On February 19th, 1945 Marines landed on Iwo Jima and were met by a fanatical foe in an incredibly challenging battle. On February 23rd, Marines captured Mount Suribachi and raised the American flag on the summit, signaling the beginning of the end, even though the battle raged on until March 26th.
In honor of those Marines who faced the challenges in the Battle of Iwo Jima, run, walk, bike or swim as many miles as you can between February 19 -23, 2021.
The first 300 participants will receive an exclusive pin with the Flag Raising Challenge logo. All proceeds from the Challenge will support our Foundation’s programs for Today’s Marines.
SHORES OF TRIPOLI 20
Run, walk, row, or bike 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) in our Shores of Tripoli 20 on April 27th, 2021. The second line of the Marines’ Hymn, “to the shores of Tripoli,” pays tribute to the Battle of Derna where Marines fought in their first battle abroad against the Barbary pirates.
The origin of the Marine officers’ “mameluke” sword can be traced back to this battle and the sword 1stLt Presley O’Bannon received as a gift after the battle.
The first 300 participants will receive an exclusive pin with the Shores of Tripoli 20 logo. All proceeds from the Challenge will support our Foundation’s programs for Today’s Marines.
Run, walk, row, or bike 10 miles on July 22nd, 2021 to honor the memory of LtCol Mario “Sugar Bear” Carazo. LtCol Carazo made the ultimate sacrifice on July 22, 2010 when his AH-1W Cobra was shot down while supporting Marines engaged in a firefight in Afghanistan.
The proceeds from the event will be split between the Marine Corps Association Foundation and the Sugar Bear Foundation, which supports Gold Star families and Surviving Spouses.
The first 300 participants will receive an exclusive pin with the Sugar Bear Memorial Run logo.
Inspired by the Marine Corps Workout of the Day (WOD), join us in the Chapultepec Challenge WOD. The Marines conquered Chapultepec Castle, sitting at the top of a 200 foot hill, in September 1847. The Marines suffered nearly 90% casualties in the battle, and Marine tradition says the red stripe on the side of Marines’ Dress Blues trousers represents a “blood stripe” honoring the many NCOs and officers lost at Chapultepec.
On September 12th, 2021 (start date of the battle) encourage your friends to join you in the Chapultepec Challenge WOD:
3 Rounds for Time Sprint 200 meters 18 Burpees Sprint 200 meters 47 Crunches
The first 300 participants will receive an exclusive pin with the Chapultepec Challenge WOD logo. All proceeds from the Challenge will support our Foundation’s programs for Today’s Marines.
Celebrate the 246th Birthday of the Marine Corps by running, walking, biking, or rowing 10 kilometers on November 10th,, 2021. Happy Birthday, Marines!
The first 300 participants will receive an exclusive pin with The Run For Marines 10K logo. All proceeds from the Challenge will support our Foundation’s programs for Today’s Marines.
Go to the App or Google Play Store on your mobile device
Download the app “Map My Run by Under Armour” (the app icon is blue with a white UA logo and is free)
Create your account
Add “Marine Corps Association” as your friend
Your friend request will be accepted within 48 hours
You will then receive a notification that you have been invited to the Challenge you registered for
Click on the notification then click on the green “Join Challenge” button
Click here if you need help using the “Map My Run” app
*Note – If you are already friends with Marine Corps Association on the MapMyRun app, we will send you an invite to the Challenge within 48 hours of registration.
2021 MCAF Virtual Challenges