Over 30,000 people sign up and run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. every year. They range from the age of 14 to 97. They come from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 50 countries. Some are first-time marathoners who just want to finish 26.2 miles; some run it every year as a tradition; some run in tribute to a fallen friend or family member; some run on teams; some run it on a dare or challenge; some try to better their personal times; some try to better their placements; a few try to win it; and two – one male and one female – actually do win it each year.
The Marine Corps Marathon record was set in 1987 when Jeff Scuffins finished the course in 2:14:01. Interestingly, it was his first Marathon.
The oldest person to complete this Marathon was T. Fred Harvey, a Marine Corps Silver Star Iwo Jima Veteran in 2020 (this Marathon was held virtually due to COVID). It was also his first marathon, and he completed it in a wheelchair with a time of 5 hours and 20 minutes.
Oh, I forgot to mention that this event draws over 100,000 spectators, who cheer on the runners on an often-frigid morning in late October in our Nation’s Capital. It is the largest Community Relations event conducted annually by the United States Marine Corps.
So, this is all very interesting, but you may wonder why I am writing about the Marine Corps Marathon in American Dancer.
Let me start by saying I never ran a Marathon. I was a runner and trained for one but ended up deploying to Desert Storm before I was able to do it. However, as a Marine Public Affairs Officer, I handled Media Operations for three Marine Corps Marathons. I’ve also performed the opening National Anthem three times and have supported my husband, Mike, through five of his 13 Marathons. I can say that standing by the starting line is amazing as all the participants line up and then stand silently as the National Anthem soars out. Then, the cannons sound, and the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps breaks into multiple repeats of the Marine Corps Hymn as the runners take off. It is exciting, invigorating, and fascinating.
What is the draw? Why do 30,000 people travel from all over the world and pay $200 for the opportunity to put themselves through 26.2 grueling miles every year? I mentioned a few reasons above, but most of them do it just to do it! At the other end, the finish line, some celebrate, some rejoice, some pray, some hug, some cry, many stagger, and many just drop. But they all have something in common – Accomplishment! They are all in pain, but they are all smiling. They Just Did It!
USA Dance is currently down to fewer than 6,000 members from an organization that once boasted 19,000 members and 160 chapters across 50 states. Like the runners, we are people from all walks of life. We, however, come together because we like dancing. We enjoy learning it, doing it, watching it, the challenge of it, the benefits of it, and being around others who share it with us. We can participate as often or as little as we wish. Some enjoy it only socially, some enjoy it as a workout, and some like to compete in glittery and glamorous costumes. We are of all ages and come from all walks of life, from students to doctors, corporate presidents, and senior academic officials. We are Amateurs and Professionals. We are Smooth dancers, Rhythm dancers, Standard dancers, Latin dancers, Country Western dancers, and Breakers.
Interestingly, we, the members of USA Dance, all know people like us. People who love to dance, whether it is socially or competitively. But for some reason, we fail to mention to them that there is an organization that is made just for them. We forget to inspire old members to rejoin, we don’t try to recruit new dancers, and we don’t invite friends and family to come cheer for us at social showcases and competitions. Instead, we wonder why there are fewer members at Social Dances and fewer competitors at the competitions, and we ask the leadership what they are doing about it.
As for those who have been away, remember that the first step to dancing is showing up at the event and putting on your shoes. Quit saying…I don’t remember how or we are not ready. The second step is stepping onto the floor, managing your expectations, and getting through it. Certainly, 97-year-old T. Fred Harvey did not plan to win the 2020 Marathon. He like almost 30,000 others that day wanted to be part of it. They all wanted to feel the rush at the starting line, the support of the 100,000 spectators, and the accomplishment at the finish line. He wanted to Just Do It.
Please note that I’m not suggesting that you go run 26.2 grueling miles next October. I’m just suggesting that you dust off your dance shoes and put them on. The rest will come. If you are already one of those people comfortable in your shoes, ask a new person or returning person for a dance. If you are competing, invite your fellow competitors to join you or welcome a new couple when you see them. Of course, you may be a fierce competitor, but you can also be a great Ambassador. After all, if it was a Marathon, only two people would win out of 30,000.
Let’s talk about our Community Relations for a moment. The Marine Corps Marathon invites people to watch and support runners. Surely, we have a far more picturesque topic. Dancers, Social Chapters, and Competition Organizers: send in your dance photos and videos (taken horizontally) to American Dancer (Rose-Ann Lynch at americandancer@usadance.org) and Member-Forum. We ask you also to mention USA Dance in your personal dance posts. These could be your practice sessions, social dances, showcases, or competitions. Let others see what you are doing. And don’t forget to invite your outside friends and family members to join you for a Holiday Social or local competition.
Social Chapters, consider reaching outside of your chapters when advertising your dances — consider community calendars, church bulletins, veterans’ organizations, homeschoolers, and local schools. Make a few of your theme parties more outward-facing – bring a friend, family night, a free evening for first-timers, or a teenage night. Reach out to a local assisted living or senior community center and ask them if you may hold your monthly event for them at their facility, inviting them all to participate or watch. The residents will love it, and you might gain new members. Find the local Swing group, Square Dance group, Theatre Group, Line Dancers, or students from a ballet studio and have an evening of mixed dancing – they dance, and then you dance, with a few lessons and mixers in between. Everyone can try and learn from that, and it will build lasting friendships.
Competition organizers, consider what your dancers are looking for and be responsive. It starts with a good floor and great music, but there are other things. For example, dancers and photographers have asked for good lighting; Seniors IV/V/VI have asked not to be combined with Senior Adults/Senior I. Why not accommodate those requests? Consider your spectator opportunities — Invite local senior communities, schools, colleges, military bases, veteran organizations, churches, etc. It will bring money to your competition, and you might be surprised how quickly you fill up your seats with a cheering crowd.
USA Dance, it is time to be inclusive, not exclusive.
By the way, the Marine Corps Marathon, also known as the People’s Marathon, allows anyone to compete. There is no need to qualify to run the 26.2 miles, and there is no need for any sort of connection to the military. (There is, however, a lottery system used for entrance because the city permit only allows for 30,000 participants. I wonder how many more there would be.)
There is also no prize money. In fact, it is the largest Marathon in the World with no prize money. Instead, 30,000 people Just Do It!
Perhaps in 2025, we should all consider the Just Do It approach.
