Marine Corps Marathon 2025: What to expect for runners, spectators and road closures – NBC4 Washington

Report on the Marine Corps Marathon: An Analysis of Sustainable Development Goal Alignment

The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is scheduled to proceed on Sunday, October 26, in Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia. This report analyzes the event’s logistical framework and its inherent contributions to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to health, sustainable cities, peace, and partnerships.

Event Overview and Contribution to Peace and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

The marathon’s operation, organized by a strong institution like the U.S. Marine Corps, demonstrates resilience and a commitment to community, aligning with the principles of SDG 16. Its continuation despite a government shutdown underscores institutional stability. The event’s moniker, “The People’s Marathon,” reflects its focus on peaceful, large-scale community assembly over commercial gain, as it does not offer prize money.

Race Schedule

• 7:15 a.m. – Wheeled athletes commence.
• 7:17 a.m. – Duo teams commence.
• 7:20 a.m. – Runners commence in waves.

Promoting Sustainable Urban Development and Community (SDG 11)

The marathon’s planning places a significant emphasis on sustainable urban practices, particularly through its transportation strategy and management of public spaces, directly supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Public Transportation Initiative

Organizers advocate for the use of the Metro system as the primary mode of transportation to mitigate traffic congestion and reduce the event’s carbon footprint. Key provisions include:

• Metro service will begin at 5 a.m. on race day.
• Trains will operate at intervals of 6 to 12 minutes.
• Recommended stations for runners include Pentagon and Pentagon City.
• Recommended stations for spectators include Smithsonian, Crystal City, L’Enfant Plaza, and Arlington Cemetery (opening at 9 a.m.).
• The Family Link-Up Zone is located near the Rosslyn Station.
• Contactless payment options are available, enhancing accessibility.

Course and Community Engagement

The 26.2-mile course is designed to foster community pride and engagement by traversing significant cultural landmarks, including the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Mall, and the Marine Corps War Memorial. This utilization of public space strengthens community identity.

Traffic Management and Road Closures

A comprehensive traffic management plan involving extensive road closures is in effect to ensure participant safety and urban order.

Saturday Road Closures

• 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Boundary Channel Drive from N/S Connect Road to Route 110.

Sunday Road Closures

1. 3:00 AM Closures: Multiple closures around the Rosslyn and Pentagon areas, including parts of Lynn Street, Fort Myer Drive, Route 110, Wilson Boulevard, and Washington Boulevard, will be in effect until late afternoon or evening.
2. 3:45 AM Closures: Roads around the National Mall, including Jefferson Drive SW, Madison Drive NW, and sections of 4th and 7th Streets, will close until 2:00 PM.
3. 5:30 AM Closures: A significant number of closures will begin, affecting major arteries such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, M Street NW, K Street NW, and the 14th Street Bridge, with reopening times staggered throughout the day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Fostering Good Health, Well-being, and Equality (SDG 3 & SDG 5)

The marathon serves as a major public health initiative, promoting physical activity and well-being for all participants, in line with SDG 3. Its inclusive structure also supports principles of equality outlined in SDG 5.

Health and Participation

The event encourages a healthy lifestyle for thousands of runners. Ancillary events, such as the Health and Fitness Expo and the MCM Kids Run on Saturday, extend these health and well-being benefits to the broader community and families.

Inclusivity and Spectator Guidelines

The inclusion of specific start times for wheeled athletes and duo teams demonstrates a commitment to providing equal opportunities for participation. For spectators supporting the well-being of runners, new security and logistical restrictions are in place:

• Access to the starting line and Runners’ Village is restricted to registered participants only.
• Spectators are not permitted on the Arlington Memorial Bridge or Memorial Avenue to access the finish line.
• A designated Family Link-Up Zone is established near the Rosslyn Metro station for post-race reunions.
• Popular viewing areas remain accessible along the National Mall and in Crystal City.

Economic and Partnership Impact (SDG 8 & SDG 17)

The successful execution of the marathon relies on multi-sectoral collaboration and contributes to the local economy, reflecting the aims of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Local Economic Contribution

The influx of thousands of runners and spectators generates significant economic activity for the Washington, D.C., and Arlington metropolitan areas, supporting local businesses in the hospitality and service sectors.

Collaborative Partnerships for Success

The event is a prime example of SDG 17, requiring robust partnerships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the governments of the District of Columbia and Arlington County, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and community stakeholders to ensure a safe, successful, and sustainable event.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses the Marine Corps Marathon, a 26.2-mile race involving “thousands of runners.” Marathons are large-scale sporting events that promote physical activity, which is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and contributes to overall well-being. By providing information about this event, the article indirectly supports the promotion of health and fitness.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article places significant emphasis on urban mobility and public transportation. It details numerous road closures and strongly recommends the use of the city’s public transit system. Specific information is provided on extended Metro service hours (“Metro service will begin at 5 a.m.”), recommended stations for runners and spectators, and new payment methods. This focus on public transport as the “best way to get around” during a major urban event connects directly to the goal of creating sustainable and efficient urban transport systems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health
   • This target aims to “reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.” The marathon event described in the article serves as a platform for promoting physical activity, which is a key preventative measure against many non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular conditions and diabetes. The article’s focus on the “26.2-mile race” and the “thousands of runners” highlights a community-level engagement in health-promoting behavior.
2. Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all
   • This target focuses on improving public transport systems. The article directly supports this by detailing how the Metro system is being adapted to manage the influx of people for the marathon. It states, “Metro is the recommended way to get around,” and provides comprehensive details on early opening times, shuttle services from stations, and specific stops for viewing spots. This demonstrates the city’s infrastructure being utilized to provide an accessible and sustainable transport alternative to private vehicles during a large-scale event.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Implied Indicator for Target 3.4
   • While no official SDG indicator is explicitly mentioned, the article implies a way to measure engagement in health-promoting activities. The text states that the race is “expected to bring thousands of runners.” Therefore, the number of participants in the marathon can serve as an informal indicator of the population’s engagement in organized physical fitness events, which contributes to the goal of preventing non-communicable diseases.
2. Implied Indicators for Target 11.2
   • The article implies indicators related to the use and provision of public transport. It highlights that “Metro service will begin at 5 a.m. on race day” and that “trains will run every 6 to 12 minutes.” This points to two potential indicators:
     1. Provision of extended public transport services for major urban events: The early start time is a direct measure of the transit authority’s effort to accommodate the event.
     2. Use of public transportation by event participants and spectators: By strongly recommending the Metro and detailing its accessibility, the article encourages its use, which could be measured to assess the effectiveness of sustainable transport promotion.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: nbcwashington.com