Marine Corps Marathon Expo Moving to National Harbor Next Year

PHOTO: National Harbor’s Gaylord National Resort is where the Marine Corps Marathon will hold its check-in and two-day health and fitness expo next year. Photo courtesy of Visit Maryland

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A big change is coming to next year’s Marine Corps Marathon, the group has announced. Instead of holding their race packet/bib pickup and two-day health and fitness expo in Washington, D.C., they’re moving it to National Harbor in Maryland, just across the river from Old Town Alexandria.

The actual path of the annual race will remain the same.

Marine Corps Marathon officials said that they don’t like competing with other groups for space and being faced with the uncertainty of holding their expo at either the Walter E. Washington Convention Center or the DC Armory, in DC, MCM Director Rick Nealis told Washington Business Journal.

Instead, they are opting to hold their pre-race expo and pickup at National Harbor’s Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. After that decision was announced Friday, there was a backlash on social media from runners who say the location isn’t metro-accessible.

The hotel and convention center are just across the Potomac River and over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge from Old Town Alexandria. The metro has several stops in the City of Alexandria, a free trolley to the waterfront and a water taxi to National Harbor.

Here’s a description of the Marine Corps Marathon $1,500 “VIP Package” for next year’s race:

The 2016 MCM VIP Package celebrates the new headquarters hotel, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at the 300 acre National Harbor waterfront entertainment district, located eight miles south of D.C. and only 15 minutes from the MCM start. The VIP Package includes two nights (Friday, October. 28-Saturday, Oct. 29) with either one or two beds in the first-class destination that includes fine dining and casual restaurants, unique shopping experiences, an indoor pool and a 20,000 square foot spa and fitness center. The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center will host the 2016 MCM Health & Fitness Expo, the Runners bRUNCH, the Carbo Dining In and more MCM Weekend activities.

Entries:
VIP Registration includes one guaranteed entry into the 41st MCM on October 30, 2016, as well as a second guaranteed entry of your choice for either the MCM or MCM10K.

VIP Amenities:
Enjoy the ease and attention that comes with being a VIP throughout MCM Weekend. No waiting in lines! Runners will enjoy fast pass admission to Packet Pick-up at the Health & Fitness Expo on October 28-29, 2016 at the Gaylord National Resort. On the morning of the MCM, VIPs will be transported in a ‘VIP Runners-Only” luxury shuttle directly to Runners Village, where a VIP Welcome Tent awaits with refreshments, private port-a-potties and more appealing amenities.

Event Access:
Warm-up for the MCM with a light 5K morning run along the Potomac as part of the Runners bRUNch on Saturday, Oct. 29. Join others for this final shake out run along the National Harbor waterfront featuring unparalleled views of the nation’s capital. Conclude the experience with a delightful brunch and inspirational speaker.

Savor the VIP experience at the Carbo Dining In on Saturday, October 29 at the Gaylord National Resort. The motivational event includes a delicious pasta buffet prepared expressly for carb loading on the eve of the MCM. Sit in reserved seating and be enthralled by a world class featured speaker and patriotic music performances. Prior to the pasta dinner, celebrate MCM Weekend at an exclusive reception in your honor hosted by the MCM Director. The VIP package includes two passes to the bRUNch and both Carbo functions.

Gaylord National:
The 2016 MCM VIP Registration includes two nights at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Featuring a 19-story glass atrium overlooking the Potomac River, MCM VIP guests will appreciate Gaylord National’s award-winning service, dining, shopping and entertainment and convenience to MCM Events - all under one roof. Guest rooms offer mini-fridge, coffee maker and two bottled waters per day. Bathrooms are beautifully appointed with granite countertops, dual-sinks, and marble floors. All hotel fees other than parking are included in the overall VIP Package pricing. VIP runners will receive a confirmation email that will provide access to extend the hotel registration for additional nights.