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.)