Government shutdown threatens Marine Corps Marathon

UPDATE: The Marine Corps Marathon is on!

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The 38th Marine Corps Marathon is scheduled for October 27, but if the government shutdown is still on-going, it may not be run. From the MCM website:

Since the government shutdown occurred, the Marine Corps Marathon continues its coordination with hopes of a conclusion in time to host the event without impact. Without a resolution to the government shutdown this week, the MCM as planned is in jeopardy of being cancelled.

While still considering and exploring all possible options, the MCM has targeted this Saturday, October 19 as the date to officially notify runners of the status of the event. It is sincerely the hope of everyone associated with the organization that MCM participants can run as planned.

The MCM had more than 23,000 finishers the 26.2 miles last year, making it one of the country's bigger marathons. Race officials are holding out hope that a resolution can be reached by Saturday, but Lt. Dave Green of the Arlington County Police Department is less optimistic:

"I don't want to put people in panic mode, but if as of Friday evening the government is still closed, it's probably not going to happen."

The Army 10-Miler, another race in the Marine Corps series set for this Sunday, had to alter its course to avoid National Park Service land.