Most runners knew it was just a matter of time before the much-loved Marine Corps Marathon (held in October) would have to cancel as well. Similar to other major marathons, they have set up some nice options for runners that had planned on participating this year.
The 2020 Marine Corps Marathon is Canceled – Here Are the Options
First of all, like many other events, they are taking the events virtual. But, for those that just do not see a virtual event as something they want to do, there are refunds and deferments available! Here is the information from the MCM organizers.
Virtual Marine Corps Marathon Events
Like so many others, they are having a virtual event. For those interested, you can do this and still get a refund of your regular fee, minus the $45 fee for the marathon. Unlike the Boston Marathon, the MCM is giving more time to complete the virtual race. Runners have from October 1 until November 10 (the Marine Corps birthday) to complete the 26.2 miles (or 50K if you choose that option) in one go.
All finishers will still get a participant shirt, commemorative bib, and a patch/finisher medal (depending on the event completed).
Link for Virtual Marathon Option
Full Refund
Even if you want to do the virtual option, you can still take the full refund and then just enroll and pay the $45 yourself. But, if you just want all of the money back, the MCM is offering a full refund – and that will include things like the carbo dining tickets and bib mail out, if you had opted for those and purchased them.
This is certainly good news since the MCM is not a cheap marathon! The instructions for obtaining a full refund will be e-mailed to participants.
Those refunds will start being processed on August 6 and MCM is saying it could take between 4-6 weeks for the refunds to go out. Runners will not receive a refund of the processing fee.
Defer to a Future Year
If you want to defer to another running of the MCM, that is also an option open to you. You can defer until the Marine Corps Marathon that would take place in years 2021, 2022, or 2023. This is really a good option since the MCM is a lottery event. Not only that, but marathon entry fees typically go up each year, even just a little, so you are able to lock in what you paid for a future year!
If you had already decided to defer and paid the $30 deferment fee, you will now receive an automatic refund for that amount.
Bottom Line
I am very sorry to all who will not be able to run the live events this year. This was one race I have always wanted to do but have never been able to do since the dates do not work. But, at least you can still take advantage of the cool 45th anniversary Marine Corps Marathon medal (that will have sand from Iwo Jima in it!) by running the virtual marathon!
