Drop down on the ground and do 20 push ups! OK no problem. Go run 26.2 miles! UH I don’t think so! Almost everybody has the ability to run. But can we say that everybody can run a marathon? A physically fit individual would need to train for an event such as this. They would need to eat right, practice breathing, eating protein, having good running shoes, and practice running over 10 miles. It isn’t as easy as it sounds. Majority of people would be frightened or even be hesitant to even try running 5 miles! After all, 26.2 is nothing right? Wrong! People who are willing to run a marathon usually have a purpose. Whether it be for supporting a family member, for health related issues, or even because they are strong believers of the activity they will be participating in. They all have meaning one way or the other. All marathons may be called by a different name but they all have one purpose and that is that marathons support’s unity, community, and health.
Of the many different marathons, one stands out from them all. It is called the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) also known as the People’s Marathon. The Marine Corps Marathon has earned its nickname, The People’s Marathon, by being the largest marathon in the world that does not offer prize money. Yes, that is correct; this marathon is completely all charity! So why would anyone want to run 26.2 without any benefit? Well, because every individual who signs up to run, are contributing to a foundation in which they are running in the name for, or in honor of somebody. It is for a good cause and helps the community.
The Marine Corps Marathon was initially created by Colonel Jim Fowler who is the vice commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing, and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. Colonel Jim Fowler analyzed society’s perspectives about the military. After the Vietnam War, he saw that the perspectives declines hastily while at the same note, distance running was increasing steadily. His idea was to create a Marine Corps Reserve marathon. He wanted to serve the purpose as a way of recruiting and to give local Marines an opportunity to qualify for the legendary Boston Marathon. Fowler states “The name marathon evokes military history and is the kind of event which the public finds in consonance with the image of the Marines.” (History MCM story) With this idea, General Ryan helped Fowler wait for approval from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Louis Wilson. From here, all is history and the Marine Corps Marathon has been a run for 32 years.
The very first Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) was held on November 7, 1976 where 1,175 participants met at the start line in Arlington, Virginia and ended the inaugural race at the Marine Corps War Memorial, fondly referred to as the Iwo Jima monument, a fitting location for a Marine Corps event! The Iwo Jima monument is important to the marathon due to its history of how it became a victorious battle. During the battle at Iwo Jima which took place on February 19, 1956. A commander commanded some servicemen to raise a flag “so that every Marine on this cuddy island can see it” (history: Iwo Jima) the raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next five hundred years. This event is now among the most famous photographs in history. At that same note, a statue was built of the sox servicemen and now, the annual Marine Marathon begins and finishes at the World famous Marine Corps War Memorial Corps.
Now we can look at why is this marathon so popular? How has this marathon improved since 1976? From the very first marathon in 1976, the marathon changed its course so that all the future competitors would enjoy a scenic run. In addition to the course change, a wheelchair category was added which drew more attention to the marathon. Eventually as thousands and thousands of competitors has been participating in the Marine Corps Marathon and by 2006, there were 34,000 runners that registered for the race in 2006. Nearly 21,000 runners crossed to finish the same memorable site as the finishers in the first Marine Corps Marathon “filling runners with pride for not only their accomplishments, but for their country and their Corps.” (History: MCM story)
Throughout the years, charity partners such as Alzheimer’s Association, Armed Forces Foundation, Hope for the Warriors, TAPS organization, Tourette Syndrome Association, and many more, have collided with MCM as partners to raise money for those in need. The Marine Corps Marathon is a large fundraiser to help organizations such as these to be more helpful to the community and to also get more attention from the public eye. Running the marathon definitely promotes a good community deed.
So then we ask why is this marathon still different from other marathons? Specifically; the Boston Marathon? The Boston marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events. “It has distinguished itself as the pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity and method of gaining entry into the race.” (History: bostonmarathon.com) To qualify for the Boston Marathon, one must obtain a specific time. The age range varies between men and woman among the time qualifications. This marathon offers prize money and recognition while the Marine Corps marathon is only fundraising. Difference is: you get money in one, and you support the community with the other.
Why is this important to me? I have been apart of a family who lost their son/brother in Afghanistan. He was killed in action and now is honored greatly for the valor he gave to his team members as well as for his country. The family, for the past couple of years, has been coping with the loss. Everything that has been able to give back to the military, they have done. That is, if there was any chance to say thank-you to those that risk their lives for America, we can do something to repay them. If it costs to run 26.2 miles to say “I support you.” They will certainly do that. In my perspective, this is very influential and encouraging to know that people care. The feeling when one supports another is very heartfelt and creates unity because others are going through the same situation also. It feels as though a marathon is a huge family because love, care, and support are given to one another throughout the race. Stranger or not, everyone cheers for everybody and in the end another huge accomplishment has been achieved.
From my research, I have analyzed pictures, quotes, and even interviewed people who ran the Marine Corps Marathon. From more critiquing on these sources, I hope to develop an on going argument in which furthers my knowledge about the marathons and how it continues to influence society. Discourse databases include skyline (Marine Corps historical pamphlet), wikipedia, and LexisNexis. From these resources, my information will need to be broadened and analyzed to its maximum. I will also be speaking with family members who have gone through the experiences of a losing a soldier. Perhaps, also speaking to those that have ran a marathon. This will also help me incorporate the fundamentals of this research proposal.
For the upcoming papers, I will create questions based on my topic to be able to ask and answer them in an analysis form. Because my topic does pertain to just one solo book, I will need to search for related articles through the internet, through encyclopedias, and through history books. This will help me guide my way though my upcoming papers. For the following weeks, Every Monday, I will finish 2 categories with questions, and background information all finished. That means, I will have to formulate questions, topics, and subtopics and I will finish them within a weeks time. This will allow me to formulate the following papers in a timely manner.
The Marine Corps Marathon has been very influential filled with heartfelt achievements. It is a delight to have witnessed a community that supports each other. Through health, pride, and achievement the Marine Corps Marathon has shown people that good overcomes the evil. Knowing where it comes from and how it came about is enlightening and can be encouraging to those that intend to run a marathon. A marathon supports the community and one can take pride in their action by helping organizations raise money for those that need help.
Works Cited
Network, Active."Marine Corps Marathon, The People's Marathon." http://www.marinemarathon.com/. 2006. Marine Marathon. 20 June 2007. www.marinemarathon.com/page11
Tragedy Assistance Program for survivors. "TAPS Tragedy Assistance Program for survivors" http://www.taps.org/. 2007. http://www.taps.org20/. 20 June 2007
Dietz, Eric. Interview. 16 June. 2007
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