MCM – Dream Foundation’s Dreams for Veterans program

Run the 50^th Marine Corps Marathon 2025
with Dreams for Veterans

Run 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometers) in person through cheering crowds in Washington, D.C. and Arlington, past the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Or complete the Marine Corps Marathon Virtual 10k wherever you are.

It’s an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Run with the Dream Challenge Team and help raise funds for Dreams for Veterans, a program of Dream Foundation.

You’ll be helping make the final Dreams of terminally-ill U.S. military veterans, active service members, and members of the Reserve and National Guard come true.

Runner’s Journey

Step 1

Apply to race in-person or virtually.

Tell us why you’re a great fit for the Dream Challenge Team. We’ll review your application and reply within 2 weeks.

(Already have your own entry? Apply to fundraise!)

Step 2

Once approved, set up your fundraising page!

In-person runners commit to raising $2,500 and virtual runners commit to $500. We’ll send a link and directions to make setup easy.

Step 3

Spread the word!

This is all about you and your supporters! Share your story and use our social toolkit and fundraising resources to reach your goal.

Step 4

Meet (or exceed) your fundraising goal!

Stay on track and raise 100% of your fundraising commitment by August 1st to secure your registration. We know you’ve got this!

Step 5

Register for the race!

Once your fundraising goals are met, we’ll send you a race registration link to officially join the Dream Challenge Team. Keep an eye out for your race shirt in the mail.

Step 6

Have an amazing time!

Your dedication and support fuel the Dreams of our nation’s veterans. Thank you for being part of the Dream Challenge Team. We’re cheering you on!

The marathon takes place on October 26, and the countdown is on!

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Get Started

Need a Marine Corps Marathon Entry?

In-person runners commit to raising a minimum of $2,500 – enough to make one Dream come true.

Apply Now

Have your own entry?

If you registered for the MCM on the MCM website, you can launch your own fundraiser and raise funds to help make a terminally-ill veteran’s Dream come true.

Start a Fundraiser

Can’t run in person?

Sign up for the Marine Corps Marathon Virtual 10k and complete this Dream Challenge wherever you are at a pace that suits you. Virtual Runners commit to raising a minimum of $500.

Apply for Virtual

Questions?

Please reach out to challenge@dreamfoundation.org for more information.

Rupa– Why I’m running the Marine Corps Marathon

“Veterans put country above self. Even when they are in a situation in which their death is imminent, whether in the field of combat or their regular lives, they still think of others—their brothers and sisters in arms or their families and friends—above themselves.”

I serve on Dream Foundation’s Board. I also served as a physician with the U.S. Navy for over 17 years and still serve as a Clinical Associate Professor in Anesthesiology for the America’s Medical School (The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences).

I’m running because when you help make veterans’ Dreams come true, you give those who have served a gift in return – the gift of their final Dream to round out a life selflessly lived.

Dreams for Veterans helps terminally-ill veterans with Dreams that provide joy, comfort or closure at the end of life.

The average cost of a Dream is $2,500—and every dollar counts.

Like many other veterans facing the end of life, U.S. Air Force and Vietnam veteran John dreamed of paying his respects to those who did not come home.