The Marine Corps Historic Half is perfectly situated halfway between the capital of the Commonwealth in Richmond and the nation’s capital. The hugely popular Marine Corps Historic Half has made historic Fredericksburg a fashionable spring weekend getaway.
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Overview
Marine Corps Historic Half
Details Coming Soon
Dates and details for the next event are TBD. Check back soon for registration, course, and race day information.
Date
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Registration
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About the Event
It’s the greatest half in history! Run through historic Fredericksburg, VA, from the retail hub of Central Park, through quaint downtown shops and restaurants, up Hospital Hill to a finish line bathed in stars and stripes.
It’s a 13.1 mile journey with support from the U.S. Marines, featuring a fantastic finisher medal, a technical participant shirt, and a start ceremony concluding with the blast of a howitzer.
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OMB #0712-0005 — Expires on 11/30/2026 (Privacy Act Statement)
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
The 13.1 mile run in Fredericksburg, VA on May 17, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. boasts a fantastic finisher medal, terrific technical participant shirt and a start ceremony concluding with the blast of a howitzer. Registration is now open.
The required pace for runners is 17:30 min per mile.
Registration
It’s the greatest half in history! Run through historic Fredericksburg from the retail hub of Central Park, through quaint downtown shops and restaurants, up Hospital Hill to a finish line bathed in stars and stripes. It’s a 13.1 mile journey with support from the U.S. Marines. Participants must be 14 years or older and able to maintain 17:30 minute mile pace.
MCMO is proud to honor those who sacrifice for our country day in and day out with discounted Military Registration for the 2026 Marine Corps Historic Half. Active Duty and Reservists should select the ‘Military Service Members’ category. The discount is taken from the event’s price and is applied to this category. Military registration will not fluctuate and will be open until the event is sold out.
We proudly offer an experience to test the mental and physical endurance of our runners as they take on this 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!
Participants who wish to participate in the challenge must register within the challenge category.
Get ready to train together for MCMO Historic Half Training Club, our official training challenge for the Marine Corps Historic Half! From April 6 – May 17, 2026, use the Count.It Journey app to log your activity, hit weekly running and cross-training targets, and earn points as you prepare for race day. Every step and workout pushes you — and your team — closer to peak performance. Connect your fitness tracker or app to sync activity automatically, compete on the leaderboard, and earn a prize if you complete the overall challenge. Go for the gold!
Individuals may do the challenge solo. If you would prefer to run as a team: To form a team follow these instructions:
The “team organizer” must tell Count.It the team name.
Count.It will add the team to the challenge.
That organizer and any others can join their team.
Teams will be 4-10 people deep.
Please contact the Count.It Team for any questions.
In 2026, the Semper Fidelis Challenge will once again encapsulate the Marine Corps Marathon Organization’s two premiere events and bring them together in an exciting new way. The Semper Fidelis Challenge will now be available as a bundle! The bundle is sold out!
Runners who qualify for the challenge will complete the following live events:
Finishers will receive both event medals, plus an exclusive challenge medal.
Distinguished Participant
In 2026, runners can now register for all five event weekends at one time with the 2026 Distinguished Participant bundle. Take on the Marine Corps 17.75K, Marine Corps Historic Half, Quantico 12K, Marine Corps Marathon and the Turkey Trot and earn a special medal!
Those who would like to participate in the Semper Fidelis Challenge as well as Distinguished Participant should register for the DP Bundle and ensure that they are registering for the Marine Corps Historic Half and the Marine Corps Marathon. This will allow individuals to be eligible for both challenges. The Bundle is sold out!
Ambitious runners who seek to earn this coveted title and exclusive medal in 2026 must register through the bundle to complete all events below:
Do you have a group of friends, classmates, service members or more that all run? The Marine Corps Marathon Organization is excited to announce the addition of an affiliated-based Teams competition to the live Marine Corps Historic Half. Gather your squad and get ready to take on the mission!
The Marine Corps Marathon Organization does not permit transfers or deferrals for the 2026 events. All registrations are final and may not be transferred to another individual or postponed to a future year.
If you believe you may be unable to participate, we strongly encourage you to purchase Refund Protect through TEAK at the time of registration. This optional coverage provides protection for a wide range of unforeseen circumstances that may prevent you from attending on race day.
Please note: Any official deferments granted from the 2025 season will be honored for participation in 2026.
We’re thrilled to be the Proud Training Partner of The Marine Corps Marathon Organization, supporting thousands of runners as they train. We wish everyone the best of luck with their training and will be there with you, every step of the way! Ready to start your training? Download Runna today and use the code MARINECORPS for a 2-week free trial!
Refundable registrations are now available through TEAK. Your registration can be protected during the registration process or in your account up to five (5) days after your registration has been confirmed. To request a refund, you will need to navigate to your participant account and open your registration. Under registration information, you will see a “Refundable Registration” box if you purchased it. Within this box, you will have a link to “Request a Refund”.
All refund requests require proof of an event or booking purchase and supporting documentation for the refund reason that prevented the person from attending. Required documentation is determined by the reason you were unable to attend the event. Additional details about specific required documentation can be found during the Refund Request flow or within your protection PDF received after the purchase was completed.
You have 30 days from your event/experience to request a refund and 90 days after that to provide the required supporting documentation.
If you Purchased Before February 27th:
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.
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 This link will open in a new tab. The corrected participant information may require several days before appearing in the database.
Iron Mile Company
Named after the Iron Mines Company, a mining and smelting operation founded in nearby Spotsylvania in 1725, the 63 runners comprising the Iron Mile Company have completed every Marine Corps Historic Half since its inception in 2008.
Membership in this exclusive group must be maintained by continuing to run and finish the Historic Half every year. Since 2017, a finish in the Devil Dog Double also qualifies. The current company is comprised of 22 women and 41 men. The youngest runner is 32; the oldest is 77. Iron Mile members hail from 8 states with 23 runners from right here in Fredericksburg!
Each runner in the Iron Mile Company has displayed their dedication and resiliency by conquering the distance virtually in 2020 and 2021 before returning to once again run live in 2022 and 2023. Who will continue to be Iron Made in 2026?
Illinois Trent Runyon
Maryland Carlos Mendes Simon Reynolds
North Carolina Mary Castro
New York David Payne
Ohio Paula Banks
Pennsylvania Robert Abbott Beth Muhlhauser Robert Mulhauser
Texas Anne Denton Shannon Riffe-Orca
Tennessee Michael Buck
Virginia Richard Agnew, Jr. Denver Alexander, III* Francisco Barboza* Jennifer Bonney Kevin Bouffard* Dennis Bradecamp* David Bridi* Christopher Brock Anthony Capizzi Christopher Cella Brett Chappell* Annie Cocchiaro Kim Crisp Vic Culp* Timothy Daniels* Matthew Denson Laurie Dishman Rex Edwards Sharon Firewicz* Mark Glass* Jim Gogan Stephanie Hayden* Julie Heflin* Jeffrey Higgins* Jack Hyland* Robyn Johnson Joseph Kairys Michael Kimes Joseph Kingman* Sandra Latta
Nick Marino Kerry O’Neill* Odysseas Pentakalos Debbie Pereira Joe Pereira Robert Platt Thomas Presecan Tammy Rall Anna Sargent Joseph Soley Amanda Stift Lawrence Taber Kelli Tate Donna Ubben Gregory Ubben Jerry Warden Dan Weidensaul Cindy Whitehead* Amy Wilmerton* Gary Winch
Recognized for impeccable organization on an iconic course managed by the U.S. Marines in Arlington, VA, and the nation’s capital, the Marine Corps Marathon is now the third largest marathon in the United States and remains one of the largest in the world. Known as “the best marathon for beginners,” the MCM is also the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, earning its proud nickname, “The People’s Marathon.”
The Marine Corps Historic Half will start at 6:00 a.m. and all participants will have until 6:15 a.m. to begin. At this time, the start line will close and no runners will be allowed to run the event due to safety and support concerns.
The 13.1 mile course features historical attractions; a quaint downtown with unique shops and chef-owned restaurants; a run alongside the Rappahannock River; and the now-famous Hospital Hill. Ideally situated halfway between Washington, DC, the nation’s capital, and Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth, the Marine Corps Historic Half introduces runners to Fredericksburg, VA, an ideal weekend getaway spot.
Like the Marine Corps Marathon, the Marine Corps Historic Half in Fredericksburg has its own vertical challenge: Hospital Hill, a 0.53-mile segment of the 13.1-mile course. Runners arrive at Mary Washington Healthcare campus at mile 10.5. Hospital Hill is in the middle of a two-mile uphill climb that peaks at Cowan Boulevard crossing over Interstate 95. The much-talked-about Hospital Hill stretches over 930 yards in which the hill’s elevation doubles from 100 feet to 200 feet, or the equivalent of climbing to the top of a ten story building. Add to this the tease of a slight leveling off partway up Hospital Hill before encountering another eight percent grade. To finish the Historic Half means a runner has conquered Hospital Hill.
Learn about different areas of the course
**All videos reflect the 2023 Marine Corps Historic Half**
Start/Finish
Hospital Hill
Cowan Boulevard
Historic Downtown
Runner’s Guide
Packet Pick-up
All Marine Corps Historic Half participants are required to attend Packet Pick-up, located within the Healthy Lifestyle Expo, located at Fredericksburg Expo Center, to obtain the official bib with timing device and technical competitor shirt. Runners are required to bring the e-Card and a photo ID to Packet Pick-up. e-Cards are emailed to all participants in the weeks prior to the event.
Runners are highly encouraged to pick up their own materials and verify personal information.
For runners unable to attend Packet Pick-up, proxy pick-up is an available option. Runners may designate an individual to obtain their bib and event materials. The individual picking up the bib for a registered runner must present a hard or digital copy of the completed e-Card with a copy of the runner’s photo ID, as well as a copy of his/her ID. Please be sure to obtain the runner’s preferred shirt size. e-Cards are emailed to the registered runner before the event. Parents may sign waiver and retrieve packets for their children under 18 years of age.
Runners participating in the Semper Fred 5K and Esprit De Corps Challenge will be able to get first access to the Storefront on Friday, May 15th from 4 to 8 p.m.
Those participating in the Marine Corps Historic Half only, will have access to the storefront on Saturday, May 16th.
New this year, we are offering race day packet pick-up for the Marine Corps Historic Half. Purchase this option when registering for the event or through your participant account. Your packet will be located at the Information Tent near the Start Line on event morning.
Participant Bib
The official Historic Half participant bibs feature the timing device attached to the reverse side of the bib. These must remain in place for proper timing to occur.
Emergency medical and contact information form is also on the back of the bib. All participants must complete this information.
The Baggage Sticker will be attached to the reverse side of every bib. The sticker features the runner’s bib number to be utilized for baggage drop off and pick up on event day. Carefully peel the front of the sticker off the backing and attached to the clear plastic bag to facilitate easy identification by volunteers.
Media Pass
The Marine Corps Historic Half event will run live in Fredericksburg, Virginia on Sunday, May 17. The weekend kicks off on Saturday, May 17 with the Healthy Lifestyle Expo, and continues throughout the weekend with the half marathon.
RaceRaves.com is the premier race finder and reviews community for runners to share their experiences and find their next challenge. Search for races of all distances around the world, read reviews from fellow runners, and find the best marathons, half marathons, Boston Qualifiers, and even a hidden gem or two along the way!
Download the Marine Corps Marathon Organization app for all Historic Half information, to track your runner, view live results and more. It is available for both Apple and Android.
Please note that you will need to update the app if you already have it on your phone to see the new changes.
Spectators
Track a Runner
Relatives, friends, running buddies and even Historic Half participants themselves can follow a runner’s progress along the Historic Half course in real time. The virtual status reports will provide updates for one or multiple runners from various split locations and the finish line. Download the MCMO App to track your runner.
Viewing Locations
The Marine Corps Historic Half welcomes thousands of spectators and local residents who proudly cheer and show enthusiastic support for runners along the entire 13.1 mile course. From sidewalks to front porches to storefronts, Fredericksburg embraces Historic Half participants and spectators animate and energize this historic city. Scenic neighborhoods, bands, shops and entertainers, there are a variety of on-course spots where spectators and residents can enjoy the day and motivate the runners.
Location #1: Historic Half Start – Be there for all ceremonial excitement in front of the Expo & Convention Center near Carl D. Silver Pkwy.
Location #2: Washington Avenue – near the scenic Kenmore Plantation
Location #3: Prince Edward Street – watch the runners from the picturesque Historic District
Location #4: Princess Anne Street – view the runners in Historic Downtown
Location #5: Caroline Street and Charlotte Street – cheer on the runners outside the Fredericksburg Visitors Center
Location #6: Caroline Street and George Street – see the Colonial Heritage Society Dancers perform in front of Goolrick’s Pharmacy
Location #7: Riverside Drive – cheer on runners adjacent to the picturesque Rappahannock
Location #8: Hospital Drive at Care Way – motivate runners for the top of “Hospital Hill” – the challenging hill on the course
Location #9: Cowan Boulevard at Central Park (by the Car Wash) – cheer on your runners at the aerial display of the US flag by the Fredericksburg Fire Department
Location #10: your runner at the finish line and join them at the Finish Festival located in the Wegmans Parking Lot
Volunteers
Lend a Hand
Opportunities to work alongside U.S. Marines range from assembling runner packets and shirts to supporting a water point, food station, medical aid station, runner’s hospitality or the start and finish line.
Volunteers receive a commemorative shirt and a letter of appreciation for each event supported. Individuals and groups are encouraged to volunteer throughout the year. Support opportunities are announced at a minimum of six weeks prior to each event.
The Marine Corps Historic Half starts at 6 a.m. on Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg, Va. with the blast of the Howitzer.
The Historic Half start line will close at 6:15 a.m.
Water Points
Pre-MCHH: At the Start line WP 1: Cowan Boulevard and Hospital Drive WP 2: Sunken Road WP 3: Washington Avenue WP 4: Sophia and Lewis Streets WP 5: Mary Washington Boulevard WP 6: Cowan Boulevard and Hospital Drive WP 7: Cowan Boulevard and Carl D. Silver Parkway (Water only) Finish: Bottled water from Wegmans and individually wrapped Nuun Sport tablet will be distributed in the hospitality area.
Nuun Endurance: Lemon Lime flavor will also be available at all water points, with the exception of water station 7.
Food Station
We’re excited to have UnTapped as your on-course food station at this year’s event! UnTapped all-natural energy gels are easy to digest and deliver great-tasting, long-lasting energy when runners need it most. Incorporate them into your training strategy so you can practice fueling with the same gels you’ll be offered on the course on race day.
Five Aid Stations provide basic medical and Basic Life Support care along the Historic Half course with support from proud sponsor, Mary Washington Healthcare, individuals from area Military Medical clinics and hospitals as well as other volunteers.
Fredericksburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS), along with mutual aid partners from the surrounding areas, provide bike teams, medical gators and EMS transport in support of the event. Each Aid Station is equipped with an AED, as well as other medical supplies needed to care for Historic Half participants. Aid Stations are located:
AS 1: Old William and William Streets
AS 2: Washington Avenue
AS 3: Sophia and Lewis Streets
AS 4: Hospital Drive and Care Way
AS Start/Finish: Carl D. Silver Parkway
Baggage
Participants have to use the clear plastic bag provided at Packet Pick-up to store personal items on event day for security purposes. Check the bag at the Baggage Truck near the start/finish location in the Wegman’s parking lot and retrieve baggage from the same location after a successful finish.
Entertainment
The Historic Half searches for local and regional musicians, performers, and cheer squads to entertain participants along the 13.1 mile course in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Featuring:
Zachary Smith and the Mardi Gras Kings
Thunder Alley
Local businesses and spectators are coming together with cowbells and clappers to cheer on runners as they pass through Downtown Fredericksburg. If your organization or business would like to participate, please contact info@fxbg.com. For more information on Thunder Alley, visit here.
Awards
Awards are presented to the overall male and female winners as well as the age category top finishers of each event.
Finisher Certificates may be accessed by clicking the arrow next to a runner name on the results page. Each runner may individualize the certificate by selecting up to four badges that reflect the runner’s experience at the MCHH. Options include: First timer, PR, Running in Honor, Marine Spouse and First MCHH among others. Certificates feature overall, sex and age group rankings.
Results
The Historic Half Results are here! If your time is incorrect or there are any issues, click the results adjustment below. Semper Fi!
Marine Corps Historic Half Packet Pick Up at Healthy Lifestyle Expo
May 16, 2026 9 AM – 6 PM EST
Packet Pick Up and Tradeshow
Fredericksburg Convention Center
Marine Corps Historic Half
May 17, 2026 6 AM EST Start
Race
Carl D. Silver Pkwy
MCHH Finish Festival
May 17, 2026 6:30 AM – 12 PM EST
Festival
Wegman’s Parking Lot
Healthy Lifestyle Expo
At the Healthy Lifestyle Expo, Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend participants will pick up their race packets—including their official bib with timing device and competitor shirt—at the Fredericksburg Convention Center.
Friday, May 15, 2025 | 4:00–8:00 p.m. For 5K and Esprit De Corps participants only, the Expo and Storefront will be open during this time.
Saturday, May 16, 2025 | 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Open to all Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend participants.
Runners and supporters are invited to stop by photo ops, explore vendor booths featuring fitness activities, wellness products, and active lifestyle brands.
Connect with a motivated crowd at the Marine Corps Historic Half Healthy Lifestyle Expo! Sample, sell, promote, and demonstrate to more than 25,000 runners and guests from the national capital region, the majority of all 50 states and all branches of military. Held indoors, the Expo is free to the public and conveniently located near restaurants, shops and Historic Downtown Fredericksburg. Take action to participate in Fredericksburg’s most impactful economic event and register for a booth your choice at the Expo. It is a great spring weekend event with advantageously priced booths in a big time event setting.
A triumphant moment when participants reach the Historic Half finish line. Runners are motivated by the cheering masses lining the street on the final approach. Runners reach the massive stars and stripes archway signaling mission complete. Standing just inside the finish area, awaiting Marines present the symbol of accomplishment—a finisher medal. Runners enjoy this moment of mutual respect as the Marines extend congratulations to the runners and the runners expresses gratitude for the Marines service to our country. Runners proceed to the new Finish Festival location near the Wegman’s parking lot featuring sponsor booths, beer garden hosted by Stone Brewing, activities and post-event celebrations!
Sapporo Beer is proud to sponsor the Marine Corps Marathon. 150 years of brewing tradition made to be shared. Good with sushi, great with the finish line!
We will be offering both Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Options at the Marine Corps Historic Half Beer Garden!
The Marine Corps Historic Half start is situated adjacent to Fredericksburg’s Central Park shopping district with plenty of free parking within walking distance.
On event morning, participants and spectators can walk to the Historic Half start line from the many parking opportunities available within Central Park, the shopping complex in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with over 200 stores, restaurants and businesses. The complex is located near the intersection of Interstate 95 and State Route 3. The Historic Half start and finish is located at the end of the main Central Park road, Carl D Silver Parkway.
The Marine Corps Historic Half will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026 with street closures affecting the Fredericksburg area beginning at 3:00 a.m. until approximately 11 a.m., depending on the location.
In partnership with Jems Hospitality, we’ve secured discounted rates at a selection of Fredericksburg hotels. Through Jems, we’re able to offer you convenient and affordable options for your trip to the 2026 Marine Corps Historic Half. Jems is the only hotel provider endorsed by Marine Corps Historic Half, and we encourage you to book through them early for the best selection and price.
**JEMS Hospitality is the only authorized housing agent for MCHH. Please be aware that there have been some pirating sites.**
Step into historic downtown Fredericksburg to find a place steeped in history, culture and modern amenities. Fredericksburg’s rich history dates back to the early 18th century. George Washington grew up across the river from Fredericksburg, and the City is still dotted with remnants of the Washington family’s footprints. Fredericksburg contributed heavily to the American cause during the Revolutionary War, and Thomas Jefferson and others met here to draft the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. Many buildings of the era still line the streets of Fredericksburg. Located halfway between the two Civil War capitals, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA, Fredericksburg was battered bloody for three years.
Today’s Fredericksburg has preserved its memories well. Its large downtown historic district is dotted with Colonial structures and reminders of those who lived and worked here. Its Civil War past is inescapable. A major National Park interprets the battles, and the city still shows its glories and its scars. While its history is rich, Fredericksburg’s best days lie ahead. Its highly walkable Historic District is filled with topnotch restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, parks and retail stores. The Rappahannock River Heritage Trail takes a beautiful 3-mile loop around the city, including a particularly lovely stretch along the Rappahannock River. Central Park offers another terrific shopping and dining destination. We know you will enjoy your stay!
Learn more about Fredericksburg restaurants, coffee shops, weekend activities and more!
