Team Women Run Club leader Natalie Daniels pulled together one of the most pro-woman, never-quit weekends ever at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.
From shakeout runs to sign-making, to a roaring cheering section and a post-race celebration, her energy was an inspiration to us all.
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) has long been a bucket-list race—not just for its incredible course through the nation’s capital and the pride we feel for our Marines, but for the thousands of women who show up to prove just how strong and determined they are. Women make up nearly half the field at MCM each year, and run clubs like Team Women are driving that growth.
Run clubs now account for nearly half of all race registrations at major endurance events, and this weekend showed why: the community can turn a grueling 26.2 miles into a shared victory.
Team Women’s own Julia Hutson, a sailor and law enforcement officer, pictured below at the Iwo Jima Memorial, shared:
“It was a PR for me, and it’s actually going to be my final marathon, as I found out my degenerative disc disease has progressed quite a bit, along with my two herniated lumbar discs, which worsened after a wreck on duty this year. I ran the Chicago Marathon in 2022, ten months after giving birth to my now almost three-year-old daughter. I ran it in 4:13 and was so proud, as a woman, that I could have pushed my body so soon to run a marathon in less than a year after having a baby. After my wreck earlier this year, I wasn’t sure I’d make it to the start line—I had already signed up, but there were several months when I couldn’t exercise at all due to the injury sustained. But I just remained persistent with physical therapy and trusted I could come back. I wound up having a really good training cycle but never imagined I could run as fast as I did. Ended up with a 32-minute PR! Absolutely wild. The spectators and environment definitely changed the game and made every step worth it.”
Cheering in Crystal City
On Sunday, Natalie and the crew set up a sign-making station and cheering section in Crystal City, just a few miles from the finish line.
Among the many inspiring moments was meeting a runner who’s completed 14 marathons, 6 of the 7 World Majors, and boasts a personal best of 3:05 — all while living with cerebral palsy. He shared how he’s working to qualify for Boston on his own terms. “I want to earn it,” he said. “No exceptions.”
Post-Race Party at Butterworth’s
After the finish line, it was time to celebrate. Butterworth’s hosted the official Team Women After Party, where runners showed off their medals, traded race stories, and toasted to a weekend of strength.
Huge thanks to the USMC, Natalie and the Team Women community.
