Marine Corps Marathon tweaks course route

ARLINGTON, VA. — The popular Marine Corps Marathon is tweaking its route this year to give participants a flatter course and a new, longer approach to the U.S. Capitol.

The new route announced Tuesday takes runners on a right turn right coming off the Key Bridge from Virginia into the heart of Georgetown. Turning right instead of left eliminates a 150-foot grade between miles six and nine and alleviates a potential source of congestion.

A major incline at the start of the race and a lesser one toward the finish remain in place.

The marathon has been held annually since 1976 and takes place this year on Oct. 27. It is now the third largest in the country, with 30,000 participants from dozens of countries.