Washington Marathon 2026
The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., is not like any other marathon. Organized annually by the U.S. Army since 1976, it brings together more than 30,000 runners on a course nicknamed the “Marathon of the Monuments,” passing the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the Capitol Building, Georgetown, the Lincoln Memorial, and finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial. There are no prizes, no elite runners competing for a paycheck: just honor, courage, and pushing personal limits for all levels.
Planet-Tours has been organizing your marathon trip to Washington for over 30 years: direct flight Paris CDG – Washington DC with Air France, Melrose Georgetown Hotel ★★★★ in the capital’s most elegant neighborhood, transfers, and support from our team of passionate runners. All you have to do is run.
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Medical certificate not required
- Registration fees: see RATES
Marathon
Marathon Overview
The Washington DC Marathon (Marine Corps Marathon) is organized annually by the US Army. The aim of the US Marines is to highlight the honor, courage and commitment of each individual. The organization offers no financial rewards for the winners. They want them to be accessible to as many people as possible, which is why they are so popular with runners of all levels. It’s easy to understand why they’re known as the Marine Corps Marathon. With over 30,000 participants registered each year, the enthusiasm for these races guarantees a crazy atmosphere on the course.
You’ll start the Washington DC Marathon in Arlington, on the opposite side of the US capital from the National Cemetery and the Pentagon. Afterwards, you’ll understand why this legendary race is nicknamed the “Marathon of the Monuments “. Whether it’s the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the Capitol, the historic Georgetown district, the Crystal City Tower, Union Station or the finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Washington Marathon circuit is the perfect way to take in the iconic sights of the American capital.
The Marine Corps Marathon is nicknamed “The People’s Marathon” for a reason: there’s no strict time limit, no qualification required, and the military atmosphere fosters a unique sense of camaraderie among the runners. Uniformed Marines line the course and cheer on every participant all the way to the finish line. It’s an experience like no other in the world of running.
The marathon takes place at the end of October, an ideal time to discover Washington, D.C., in its autumnal colors, with red and orange leaves in the major parks and avenues. Accompanying persons will find no shortage of activities: the Smithsonian Museum, Capitol Hill, the National Mall, the Georgetown waterfront…
Take advantage of the popularity of this marathon or its 10 kms to live a unique experience with Planet Tours. We guarantee your registration for the race. Whether you’re an accompanying person or a runner, you’ll benefit from the advice of our team of sports enthusiasts.
Why run the Marine Corps Marathon with Planet-Tours?
The Marine Corps Marathon operates by lottery, and demand far exceeds supply each year. By booking your marathon trip to Washington with Planet-Tours, your race number is guaranteed as soon as you register, without waiting for the official lottery results.
Our turnkey package includes: direct flight Paris CDG – Washington DC with Air France, 5 nights at the Melrose Georgetown Hotel ★★★★ in the historic Georgetown district (15 minutes by metro from the starting line), American breakfasts, airport/hotel transfers, and support from our on-site running team.
Whether you are a runner or a supporter, Washington DC in October is a dream destination. Planet-Tours takes care of the rest.
Course
Marathon course
2026 rates
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 90 days before departure.
Departure from Paris-CDG on Thursday, October 23 at 12:25 PM, arrival in Washington DC at 2:55 PM.
Return from Washington on Tuesday, October 27 at 6:35 PM, arrival at Paris-CDG at 6:55 AM on Wednesday, October 28.
Schedules are given for reference only and are subject to change.
These prices include/ do not include
- The trip includes a round-trip direct flight with Air France.
- One checked baggage item weighing 23kg
- Round-trip airport/hotel transfers
- 5 nights at the Melrose Georgetown Hotel HOTEL**** and 4 American breakfasts (we didn’t feel it necessary to reserve breakfast for you on race day as the restaurant will still be closed. You can pay for it on the spot if you need to, or bring some food the day before).
- Assistance from our representative
- Airport taxes: €450 as of today
- A free Planet Tours backpack and jersey
- Marathon registration: €275, to be booked at the time of your order with us
- Cancellation/loss of luggage insurance: €80 per person/ with HEALTH PROTECTION extension included: €120
- Personal expenses and hotel minibar charges
- ESTA application: $40 – Authorization to enter the United States, to be requested on the official government website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta)
Important: please read carefully
If you are traveling alone and ask to share your room with another rider, we will try to accommodate your request, provided we have another participant who has expressed the same wish. Failing this, you will be upgraded to a single room at the single room rate. Triple and quadruple rooms are not available. If you select these types of room, please be aware that we will not be able to satisfy your request and that a handling fee will be retained to refund your registration. The room will be equipped with a normal bed and a fold-away bed. ATTENTION: limited quantities.
Quadruple rooms consist of 2 double beds (130 cm each), and triple rooms consist of 1 double bed (130 cm) and 1 single bed. They are only offered to people who know each other well or to families.
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 90 days before departure.
This option is available for people who wish to travel on their own.
These prices include/ do not include
- 5 nights at the Melrose Georgetown Hotel HOTEL**** and 4 American breakfasts (we didn’t feel it necessary to reserve breakfast for you on race day as the restaurant will still be closed. You can pay for it on the spot if you need to, or bring some food the day before).
- Assistance from our representative
- A free Planet Tours backpack and jersey
- Marathon registration: €275, to be booked at the time of your order with us
Cancellation/baggage insurance: €80 per person / with the HEALTH PROTECTION extension included: €120 - Personal expenses and hotel minibar charges
- ESTA application: $40 – Authorization to enter the United States, to be requested on the official government website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta)
- Delivery of your Planet Tours backpacks and shirts: €18 (If you do not choose this option, your bag can be collected directly at the agency. It will not be handed out at the hotel.)
Important: please read carefully
If you are traveling alone and ask to share your room with another rider, we will try to accommodate your request, provided we have another participant who has expressed the same wish. Failing this, you will be upgraded to a single room at the single room rate. Triple and quadruple rooms are not available. If you select these types of room, please be aware that we will not be able to satisfy your request and that a handling fee will be retained to refund your registration. The room will be equipped with a normal bed and a fold-away bed. ATTENTION: limited quantities.
Quadruple rooms consist of 2 double beds (130 cm each), and triple rooms consist of 1 double bed (130 cm) and 1 single bed. They are only offered to people who know each other well or to families.
Our Hotel
Melrose Georgetown Hotel****
To make your stay as enjoyable as possible, we’ve selected the Melrose Georgetown Hotel****. Discover our recently renovated, fully-equipped rooms. They feature all the comforts you’ll need for a pleasant stay. You’ll be served an American breakfast (except on Sundays), so you can set off for the capital in good shape.
Located in the historic, charming and chic Georgetowndistrict of Washington DC, this complex’s location is the perfect compromise for making the most of your trip. Greatly appreciated by travelers, runners and companions alike can easily discover this great city by transport or on foot, as you wish. In the evening, you can relax in a café-bar or one of the many fine restaurants in this lively district. The nearest metro station is a 3-minute walk from the hotel. You can reach the marathon starting area in 15 minutes.
Did you know?
Best times
You can find the terms and conditions of this trip here