Marine Corps Marathon 2010

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In its long history, the MCM has not only made a name for itself in sheer size as the 4th largest US Marathon and 8th in the world, but stands as the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, earning its nickname, "The People's Marathon." Thirty-four yea...rs of MCM history can all be traced back to one man Colonel Jim Fowler, and big idea. According to Fowler, "After the Vietnam War, popularity of the military services declined in the eyes of many. At the same time, distance running was gaining considerable positive attention." This thought process lead Fowler to write a memo to his superior, General Michael Ryan, dated 17 October 1975, outlining his idea for a Marine Corps Reserve Marathon, to promote community goodwill, showcase the Marine Corps, serve as a recruiting tool and finally, to give local Marines an opportunity to qualify for the legendary Boston Marathon. Fowler’s memo stated, “The name marathon evokes military history and is the kind of event which the public finds in consonance with the image of the Marines." General Ryan loved the concept and helped it receive approval from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Louis Wilson. With the approval of the CMC, the planning process began. Word of the marathon spread quickly through the ranks, reaching as high as the Secretary of the Navy, William J. Middendorf, who had enthusiastically embraced the event and donated a handsome trophy to be awarded to the overall winner. With the backing of the Secretary of the Navy, many people jumped aboard the Marathon bandwagon. When Gunnery Sergeant Alex Breckinridge, a member of the 1960 Olympic Marathon Team heard about the Marathon, he too wanted to do his part to ensure the success of the Marathon. Fowler observed "the presence of Alex Breckinridge during meetings with the local jurisdictions was of incalculable value. read more