The 39th Marine Corps Marathon was held on Sunday, Oct. 26, in Washington, D.C. Runners from all over the world assembled to experience the physical challenge – a challenge meant to symbolize the obstacles experienced by Marines every day.
According to Military Times, over 30,000 people signed up to participate in the marathon as well as the 10 kilometer race. This number included 8,000 servicemembers, 3,700 of which were active duty. The Marine Corps specifically was represented by 3,200 runners.
The first-place winner was Uganda native and active duty U.S. Army specialist in the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, Samuel Kosgei. He completed the race with a time of 2:22. The female champion was also a servicemember – Army 2nd Lt. Meghan Curran. Military Times reported that when she started to slow down around mile 20, she joined up with a group of Marines that inspired her to pull through.
Marine Col. David Maxwell was a proud spectator at the event.
"It takes courage to sign up in the first place, facing the physical and mental challenges that you will endure. As Marines, we know full well what it means to face a challenge and overcome it," he told Military Times about the symbolic importance of the race.