Marine Major Kyle King finishes in first place of the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon with a time of 2:25:06, the fastest time out of 16,556 other racers, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. This will be his second time winning the MCM after his first triumph in 2022. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
ARLINGTON, Va. — The day began with a chill in the air, as U.S. Marines manned entry checkpoints and set up hundreds of yards of barrier fencing. However, they weren’t preparing for warfare — unless one counts the 49th annual Marine Corps Marathon as an epic battle of endurance, where thousands fought to not only finish but also to win.
For the 26.2 mile race, Marine Major Kyle King claimed victory with a finish time of 2:25:06, outpacing 16,556 other racers. This will be King’s second time winning the men’s MCM, after his first triumph in 2022. Arlington-native Tessa Barrett, won the women’s MCM with a finish time of 2:39:36, vanquishing 6,214 other female competitors.
The 2024 Marine Corps Marathon begins, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Runners head south on Ohio Drive Southwest during the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A runner passes the Lincoln Memorial during the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Eventual winner Kyle King, left, and runner-up George Crist, foreground, pass the Washington Monument near the 17-mile mark of the 49th Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 27, 2024 in Washington. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)
The Marine Corps Honor Guard prepares to show the colors before the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Fans show their support during the 49th Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 27, 2024 in Washington. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)
Fans cheer for runners competing in the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A runner, left, runs barefoot during the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A runner attempts to grab a cup of water during the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Runners relieve themselves below the Arlington Memorial Bridge after the start of the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A racer collapses after finishing the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A competitor is helped off the course after completing the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Racers prepare before the start of the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A DJ, left, gives instructions to arriving marathon participants as Marines standby before the start of the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
For the 31.1 mile race, Calum Neff of Fulshear, Texas, won the men’s MCM 50K, with a finish time of 2:56:35. Anna Staats won the women’s MCM 50K with a finish time of 3:44:40.
The MCM10K also took place on Sunday, and the MCM Kids Run was held on Saturday.
Anna Staats celebrates after winning the MCM 50K with a time of 3:44:40 during the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Calum Neff of Fulshear, TX wins the MCM50K in a finish time of 2:56:35 during the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. Neff bested 705 other male competitors in the event. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Tessa Barrett wins the women’s MCM with a finish time of 2:39:36 defeating 6,214 other female competitors in the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Eventual women’s winner Tessa Barrett of Arlington, VA., follows a motorcycle escort toward the 17-mile mark in the 49th Marine Corps Marathon, Oct. 27, 2024 in Washington. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)
Calum Neff of Fulshear, Texas wins the MCM50K in a finish time of 2:56:35 during the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. Neff bested 705 other male competitors in the event. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Anna Staats wins the MCM 50K with a time of 3:44:40 during the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
The 49th annual MCM carried the theme of “Celebrating Women in Service,” honoring and celebrating inspirational women who have chosen to serve in the military or as first responders who have, and are continuing to break barriers throughout history. Finishers were rewarded with a rose gold eagle, globe and anchor medal to commemorate the important contributions by women.
Thousands of spectators gathered to cheer on friends and family in a modern tribute to the Battle of Marathon, honoring the legend of Greek messenger Pheidippides, who ran from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC to announce victory over the Persians — only to collapse and die after delivering the message.
A runner carries the American flag during the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Thirst was quenched by long tables lined with water, offered to runners who sometimes struggled through their fatigue to grab a cup without spilling its contents before reaching their lips.
In the end, it wasn’t just about the winners, but the collective triumph of every runner who crossed the finish line, proving their mettle in this storied race.
