FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         
                                         Contact: Beth Cline
                                                  (703) 432-1165
                                                  



                30th Marine Corps Marathon Sells Out 
               in Record Time of 62 Hours, 19 Minutes


QUANTICO, Va. - (April 12, 2005) - The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) kicked 
off its 30th year by establishing a new record for the fastest close out of 
registration. Welcoming an expanded race field of 30,000 runners, the MCM 
reached capacity in 62 hours, 19 minutes at 2:19pm on Friday, April 8, 
2005.

Online rolling registration opened at midnight (00:00:01 military time) on 
Wednesday, April 6 on www.MarineMarathon.com. Would-be marathoners 
were invited to log on to the website and click on the registration link 
for entry into the October 30 event.

The race began 207 days early, when thousands of runners hit the MCM 
website to gain a spot in the annual marathon. Richard Holt of Tuscaloosa, 
Ala. was the first runner to be registered at one second past midnight. 
3,220 runners or nearly one runner per second were registered in the first 
hour of rolling registration.

"Runners in this 30th Anniversary MCM cover a wide range of competitors 
spanning the globe," said Rick Nealis, Race Director. "The race field of 
30,000 is made up of a combination of the MCM runners club, 2004 
deferments, online registrants and our important charity partner program."

Limited numbers of entries remain through the MCM partnership program. 
Visit the MCM charity partner page on www.MarineMarathon.com for more 
information.

The 30th MCM weekend includes the two-day Runners' Expo (in a new location 
- DC Armory), the Healthy Kids Fun Run, MCM8K, Crystal City Street 
Spectacular and more exciting anniversary happenings.

The Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, 
sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 300,000 civilian 
and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly 
earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." The 30th Marine 
Corps Marathon will be held on October 30, 2005.

For media information, contact Beth Cline, Marine Corps Marathon Public 
Relations Coordinator at (703) 432-1165 or .








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