Across one spring weekend in May, the Marine Corps Historic Half turns Fredericksburg into a patriotic race stage with two key distances: the Semper Fred 5K on Saturday 16 May 2026 and the headline half marathon on Sunday 17 May 2026. Runners in the 13.1-mile race start near the retail hub of Carl D. Silver Parkway/Central Park, travel over closed paved city and suburban roads, pass colonial-era streets downtown and then grind their way up Hospital Hill before finishing under a star-spangled arch with Marines waiting at the line. A town crier and ceremonial musket or howitzer blast set the tone at the start, while on-course support from U.S. Marines and enthusiastic locals keeps energy high over the rolling terrain. Those who combine the 5K and the half earn an extra Esprit de Corps challenge medal, turning the weekend into both a physical test and a celebration of Marine Corps tradition.
Races
Race Date:
16 May, 2026
On Saturday 16 May 2026 at 7:00 a.m., the 5K fun run leads off from the same start area at Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg, as an opening event for the Historic Half weekend. Also managed by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization, this race offers a shorter, community-friendly option before the main half marathon.
Race Date:
17 May, 2026
On Sunday 17 May 2026 at 6:00 a.m., the Half Marathon starts on Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, Virginia, and takes runners through historic downtown Fredericksburg ending atop “Hospital Hill” under a stars-and-stripes finish arch. The event is organised by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K?
How long is the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K?
Where does the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K?
How can I prepare for the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K?
On Saturday 16 May 2026 at 7:00 a.m., the 5K fun run leads off from the same start area at Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg, as an opening event for the Historic Half weekend. Also managed by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization, this race offers a shorter, community-friendly option before the main half marathon.
The Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K is 5km long.
The Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K takes place in Fredericksburg, VA, USA.
Runna classifies the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K?
On Saturday 16 May 2026 at 7:00 a.m., the 5K fun run leads off from the same start area at Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg, as an opening event for the Historic Half weekend. Also managed by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization, this race offers a shorter, community-friendly option before the main half marathon.
How long is the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K?
The Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K is 5km long.
Where does the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K take place?
The Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K takes place in Fredericksburg, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K?
Runna classifies the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Marine Corps Historic Half Semper Fred 5K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon?
How long is the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon?
Where does the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon?
On Sunday 17 May 2026 at 6:00 a.m., the Half Marathon starts on Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, Virginia, and takes runners through historic downtown Fredericksburg ending atop “Hospital Hill” under a stars-and-stripes finish arch. The event is organised by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization.
The Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon takes place in Fredericksburg, VA, USA.
The Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon elevation gain is 182 metres, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon?
On Sunday 17 May 2026 at 6:00 a.m., the Half Marathon starts on Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, Virginia, and takes runners through historic downtown Fredericksburg ending atop “Hospital Hill” under a stars-and-stripes finish arch. The event is organised by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization.
How long is the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon?
The Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon take place?
The Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon takes place in Fredericksburg, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon?
The Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon elevation gain is 182 metres, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
How can I prepare for the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Marine Corps Historic Half or Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO). All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Marine Corps Historic Half website.
