The Marine Corps Marathon has a great vibe around it (more below). Top tips would be: it is quite a way from the kit drop vans (which are super efficient) to the start and it is usually cold, so do take some throw-away clothing. Plus do take your phone with you to get some pictures of the views, as they are amazing! And pack your own race nutrition - I did not see any out on the course - only water and sports drink. You run the best bits of Washington DC - starting and finishing at the legendary Arlington cemetery. The whole marathon is organised and run by the marine corps, from the registration, to parachutists dropping in with USA flags to the national anthem at the start, marshals and supporters throughout and a marine to present your medal and salute you at the end (and it is perhaps the nicest medal you will ever get as well as a insulated jacket, a packed lunch box and loads of food & drink in the goody bag). The most emotional part is the 'blue mile' at around the half-way point, where every yard on both sides of the road there is a picture of a marine with their name, age, and when and where they were killed and then you come through to the supporters of the benevolent fund all cheering louder than you can imagine and all waving flags. It is such a contrast, as the whole field runs through it in silence reading the names and then into the wall of sound. Easy to get to and from by public transport for runners and supporters alike - and the 10km event is also very well supported and covers some of the best locations. Definitely a bucket-list event.