Marine Corps Historic Half

Event overview

The Marine Corps Historic Half is a 13.1 mile road race in Fredericksburg, Virginia, scheduled for May 17, 2026. The course runs from the retail hub of Central Park through downtown Fredericksburg and up Hospital Hill to a finish line decorated with stars and stripes. The event includes a start ceremony that concludes with the sound of a vintage musket, participant support from the U.S. Marines, a finisher medal, and a technical participant shirt. Registration is open. Participants must be at least 14 years old and able to maintain a required pace of 17:30 minutes per mile.

• 13.1 mile
• 3.1-mile (Semper Fred 5K)

Programs, competitions and policies

The event offers several linked challenges and bundles. The new Esprit de Corps Challenge pairs the Saturday Semper Fred 5K with the Sunday Historic Half; finishers of both receive both event medals plus an exclusive challenge medal. The Semper Fidelis Challenge and Distinguished Participant bundle combine multiple Marine Corps Marathon Organization events across the year and award additional medals for completion. A Teams competition is available for affiliated groups. Transfer options exist for registered runners through the Transfer Program. Refundable registration is available under two different purchase windows and has specific documentation requirements and exclusions. An Iron Mile Company recognizes runners who have completed every Historic Half since the event began; membership requires continued annual finishes and, since 2017, a Devil Dog Double finish can qualify. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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