Overview

Back by popular demand—and introducing a brand-new 5K course! 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 experience. This isn’t just any 5K—it’s where bonds are built and strengthened. Create 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 your endurance and put yourself to the test! The Marine Corps finish time standards are:

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

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 link will open in a new tab. 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 2026 Semper Fed 5k and Challenge. 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.

Transfers

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.

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/ This link will open in a new tab.

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.