Semper Fred 5k

Days Till Event 215
Date of Event 05.17.2025
The Semper Fred 5k is a family-friendly, all ages event in historic Fredericksburg, the day BEFORE the Marine Corps Historic Half.
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OMB #0712-0005

Expires on: 11/30/2026

Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 10 U.S.C. 5041, Headquarters, US Marine Corps; Marine Corps Order P1700.27B, Marine Corps Community Services Policy Manual (MCCS); Marine Corps Marathon Charter effective 27 Mar 2007; and SORN MMC00010 and SORN NM01700-1.

Purpose: To register, acknowledge and promote participation in Marine Corps Marathon Organization events. Information is used to plan, organize, coordinate and execute the events and communicate with the runners and volunteers before, during and after the event to include publication of finisher results, finisher certificates and race photographs, videos and motion pictures. Data and photographs, videotape, motion pictures and other recordings may be used by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization and its select sponsors for surveys, publications on websites, race programs and promotions, newspaper articles, newsletters and other race marketing purposes and runner enhancements.

Routine Uses: Information is accessed by Marine Corps Marathon Organization personnel with a need to know to meet the purpose. Information may be provided to television, online and print media to provide publicity on the Marine Corps Marathon Organization events and to selected sponsors approved by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization. A complete list and explanation of the applicable routine uses is published in the authorizing SORN available at https://dpcld.defense.gov/Privacy/SORNsIndex/DOD-wide-SORN-Article-View/Article/570650/mmc00010/.

Disclosure: Voluntary. However, failure to provide the information may result in ineligibility to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon Organization events.

Agency Disclosure Statement –
The public reporting burden for this collection of information, 0712-0005, is estimated to average 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or burden reduction suggestions to the Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, at whs.mc-alex.esd.mbx.dd-dod-information-collections@mail.mil. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number.

OVERVIEW

Back by popular demand! Lace-up your shoes and join us for a day filled with fun, laughter, and the steadfast dedication of the Marine Corps as you take on this 3.1-mile course. This isn’t just any 5K – it’s where bonds are built and solidified. Experience a new tradition with your family, friends, co-workers, and more – experience the Semper Fred 5K!

Think you have what it takes to meet Marine Corps standards? Want to see if you can beat the Marine Corps annual Physical Fitness Test 3-mile timed run? Show off that endurance and test yourself! The Marine Corps finish time standards are:

  • Males: 28 minutes or less
  • Females 31 minutes or less

New: The Esprit de Corps Challenge!

We proudly offer an experience to test the mental and physical endurance of our runners as they take on this NEW two-day challenge rooted in history, tradition, and the spirit of the Marine Corps.

Get those legs moving as you take on a 3.1-mile course Saturday morning by running the Semper Fred 5K. This easy run will get your motivated spirit soaring as you prepare for the main event.

On Sunday, runners will display their stamina as they take on the main event. The Marine Corps Historic Half offers a unique experience as they run through the historic and vibrant streets of Fredericksburg, Va.

Participants who complete this new test of endurance earn both event medals AND an exclusive challenge medal. Show your determination and take on the new Esprit de Corps Challenge this May!

Registration

Race One: Kick off your weekend by conquering the Semper Fred 5K. This 3.1-mile race will get your legs moving and your spirit soaring as you prepare for the main event.

Race Two: The next day, step up to the starting line of the Marine Corps Historic Half. This 13.1-mile race takes you through the rich history and vibrant streets of Fredericksburg, testing your endurance and determination.

Earn Your Title: Finish both races, and you’ll have earned the prestigious title of an Esprit de Corps Challenge finisher, a testament to your commitment and grit.

military registration

MCMO is proud to honor those who sacrifice for our country day in and day out with discounted Military Registration for the 2025 Semper Fed 5k and Challenge. Active Duty and Reservists should select the ‘Military Service Members’ category. The 20% discount is taken from the event’s early bird price and is applied to this category. Military registration will not fluctuate and will be open until the event is sold out.

Transfers

After registering, some runners determine they are unable to participate. These runners may opt to transfer their entry to a non-registered runner or change events through the Transfer Program. Runners often find transfer partners on the MCM Facebook page. Additionally, the transfer program offers registered runners the opportunity to switch between the events this weekend.

Refundable Registration

Participants who are concerned they may not be able to participate in a Marine Corps Marathon Organization event can pay an additional service fee (14% of all items purchased, excluding event processing fees) for a 100% refund. The service fee will be the only amount not refunded. Refundable registration must be purchased as part of the registration process. Participants cannot go back and purchase once registration is complete.

For more information on the perils covered by refundable registration visit: https://refundable.me/haku/.

Please note, refundable registration does not cover the following:

  • If the participant does not attend the event because they are concerned about the coronavirus (COVID-19) or are self-isolating without a positive COVID-19 test or other non-COVID-19 communicable diseases leading to quarantines or travel restrictions.
  • If event organizers cancel the race.
  • Processing fees associated with items (entry fee, ancillary products, etc.) purchased during the application process.

Corrections

Between registration and participation, updates to a runner’s personal information may be necessary. Runners may send an email with specific changes to mcmcustomerservice@usmc-mccs.org. The corrected participant information may require several days before appearing in the database.

Register for the Marine Corps Marathon Weekend

Recognized for impeccable organization on an iconic course managed by the US Marines in Arlington, VA and the nation’s capital, the Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the US and the world. Known as ‘the best marathon for beginners,’ the MCM is the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, earning its nickname, “The People’s Marathon.” The weekend also offers the MCM10K and MCM50K.