Schmidt to run Marine Corps Marathon

Two years ago, Rep. Jean Schmidt said on the House floor during a debate on the Iraq war that "cowards cut and run, Marines never do."

Well, as it turns out, Marines do run – in the Marine Corps Marathon, that is.

And this year, Schmidt herself plans to run with them.

Speaking to the Enquirer before Sunday's race, the congresswoman said she hoped to finish the 26.3-mile race under four hours. Her personal best was 3:19 in the Columbus Marathon in 1993.

The race will be Schmidt's 69th marathon after running the Marine Corps Marathon once before in 1998.

This time, however, Schmidt will be running as a member of Congress.

"I'm proud that I can do this in our nation's capital and to be serving in Congress while I am doing this is an extra special treat," she said.

But as rain pelted down on Washington, she had just one request: "I want good weather!"

CLICK HERE to see The Washington Post's marathon guide, which includes a profile of Schmidt and video of her running.