After runners complete the 40th annual Marine Corps Marathon through D.C. and Virginia this weekend, they’ll most likely enjoy some well-earned R&R. But for those who choose to do it again next year, part of their olympian efforts may involve getting to the race at all.
Race organizers tweeted this afternoon that the official 2016 MCM hotel and exposition (at which runners collect their packet and bib) will move to Gaylord National Resort, in the (semi-)distant land of National Harbor. The area is not accessible by Metrorail.
Reactions to the announcement were swift, as many complained on social media about the harbor’s accessibility from downtown D.C. The race organizers (three of whom could not be immediately reached for comment) clarified in a subsequent tweet that shuttles (“lots of shuttles!”) will transport participants between the events. This year’s expo is being held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Mount Vernon Triangle; theofficial headquarter hotel for the race is the Hyatt Regency Washington, on Capitol Hill.
National Harbor is located approximately seven miles south of the National Mall, which incorporates the Marine Corps Marathon. 30,000 people are expected to turn out for this year’s race. Starting time is 7:55 a.m.
See road closures for this year, expected to begin at 4 a.m. and end by 1 p.m., below:
Francis Scott Key Bridge
Canal Road, NW – from M Street, NW to Reservoir Road, NW