If the Marine Corps Marathon just isn't enough of a challenge for you, you can soon tack on a few more miles and add a new ultra-run to your bucket list.
The marathon's first-ever 50-kilometer race will be held Oct. 27, race officials announced Wednesday. Registration for the new race opens Feb. 27 at noon Eastern time to 500 runners, and officials expect the slots to fill up quickly.
To complete the race successfully, runners will have to maintain a pace of 11-and-a-half minutes for the first 14 miles along Rock Creek Parkway, according to a release. After reaching that location, runners can slow their pace to 14 minutes per mile.
The race course will feature the same amenities marathoners have come to expect, including water and food stations and shuttles. The Marine Corps Marathon and 10K race will be held the same day.
The ultra-run will share portions of the marathon course, which winds along the National Mall and other iconic spots in the Washington, D.C., area. Those completing both the ultra-run and the marathon will finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.
The cost of the race is $200, and those who finish in time may apply the fee toward a Marine Corps Marathon Runners Club membership. That exclusive group gives runners guaranteed annual access to the marathon registration.
Runners participating in the inaugural ultra-run will receive a specially designed quarter-zip shirt and commemorative bib.
-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.
