online, according to a release. The annual event in Arlington was scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 29-31, but safety concerns prompted the change.

"After exhausting all possibilities, the opportunity to safely operate and execute a live event is just not feasible at this time,” said Rick Nealis, director of Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO), in a release. “Though we had high hopes to welcome home our running community this October, we are excited to still be able to celebrate the 46th running of 'The People’s Marathon' virtually. We are anxiously looking forward to next year when we can #RunWithTheMarines in person once again.”

The switch to virtual not only applies to the marathon, but also the 10K and 50K runs also planned for that weekend. Runners who have signed up to participate in these events can receive a virtual entry, be fully refunded or defer their fees to the 2022 event, which is already scheduled for Oct. 28-30, 2022.

For those who choose to participate virtually this year, the marathon, 50K and 10K races must be completed between Oct. 1 and Nov. 10, which is the U.S. Marine Corps' birthday. Those who compete virtually will receive a participant shirt, commemorative patch, bib and finisher medal. They'll also have access to an online event program, as well as a personalized finisher certificate.