Guide to the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon in National Landing
Home to the route’s third and final Gauntlet—the Crystal City Gauntlet—National landing boasts a multitude of race viewpoints and places to dine and explore as you’re waiting to cheer on your loved ones.
What is the Marine Corps Marathon?
The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the country, bringing in an attendance of roughly 30,000 runners each year from across the country. As the largest marathon in the world to not offer prize money, it’s been deemed “The People’s Marathon.” The 26.2-mile route starts in Rosslyn and crosses much of Washington, D.C., passing by iconic national monuments and neighborhoods throughout the capital before winding back into Arlington, through National Landing and to the finish line at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn.
The Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) will be hosting its 51st Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, October 25, 2026, with racers beginning between 7:05 and 7:20AM.
Where to Watch the Marathon’s Final Stretch in National Landing
National Landing is one of the best locations to watch the marathon as it passes through the area, specifically along Crystal Drive between 12th and 20th Streets.
National Landing is situated at the final gauntlet of the marathon is, just a few miles away from the finish line. It is also one of the only locations along the racecourse where spectators can see the runners multiple times before and after the turnaround at 2121 Crystal Drive.
Marine Corps Marathon Route Map
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Restaurants Near the Turnaround at 2121 Crystal Drive
Watch the racers enter the final stretch from Surreal Global Kitchen, cheer from above at Highline RXR, get a caffeine boost from Constellation, and find more options to fuel up.
More Dining Spots Along Crystal Drive
Pop by a fast-casual kiosk at Water Park, grab a Cuban coffee from Colada Shop, settle in for a while at Morton's, and more.
How To Get to the Crystal City Gauntlet in National Landing
The MCM route that crosses through National Landing is easily accessible using a variety of public transportation modes.
Viewers can catch participants as they try to “beat the bridge” around L’Enfant Plaza and then hop on the Yellow or Blue Line to get to Crystal City in just a few quick stops as runners pass through the Crystal City Gauntlet. You can then hop back on the Metro to Rosslyn to meet up with your runner near the finish line, which is at the Marine Corps War Memorial.
National Landing also provides protected bike lanes if you’re looking to get in some movement along the course. If you’re coming in from downtown D.C., you can hop on the Mount Vernon Trail to catch runners along Haines Point and take the trail into Crystal City. Whether you’re cheering on a loved one or just want to get in on the fun, positive atmosphere that the MCM offers, National Landing is the perfect place for anyone to watch the Marine Corps Marathon.
View more tips for runners and spectators.
