The annual Jacksonville Marine Corps Half Marathon & Freedom 5k will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018, the 15th year now under its new name, USO Armed Forces Half Marathon & Freedom 5k! The city of Jacksonville has been voted one of the top ten running cities in the nation by Runner’s World magazine. Volunteers from every branch of our military community, with support from corporate organizations and the civic community, will come together to promote this event and the mission of the Greater Jacksonville Area USO. Following in the traditions set by the internationally respected Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., the USO Armed Forces Half Marathon & Freedom 5K will continue to provide an opportunity for the Florida community of runners to interact with our military members and provide invaluable support to our local Veterans and deployed Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.
START
The 1/2 Marathon and 5K will start together at 7:00 AM on Bay Street at the entrance to Metropolitan Park. Day of race packet pickup and registration will be located at the Metropolitan Park main entrance. The 1/2 Marathon and 5K will run together for about one mile and then split at Newnan Street. There will be a men and women’s Challenged Athletes division for both events.
HALF MARATHON AWARDS
$500, $300, and $200 will be paid to the top three men and women overall. $100 to the first place masters male and female. Awards will also be presented to the first 3 finishers in each of the following age-groups: 19 and under; 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65- 69 and 70 and over. The 1/2 Marathon awards will be presented at 10 AM at the stage in Metropolitan Park.
CHALLENGED ATHLETE AWARDS
1st and 2nd place to the top two men & women in the Wheelchair and in the Prosthetics divisions.
RESULTS
Results for both races will be posted at the finish. Full results for both events will be available at www.1stplacesports.com.
POST RACE CELEBRATION
After you finish you will be treated to free massages, free beer, food and other refreshments. It all happens inside Metropolitan Park. Bring a blanket and enjoy the morning.
FINISH
Both races will finish at Metropolitan Park in front of the Jacksonville Fire Museum under crossed USMC 155mm Howitzers. You will enter the west end of the park from the service road adjacent to Bay Street. There is a 4 hour course limit for the 1/2 marathon.
5K AWARDS
Top three men and women overall and to the 1st place masters male and female. Age group awards will also be given. Team awards to the top High School Cross Country and ROTC. 5K awards presented at the stage starting at 9 AM.
FINISHER MEDALS
All half marathon and 5k finishers will receive a custom finisher medal.
RACE TIMING
The race will be timed using Race Result Chip Timing System. The timing chip is on the back of the race bib. Do not fold, bend, or alter the race bib. Doing so could results in the timing chip not working. Wear the bib on the front of your clothing. Timing mats will be located at the start, 10K for the half, and finish. No personal chips allowed in this race!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
The USO Armed Forces Half Marathon & Freedom 5K are open to all runners and walkers. Click here to register. There is individual sign up for the Half Marathon and 5K. All entry fees are non-transferable. Your entry fee will include a short-sleeve technical shirt and a race packet loaded with great items.
TEAM REGISTRATION
There will be team competition in the 5K only for Cross Country and NJROTC teams. There will be first, second, and third place awards presented. Each team can have up to seven members with the first four counting in the scoring. To get a team entry call Nick Lundin at (760) 994-2168. All team members must sign up as teams and individually.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 E. Coastline Drive, will serve as the official host hotel of the race. They are offering a discounted rate for double and single guest rooms.
Reservations can be made online by clicking here, or by calling (888) 421-1442. Mention the USO Armed Forces Half Marathon.
COURSE INFORMATION
Porta Potties: Several locations on the course.
Water Stops: Every 2 miles with water and Gatorade.
Gel Stations: Mile 6 & 8.
Photos: 904Fitness will be the official photographer.
View the Half Marathon Course.
View the Freedom 5K Course.
FRIEND GET FRIEND REFUND PROGRAM
When you register online you will receive a unique code in your confirmation email. Pass that code along to friends and tell them to use the code when registering and you will receive a $5 refund each time someone registers using your code. You can have your full entry fee refunded using this program. Invite your friends now!