25th annual U.S. Marine Corps Holiday Classic To Be Held On Saturday, December 28, at the Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory

Close to 5,000 athletes to compete 

10 student athletes to be honored with prestigious ‘Semper Fi’ awards

NEW YORK (December 16, 2024) - Today The Armory Foundation and the United States

Marine Corps announced their continued partnership which will see one of the most highly

anticipated track & field meets return to the Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory on

December 28 for the 25th annual U.S. Marine Corps Holiday Classic. 

This event will consist of close to 5,000 high athletes from across the region, making it one of

the largest events of the season. Competing athletes will have the opportunity to qualify for the

117th Millrose Games in February.

The Holiday Classic serves as a showcase for the United States Marine Corps, who will have

representatives in attendance to address the audience during the opening ceremony. The event

also provides an opportunity for the Marines to purposefully engage with high school student-

athletes, sharing leadership lessons. In between events, athletes can test their strength in the

Pull-Up Challenge for the chance to win prizes. 

“We are delighted that our longtime supporter, the United States Marine Corps, will once again

bring their unique spirit to The Armory for the 25th Annual U.S. Marine Corps Holiday Classic. 

Having the Marines in our building is very exciting for all who participate in this fabled meet,” said

Rita Finkel, Co-President of The Armory.

In addition to the full day of thrilling track and field action, ten student-athletes will be honored

with the Semper Fi Award. Semper Fidelis, Latin for ‘Always Faithful,’ is the motto of the

Marines, guiding their fighting spirit. The student-athletes receiving this award are ‘faithful’

members of their teams who are dependable, disciplined, and ready to be called upon in any

way to aid in their team’s success. 

“The Marine Corps is proud to continue this partnership with the Armory Track Foundation

through the sponsoring of the Marine Corps Holiday Classic. The finest recruiters across the

Marine Corps will be in attendance as they seek to find and attract the Marine of tomorrow –

adaptable problem solvers who are resilient and interested in finding a sense of belonging,” said

Colonel Joseph Galvin, Captain of the All-Marine Running Team.

The Armory hosts more than 100 track and field events each season, including the historic

Millrose Games, which will be held on February 8, 2025. For more information on Armory

events, visit https://www.armorytrack.com/

Follow The Armory on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram at @armorynyc. 

About the U.S. Marine Corps

The U.S. Marine Corps is the maritime land force service branch of the Armed Forces,

responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations through combined arms,

implementing its own infantry, artillery, aerial, and special operations forces. Marines are trained

to improvise, adapt, and overcome obstacles in all situations, possessing the fighting spirit to

continue until victory is assured. Semper Fidelis, Latin for Always Faithful, is the motto of the

Marines, a collective commitment to progress and loyalty. As of 2024, the Marine Corps has

about 168,000 active members.

About The Armory Foundation 

The Armory Foundation is a New York City non-profit institution, with the mission of “Keeping

Kids  on Track.” Each season The Armory – the proud home of the Nike Track & Field Center,

produces  the Millrose Games – hosts more than 100 track & field meets and welcomes more

than 300,000  visits. Among its many youth sports and educational programs, including the

acclaimed Armory College Prep program, The Armory runs the leading collegiate indoor track

meets with the Dr.  Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge and the HBCU Showcase

sponsored by KPMG.  Additionally, The Armory hosts the largest high school indoor track meets

with the Hispanic  Games, the JAMBAR Coaches Hall of Fame Invitational, and The U.S.

Marine Corps Holiday Classic. The Armory runs the CUIMC Team Relay Marathon, which is the

world’s largest indoor  marathon relay. The Armory is also the home to the National Track &

Field Hall of Fame and  dozens of very large education-focused events. For more: Please visit

Armory.NYC and ArmoryTrack.org.