Recon Challenge

The Recon Challenge is a 30-mile endurance course where Marines aboard Camp Pendleton, California endure a myriad of challenges and tests in the basic fundamentals of being a Reconnaissance Marine. From hiking through roughly 30 miles of difficult terrain with 50+ pounds of gear, to a grueling 1,000 meter swim to shore, Marines are presented with a number of challenges along the way, including obstacle courses, weapons firing, and swim tactics.

Two-man teams complete the challenge wearing the name of a fallen Marine on their packs. Upon completion of the course, a single ID tag is hung on a combat cross in commemoration of past Marines who fell while serving this nation.

Those interested in participating in the 2010 Recon Challenge can use the contact information below.

For more information: recon_recruiting@usmc.mil • (760) 725-6876

Recon Challenge Videos

U.S. Marines compete in the 11th Annual Recon Challenge/Challenge Recon, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 16, 2019. The Annual Recon Challenge/Challenge Recon event is a 25-mile obstacle course held to honor fallen Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Noah Rudash)

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Cory Paskvan, training chief, 2nd Recon Battalion, and Christopher May, founder, Brother Recon, reflect on what recon means to them. 2018 marked the 10th annual Recon Challenge. The event is more than a race, it is a gathering of recon Marines and their families to remember their fallen brothers in arms.

Every year, reconnaissance Marines from every clime and place venture to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., to participate in the annual Recon Challenge, bringing with them the memory of their fallen brothers. Over the course of a 25-mile trek through the unforgiving Camp Pendleton terrain, participants of the challenge had to complete various obstacles and events.

The Recon Challenge is a 25-mile endurance course where Recon Marines aboard Camp Pendleton, California endure a myriad of challenges and tests in the basic fundamentals of being a Reconnaissance Marine. From hiking difficult terrain with 50 pounds of gear, to a grueling 2,000 meter swim to shore from the Pacific Ocean, Marines are presented with a number of other challenges along the way.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

"The West Coast's Premier Fleet Marine Force Training Base"