The Semper Five (5K/1M) originated in 2014 to benefit the Marine Raider Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that supports Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Marines and Sailors, World War II Marine Raiders, and Marine Raider Families, including Marine Raiders who are wounded, ill and injured, and Marine Raider Families whose Marine or Sailor made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our Nation.
In the past six years, participants from all over the world (27 states and 4 US Embassies) have made the Semper Five one of the largest 5K/1M events in New Jersey, empowering the Marine Raider Foundation to provide our Nation’s heroes with support for needs unmet by the government and other agencies.
As you probably know, a terrorist bombing at the event in 2016 prevented the race from being run. This year, we face a new, invisible enemy, the Coronavirus, which has turned so many things upside down. We do not want to cancel the event, which has collectively raised over $250,000 for our troops since 2014, but due to the virus, we are going to make an adjustment this year.
The date for the 2020 Seaside Semper Five is Saturday, Oct. 3, and hopefully, by this date, we will be able to run/walk the course in Seaside Heights. However, it is possible that will not be permitted on Oct. 3, or some of you may not feel comfortable participating at that point, even if it is permitted. Consequently, we are offering a virtual run/walk option, which can be done “Anywhere/Anytime”.
We may not be able to notify you whether the event will be virtual or live in Seaside Heights until the end of the summer, but we will keep you updated through our Website, http://www.seasidesemperfive.org/ and/or email. Two of our US Embassies have already committed to participate this year, and this year’s race shirt will be an UnderArmour long sleeve 1/4 zip pullover.
Race registration is now open – https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/SeasideHeights/SeasideSemperFive . We invite you to continue your very generous support in “Helping those who have sacrificed the most.”
God Bless and Semper Fidelis,
Semper Five Committee