Runners hoping to take part in the 2014 Marine Corps Marathon will enter a lottery for a shot at a race slot.

The MCM has signed a multi-year deal with Richmond-based Race IT to handle registration,

As in years past, active duty military are at the front of the line, and can register for the race beginning Feb 19 for a limited number of entries. Lottery registration for the public starts Feb. 23.

This year’s Marine Corps Marathon, in March, sold out less than three hours after general registration online opened. The registration process was also plagued with technical problems.

Next year’s marathon will be the 39th annual Marine Corps event. The MCM is the third largest marathon in the country.

Next year’s marathon will be Saturday, Oct. 26, starting near the Smithsonian Metro station.