Cpl. Meloney R. Moses Quantico base sergeant major, Marine Sgt. Maj. Leon Thornton escorts Monica Calder and William Donlon to the finish of the 10k race.

The runners are the heart of the marathon, but the Marines are who make that heart beat.

Last year, about 1,400 Marines and Sailors supported the race and the tens of thousands of runners who participated.

‘‘Headquarters and Service Battalion has [more than] 2,500 Marines supporting this event,” said Maj. Alan Singleton, Marine HQSVCBn adjutant. ‘‘We own this event.”

Quantico Marines flooded the marathon grounds providing support such as hospitality and security.

‘‘I think it’s a good tool for the Marine Corps,” said Marine Master Sgt. Kevin Washington of Weapons Training Battalion. ‘‘Marines come out here and show their support.”

Marines from WTBn, The Basic School and Expeditionary Warfare School supported the marathon with hospitality and finish-line support.

‘‘When runners finish, we hand them water, Powerade and light refreshments,” Washington said.

Although many of the supporting Marines had to get started as early as two days in advance, it didn’t drain the event of its energy and excitement.

‘‘This is my third marathon,” said Singleton. ‘‘I love it. You can see the quality of people here. It makes me feel good to support these people.”

Soldiers, Airmen, Seamen, Family, friends, local residents and spectators all come together to make the MCM the largest marathon in the world that does not offer monetary rewards.

‘‘It’s amazing — the dedication of the people,” said Washington. ‘‘The people and the Marines is just a great atmosphere.”