Manila Madness 5K Freedom Run
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Event overview
The Manila Madness 5K Freedom Run/Ruck takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Raritan, New Jersey. The event honors the legacy of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone and recognizes the sacrifices of military service members. It includes an in-person 5K run, a 5K ruck, and a virtual 5K run. Each event has an entry fee of $30.
Race details
The in-person 5K run is on a USATF-certified course. The ruck option describes weight challenges inspired by historical combat loads: a Browning M1917 heavy machine gun filled with water is noted as about 40 pounds, while a full combat load with machine gun, tripod, and ammunition is described as approximately 100 pounds. The event is listed as a USATF New Jersey 500 Point Event.
Registration windows differ by event: registration for the in-person run closes on September 18, 2026; registration for the ruck opens January 30, 2026; the virtual 5K registration opens August 31, 2026. The event location is Canal Street, Raritan, NJ 08869. A T-shirt and a medal are shown as event items. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
