RUNNING USA – Marine Corps Marathon Offers Registration Discount to Service Members – Geico teams with MCM to offer 15 percent discount January 19 – February 22

QUANTICO, Va. – (January 6, 2011) – Beginning at noon on Wednesday, January 19, active duty and reserve military members can register for the 36th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) online at www.marinemarathon.com, over one month before online registration opens to the public.

From January 19 through February 22, active duty and reserve personnel will receive a discount of $13.50 and pay $76.50 to register for the 2011 MCM to be held on Sunday, October 30. The 15 percent discount offered in partnership with MCM sponsor Geico, reflects the company's popular slogan "15 minutes can save you 15 percent or more on car insurance."

"Geico has been a strong supporter of military service members and their families for 75 years," says Mike Baker, GEICO director of military marketing. "Teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps for a prestigious event such as the Marine Corps Marathon shows GEICO's ongoing commitment to serve the broader military community."

Military members registering after February 22 will pay the full $90 public registration cost.

"The Marine Corps Marathon and Geico offer this discount for one month to allow military members throughout the world dedicated time to register for 'The People's Marathon', which typically is a fast sell out," says Rick Nealis, MCM Director. "In 2010, the MCM experienced the largest participation to date with 21,948 finishers, many of who are members of the military – including the 2010 top finisher, Jacob Bradosky, who is a second lieutenant in the Air Force."

The 2011 Marine Corps Marathon will be open to 30,000 registered participants. The marathon will start in Arlington, VA, wind through the nation's capital and cross the scenic Potomac River before heading back into Northern Virginia for the iconic finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Voted the best marathon for families, the Marine Corps Marathon honors the dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism of its participants. Runners from all walks of life participate in the largest marathon not to offer prize money, earning the name, "The People's Marathon". According to Running USA, MCM is the fifth largest marathon in the United States and the ninth largest in the world. The 36th MCM will be held on Sunday, October 30, in Arlington, VA.

RUNNING USA