Semper Fi 5k
- Date Sat 7th November 2026
- Time 8:00AM CST
- Location Pensacola, Florida
- Price $28.29 - $33.63
- Races 4 races
- Distances 5km
Just added
Secure your place early
Event summary
Join us for the annual Semper Fi 5K on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in the vibrant heart of Pensacola, Escambia! This uplifting charity run has a rich history, initially established to honor the memory of Marines and Sailors lost in the tragic 1983 Beirut bombing. Over the years, the event has evolved into a beloved community tradition, supporting local children's organizations while fostering camaraderie among active-duty military units, local JROTC groups, and enthusiastic runners.
The race will start and finish at the iconic Seville Quarter in Downtown Pensacola, creating a festive atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a first-timer, the Semper Fi 5K offers an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself with a 5K distance while contributing to a noble cause. Don't miss the chance to be part of this inspiring event! Be sure to pick up your race packet during late registration on Friday, November 6, from 3 PM to 6 PM at Running Wild, or on race day between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM at Seville Quarter. Lace up your running shoes and join us in making a difference!
The race will start and finish at the iconic Seville Quarter in Downtown Pensacola, creating a festive atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a first-timer, the Semper Fi 5K offers an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself with a 5K distance while contributing to a noble cause. Don't miss the chance to be part of this inspiring event! Be sure to pick up your race packet during late registration on Friday, November 6, from 3 PM to 6 PM at Running Wild, or on race day between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM at Seville Quarter. Lace up your running shoes and join us in making a difference!
Organiser's Description
A History of the MCL/TEL Semper Fi 5K Charity Run for Children
The origin of the run was as a fundraiser for the children and families of the Marines and Sailors who had perished in the Marine Barracks Beirut, Lebanon terrorist bombing attack on October 23, 1983. Marine 1stLt Chris Holzworth, having recently reported to the Marine Air Training and Support Group-21 (MATSG-21), Naval Air Station Pensacola, for flight training, presented the idea for the charity run to the Commanding
Officer, Colonel Robert Bull Bland, USMC. MATSG-21 adopted the idea and became the first sponsor of the event, initially named The Beirut Relief 10K Run. Colonel Bland assigned 1st Lt Chris Holzworth, who had initiated the idea, as the first Race Director.
NAS Pensacola hosted the first run on Armed Forces Day in May 1984 with Brigadier General Joseph Hoar, USMC representing Headquarters Marine Corps and receiving the proceeds of the race. Over 500 military and civilian runners participated in that first event which contributed over $4,000 for a Marine Corps Scholarship Fund established for the children of the families who had lost loved ones in the Beirut attack. The race continued for several years to be sponsored and executed by MATSG-21 with all proceeds going to the scholarship fund. Eventually, the command shifted the race proceeds to Non-Profit Childrens Organizations of the Greater Pensacola area in keeping with the tradition of giving to the children. Each year Semper Fi 5K runners are joined by local active-duty military units, such as MATSG-21/23, several Naval Aviation training squadrons, and local high school JROTC units who run the event in formation.
In 2014, because the military was heavily engaged in the Global War on Terror (GWOT), leadership for the race changed to the Marine Corps League (MCL), Cpl J. R. Spears Detachment 066. At the same time.
The race starts and finishes at Seville Quarter in Downtown Pensacola.
Packet Pickup/Late Registration
Friday November 6th | 3pm-6pm
Running Wild
3012 E Cervantes St
Pensacola, FL 32503
Saturday November 7th Race Day 6:30 am-7:30 am
Seville Quarter
The origin of the run was as a fundraiser for the children and families of the Marines and Sailors who had perished in the Marine Barracks Beirut, Lebanon terrorist bombing attack on October 23, 1983. Marine 1stLt Chris Holzworth, having recently reported to the Marine Air Training and Support Group-21 (MATSG-21), Naval Air Station Pensacola, for flight training, presented the idea for the charity run to the Commanding
Officer, Colonel Robert Bull Bland, USMC. MATSG-21 adopted the idea and became the first sponsor of the event, initially named The Beirut Relief 10K Run. Colonel Bland assigned 1st Lt Chris Holzworth, who had initiated the idea, as the first Race Director.
NAS Pensacola hosted the first run on Armed Forces Day in May 1984 with Brigadier General Joseph Hoar, USMC representing Headquarters Marine Corps and receiving the proceeds of the race. Over 500 military and civilian runners participated in that first event which contributed over $4,000 for a Marine Corps Scholarship Fund established for the children of the families who had lost loved ones in the Beirut attack. The race continued for several years to be sponsored and executed by MATSG-21 with all proceeds going to the scholarship fund. Eventually, the command shifted the race proceeds to Non-Profit Childrens Organizations of the Greater Pensacola area in keeping with the tradition of giving to the children. Each year Semper Fi 5K runners are joined by local active-duty military units, such as MATSG-21/23, several Naval Aviation training squadrons, and local high school JROTC units who run the event in formation.
In 2014, because the military was heavily engaged in the Global War on Terror (GWOT), leadership for the race changed to the Marine Corps League (MCL), Cpl J. R. Spears Detachment 066. At the same time.
The race starts and finishes at Seville Quarter in Downtown Pensacola.
Packet Pickup/Late Registration
Friday November 6th | 3pm-6pm
Running Wild
3012 E Cervantes St
Pensacola, FL 32503
Saturday November 7th Race Day 6:30 am-7:30 am
Seville Quarter
Races
-
5k Run
Incl. $3.63 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 7th November 2026 (8:00AM CST)
$33.63
-
5k Walk
Incl. $3.63 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 7th November 2026 (8:00AM CST)
$33.63
-
Active Duty Military - 5K Run - ID Required
Incl. $3.29 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 7th November 2026 (8:00AM CST)
$28.29
-
Active Duty Military - 5K Walk - ID Required
Incl. $3.29 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 7th November 2026 (8:00AM CST)
$28.29
Reviews
Doing this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event. You'll be able to review this event once it's taken place.
Location
130 E Government St, Pensacola, 32502, FL, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
Semper Fi 5k
