	Start Marathons and other road races are traditionally started with a pistol. The Marine Corps Marathon boasts a slightly bigger starting gun: A 105mm Howitzer. The 2014 starting ceremonies included Medal of Honor recipient, Kyle Carpenter, parachuting to the start and delivering a 7,800 square-foot American flag. (Lin, C. J. "Big Day for Army Runners at 39th Marine Corps Marathon." McClatchy - Tribune Business NewsOct 26 2014. ProQuest. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.)