SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2022 AT 7:00 AM

The USO Armed Forces Half Marathon & Freedom 5K/10K



The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.




Participate
The 19th Annual USO Armed Forces Half Marathon & Freedom 5K/10K will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022. This event is open to the public. All races will start at 7 AM at Riverfront Plaza in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida (the most military friendly city in the nation!). Invite your friends, families, and co-workers to run/walk to support our service members and their families.

 

Support
Whether you're an active-duty service member, veteran, family member, friend, or supporter, you can run, or walk, and raise funds for the glory of your chosen TEAM! You can choose to support either the Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, National Guard, or the new Team Space Force. Just select a team to join during registration. The branch with the most participants will win bragging rights for the next year.

 

Purpose
The mission of the USO Armed Forces Half Marathon & Freedom 5K/10K is to strengthen the bond between the civilian and military communities, promote sound physical health and fitness, and raise funds for the Greater Jacksonville Area USO in support of all five branches of the military, including the Florida National Guard, and their family members.


Race Features

Attractive medals to all finishers

Technical running shirt to all finishers

Great momentos to all entrants

Fantastic post-race celebration

Chip timing

Prize money: $500, $300, $200 to top three overall

Challenged athlete awards

Wheelchair & prosthetic divisions

Age group awards three deep



Race Information

Start

The 1/2 Marathon, 10K and 5K will start together at 7:00 AM at the corner of Hogan and Water Street, just north of Riverfront Plaza. Day of race packet pickup and registration will located at the Riverfront Plaza's main entrance.

Half Marathon Awards

For the Half Marathon, $500, $300, and $200 will be paid to the top three men and women overall. $100 to the first place masters male and female. A masters prize money winner can also win overall prize money. Awards will also be presented to the first 3 finishers in each of the following age groups: 19 and under; 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-65, 65-69, 70 and over. The ½ marathon awards will presented at 9:30 AM at the stage in Riverfront Plaza.

10K Awards

For the 10K, top 3 male and female overall and to the 1st place masters male and female awards will be given. Age group awards as follow: 19 and under; 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over. Awards for the 10K will be presented at 8:30 AM at the stage.

5K Awards

Top male and female overall and age group awards as follows: 10 and under, 11-13, 14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74,75-79 and 80 and over. Team awards to the top High School Cross Country and ROTC. 5K awards presented at the stage starting at 8:15 AM.

Challenged Athlete Awards

1st place male and female in Half Marathon, 10K and 5K

Results

Live results for all three races will posted online and finishing times will be available immediately after finishing at www.1stplacesports.com and the 1st Place Sports app. Live tracking is available for the Half marathon and 10K.

Post Race Celebration

After you finish you will be treated to live music, free beer, food, and other refreshments. It all happens inside Riverfront Plaza. Bring a blanket and enjoy the morning with a beautiful view out over the St. Johns River or looking into the heart of downtown Jacksonville.

Registration Information

The Jacksonville USO Armed Forces 1/2 Marathon and Freedom 10K and 5K events are open to all runners and walkers. There is individual sign up for the 1/2 Marathon, 10K and 5K. All entry fees are non-transferable. Your entry fee will include a short-sleeve Technical shirt and a race packet filled with great items.

Finish

All races will finish at Riverfront Plaza. There is a 4 hour course limit for the 1/2 Marathon.

Finisher Medals

All half marathon 10K, and 5k finishers will receive a custom finisher medal.

Race Timing

The race will be timed using Race Result Chip Timing System. The timing chip is on the back of the race bib. Do not fold, bend, or alter the race bib. Doing so could results in the timing chip not working. Wear the bib on the front of your clothing. Timing mats will be located at the start, 5K, 10K for the half, and finish. No personal chips allowed in this race!

Team Registration

There will be team competition in the 5K Only for Cross Country and NJROTC Teams. There will be first, second, and third place awards presented. Each team can have up to seven members with the first four to finish counting in the scoring. All team members must sign up as teams and individually.

Course Information

Porta Potties: Several locations on the course and at Riverfront Plaza
Water Stops: Every 2 miles with water and Gatorade.
Photos: Marathonphotos.com will be the official photographer.

Click here to view the Half Marathon Course

Click here to view the 10K Course

Click here to view the 5K Course

Race Packet Pickup

Packets may be picked up at one of the following 1st Place Sports locations:

• 3931 Baymeadows Road
• 2018 San Marco Blvd.
• 9823 Tapestry Park Circle
• 424 South Third Street in Jacksonville Beach
• 2220 County Rd 210 West

 

Pick-up is Thursday, October 6th from 10 AM - 6 PM and Friday, October 7th from 10 AM - 5 PM. Packets may also be picked up on race day at Riverfront Plaza starting at 5:30 AM.

 

All military and Dependent race packets must be picked up at either the NAS JAX USO, 6801 Roosevelt Blvd, BLDG #1050, NAS Jacksonville, FL 32212; 904-778-2821 Or the Mayport USO, 2560 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233; 904-246-3481. A DOD ID Card will be required to pick-up Military & Dependent race packets, to include at the race site on race day.

Register

Entry Fees


 
Half Marathon
10K
5K
Until August 31
$50
$35
$30
Sept. 1 - Sept. 30
$55
$40
$35
Oct. 1 - Oct.7
$60
$45
$40
Day of Race
$70
$50
$45
Military & Dependents
$25
$15
$10
High School ROTC/
Cross Country Teams
$70

*The USO is still offering the opportunity to enter the race for free to ALL active and reserve military entrants via formation runs. Please coordinate with your unit representative to join a formation run with your respective branch of service. 

 

 All military and Dependent race packets must be picked up at either the NAS JAX USO, 6801 Roosevelt Blvd, BLDG #1050, NAS Jacksonville, FL 32212; 904-778-2821 Or the Mayport USO, 2560 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233; 904-246-3481.

There are no refunds or entry transfers!


Register Online

Click here to register!

Entry fees are higher online to cover credit card and server fees.


Sponsors

Five Branches Sponsor:




Sponsorship Opportunities

If you would like more information about the Jacksonville USO Armed Forces Half Marathon and Freedom 5K/10K Run, or would like to set a time to discuss details of sponsorship, contact Mike O'Brien at mobrien@uso.org.

 

Click Here to Download the Sponsorship Package!