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Runners Honor Service, Sacrifice During Marine Corps Marathon

More than 23,000 runners hit the streets of Arlington, Va., and Washington yesterday to participate in the 49th Marine Corps Marathon. The race is a true test of endurance but also a way to honor the service and sacrifice of America's military. 

Runners go by a photograph sitting on a road.
Run to Remember
Runners participating in the 49th Marine Corps Marathon run through the “Wear Blue: Run to Remember' mile in Washington, Oct. 27, 2024. The course segment is a tribute to those who gave their lives for this country. The segment includes 225 posters with photographs of the fallen.
Credit: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joaquin Carlos Dela Torre
VIRIN: 241027-M-AU112-1022A
A group of athletes run along a street with large photographs along the side.
Run to Remember
Runners participating in the 49th Marine Corps Marathon run through the “Wear Blue: Run to Remember' mile in Washington, Oct. 27, 2024. The course segment is a tribute to those who gave their lives for this country. The segment includes 225 posters with photographs of the fallen.
Credit: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joaquin Carlos Dela Torre
VIRIN: 241027-M-AU112-1014A

One segment of the course was called "Wear Blue: Run to Remember." Adorned with 225 photographs of the fallen, it honored those who gave their lives for our country. 

A person in a wheelchair moves down a road.
Marathon Man
Tomy Parker makes his way to the finish line during the 49th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, Oct. 27, 2024.
Credit: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Casey Bonestroo
VIRIN: 241027-M-IV304-1509
A runner walks while holding a flag.
241027-M-IV304-1510
Diane Siegler participates in the 49th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, Oct. 27, 2024. The theme of this year’s marathon was “A bond that bridges generations - women who serve our nation and communities,” honoring and celebrating the women who have chosen to serve their country.
Credit: Lance Cpl. Casey Bonestroo
VIRIN: 241027-M-IV304-1510

Service members from all branches fought for the gold, but the winner was Marine Corps Maj. Kyle King who crossed the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 25 minutes, 6 seconds.

A runner smiles while holding a banner.
Marathon Winner
Marine Corps Maj. Kyle King poses for a photo with the finish line banner after winning the 49th Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, Va., Oct. 27, 2024.
Credit: Shannon Collins, DOD
VIRIN: 241027-N-JO829-1522A

And military kids weren't left out of the fun. They got to experience their own "Kids Run" the day before the big race.

Marines and kids run together in a parking area.
Kids Run
Kids race to the finish during the Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Oct. 26, 2024. The one-mile fun run offered children ages 5-12 the opportunity to run with Marines before joining their families for activities, entertainment and games.
Credit: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joaquin Carlos Dela Torre
VIRIN: 241026-M-AU112-1127C

The 26.2 mile race starts at the Pentagon before crossing over the Potomac River into Washington and then ending back in Virginia at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

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