PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF THE 2026 MARINE CORPS HISTORIC HALF MARATHON AND MARINE CORPS MARATHON

R 191909Z MAR 26
MARADMIN 116/26
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF THE 2026 MARINE CORPS HISTORIC
HALF MARATHON AND MARINE CORPS MARATHON//
POC/ALEX HETHERINGTON/NF5/MCINCR-MCBQ MCMO/COMM: 571-437-6729/
EMAIL: [email protected]//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. This MARADMIN establishes the roles,
responsibilities, command relationships, and authorities for the
planning and execution of the 2026 Marine Corps Historic Half
Marathon (MCHH) and the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM). The MCHH is
scheduled for Sunday, 17 May 2026 and the MCM is scheduled for
Sunday, 25 October 2026.
2. A full-time Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) staff
is assigned to plan and organize all MCHH and MCM activities.
However, augmentation of Marine Corps personnel and resources by
commands located within the National Capital Region (NCR) is
critical to the successful execution of these events.
3. The MCHH includes over 7,000 runners and 30,000 spectators. It
is the largest annual running event that takes place within the
city of Fredericksburg, VA.
4. The MCM is the largest annual single-day community relations
event for the United States Marine Corps. It includes over 30,000
runners and 100,000 spectators.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
5.a. Commander, Marine Corps Installations National Capital
Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCINCR-MCBQ).
5.a.l. As the supported commander, plan, organize, and execute the
annual MCHH and MCM.
5.a.2. Exercise command and control of all Marine Corps personnel/
forces assigned to support the execution of the MCHH and MCM.
5.a.3. Not later than five days after the posting of this MARADMIN,
publish a Letter of Instruction (LOI) identifying supporting command
requirements for MCHH Special Project Officers (SPO) and key leader
assignments.
5.a.4. Not later than 24 April 2026, publish a bulletin
identifying supporting command requirements for MCM SPOs and key
leader assignments. The bulletin shall provide dates for
planning, training, rehearsal, and execution.
5.a.5. Execute the 2026 MCHH on Sunday, 17 May 2026, in conjunction
with the Semper Fred 5K on Saturday, 16 May 2026 in Fredericksburg,
VA.
5.a.6. Not later than 5 June 2026, publish a bulletin that
includes the MCM operations plan and manning requirements
document.
5.a.7. Execute the 2026 MCM on Sunday, 25 October 2026,
in conjunction with the MCM Kids Run and Armed Forces Marathon
Championships Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
5.b. Supporting Commands:
5.b.1. The following Marine Corps NCR commands/organizations are
designated as supporting commands:
5.b.1.a. Marine Corps Training and Education Command
5.b.l.b. Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps
(HQMC)
5.b.1.c. Combat Development and Integration, HQMC
5.b.1.d. Marine Corps Recruiting Command
5.b.1.e. Marine Corps Systems Command
5.b.1.f. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command
5.b.1.g. Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity
5.b.l.h. Marine Corps Intelligence Activity
5.b.1.i. Marine Corps Information Operations Center
5.b.1.j. Marine Corps Embassy Security Group
5.b.1.k. Marine Helicopter Squadron One
5.b.1.l. Marine Barracks Washington
5.b.1.m. Wounded Warrior Regiment
5.b.1.n. Headquarters and Service Battalion, HQMC
5.b.1.o. Communications Directorate, HQMC
5.b.1.p. Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group
5.b.2. Supporting commands shall provide personnel and resources
in accordance with the MCHH LOI and the MCM operations plan and
manning requirements document.
5.b.3. Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED). Request
medical planning, coordination, and execution support for the
annual MCM via the Naval Medical Readiness Training Command
Quantico in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement between
BUMED and Marine Corps Installations Command dated 1 November 2024.
5.b.4. Commander, Marine Corps Forces Command. Provide a Chemical
Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) subject matter expert
for the following:
5.b.4.a. Participate in consequence management (CM) planning with
MCMO staff and local incident responders.
5.b.4.b. Participate in the MCMO staff tabletop exercises.
5.b.4.c. On 25 October 2026, provide CM advisor to MCMO staff
during the MCM.
5.b.4.d. CBIRF support is not required for the MCHH.
6. Registration for the MCM opens on 6 April 2026 via the MCMO
website: https://www.marinemarathon.com
7. Detailed planning and execution of the MCHH and MCM will be
conducted by the MCMO office located at Fowler Hall, 3399 Russell
Road, MCB Quantico, VA, 22134.
8. Release authorized by Lieutenant General Paul J. Rock Jr.,
Director, Marine Corps Staff.//