Thousands Fill D.C. Streets for 37th Annual Marine Corps Marathon

 37th Annual Marine Corps Marathon was held Saturday October 28th

23,864 runners and thousands of spectators filled the streets of the nation’s capital for the historic 26.2-mile Marine Corps endurance challenge

As the rest of the east coast bunkered down for Hurricane Sandy, thousands of runners and spectators poured into the streets of Washington, D.C. for the 37th Annual Marine Corps Marathon held Saturday October 28th.

Published reports show 23,864 runners and thousands of spectators filled the streets of the nation’s capital for the historic 26.2-mile endurance challenge. Not all participants were technically able to run.  More than 140 wheelchair and handcyclists, some of whom lost limbs or suffered paralyzing injuries in various combat-related incidents, also competed in the challenge.

Two Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 22 MV-22B Ospreys flew from the Pentagon over the starting line moments before Lt. Col. Rob Riggle, notable actor and Marine Corps reservist, officially started the race.

First-time Marathon runner, Spc. Augustus Maiyo finished the 26.2 miles first.  His posting a time was 2 hours, 20 minutes, 20 seconds. More than 11,000 participants, ages 14 to 86,  competed in their first marathon along with Maiyo.