The Semper Fi 5K starts at 8:00 AM, giving you a manageable morning to get to the venue at 130 E Government St in downtown Pensacola. This 5K welcomes both runners and walkers, making it accessible whether you're targeting a competitive time or a steady finish. The race takes place on November 7, 2026, and entry fees range from $25 to $45 depending on registration timing. If you're traveling to Pensacola for the event, plan for an early arrival to allow time for parking, packet pickup, and a pre-race warm-up in the downtown area.
From the Race Organizer
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 Children’s 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
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for November 7.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Pensacola, FL.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
Semper Fi 5k 2026 — Pensacola, FL takes place on November 7, 2026. The race is held in Pensacola, Florida.
Where is Semper Fi 5k 2026 — Pensacola, FL held?
Semper Fi 5k 2026 — Pensacola, FL is held at 130 E Government St in Pensacola, Florida.
Where can I find hotels near Semper Fi 5k 2026 — Pensacola, FL?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Pensacola. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
