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Apr 27, 2024

Bataan Memorial Death March Runner Comments

Back to Bataan Memorial Death March Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.7

Spectators 4.2

Number of comments: 115 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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B. K. from Ontario, Canada (4/13/2015) "Great marathon to remember..." (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Bataan Memorial Death Marchs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Bataan Death March Marathon 2015 was my fifth run in WSMR. Each time I can see the saddest aspect of passing time: the list of Bataan survivors is shorter and shorter. And each time I feel honoured to shake their hands and say 'thank you' at the start and the finish line. I give unconditional 5 stars to the very tough and spectacular course and another 5 stars to spectators. The organization of the event was almost perfect but not as smooth as in past years. The biggest disappointment was that the Bell Gym was closed. The small Community Center was used as a dormitory and was filled very quickly. I had to travel to a last-minute motel in Las Cruces. Finisher medals and certificates were distributed during in-processing before the race which is unusual. Bib numbers were rather generic and did not show the year of the race. The official results were not available for several days and the race website was out of date most of the time. Finally,I did not see any effort to recycle thousands of cans and bottles. The crews at water and first-aid stations did a great job. The selection of life supporting supplies including ice cold water and juices towards the end of the race was simply fantastic. Overall, this event is something that will remain in my memory forever because of its unique atmosphere, the presence of thousands of soldiers and civilians who arrived to honor the fallen soldiers of WW2 in the Philippines. Thank you, I will be back again.
D. H. from Albuquerque, NM (3/25/2015) "Tough marathon with options to make it tougher." (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 First off, this isn't just a marathon. It's an event to commemorate the men of the US & Philippine armies who were taken prisoner after the surrender at Bataan. As such, the event is steeped in history, and some of the survivors were there to greet the participants. You had the opportunity to register as a 'light' or a 'heavy', the latter meaning you were carrying a pack that weighed a minimum of 35 lb. They recommended you fill it with nonperishable foodstuffs that could be donated to the food bank, which I thought was a great way to give to the community. The expo was very well organized. There was a fantastic event schedule on Friday & Sat. Race day itself was likewise well organized. I thought they had us there too early, as we wound up standing for 60-90 min in upper 40 degree weather. The opening ceremony started on time. This was of a formal style and featured speeches from the base commander, the master of ceremony, and the Philippine ambassador. There was a roll call of the surviving soldiers, as well as the ones who had passed since last year. It was the most moving ceremony I've been a part of in a long time. The race started a little after 7. This is the one, true complaint I had. As a civilian heavy, my corral was the last to go of the 5 corrals. It took us 90 minutes to get to the start line. Once at the start line, I understood why: there was an honor guard consisting of the survivors, and everyone was filing into single file to shake their hands. This was a nice idea, but wasn't executed well. The course was good, but very tough. Aid stations were well supplied with food & drink, and the volunteers were the best I'd ever seen. There was no shortage of medical stations/personnel. The finish was a little underwhelming. You crossed the finish line, were congratulated by the base commander and then drug yourself out the back. No finisher medal. Finishers got the same thing that non-finishers got: a certificate of participation. Overall, I thought this was an excellent race. The slow start out of the corrals was annoying, if for a good reason, and I was disappointed by the lack of a finisher medal to acknowledge the beating I had taken over a 10 hour period. Still though, it was a memorable occasion that I am proud to have been a part of.
T. R. from Sparks, Nevada (11/17/2014) "Anxious to honor by registering & participating." (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Bataan Memorial Death Marchs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Even if this were not the best all around marathon I would still do it. It's purely 100% about honoring these Defenders in the South Pacific Theater WWII. There's no fluff yet extremely well supported; no additional fund raising 'causes,' just a true act of remembrance. It's also a one-of-a-kind way to say thank you to the almost countless other military personnel who participate...if you do decide to get onto the course I hope you become somewhat out of breath from saying so many 'thank you for serving' AND 'thanks for being out here organizing, volunteering and supporting this event!' 2015 will be my 9th and I can never say enough thanks to enough people remembering in so many different ways- on behalf of my (now deceased) Dad (Sgt. in the 200th and 515th), myself and my sons - 3 generations of deep gratitude to all who participate in every capacity!
L. O. from WA (4/14/2014) "Toughest marathon I've run" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was a bucket list race for me and I can't wait to come back next year. I was ready for the hills and I thought I was ready for the dirt and sand but it was much worse than I was expecting.I heard other race veterans say that this was much more difficult than in years past.I wasn't very impressed with the packet pickup. It was hard to tell who was in line for your number and who was talking to vendors. Too many things going on in too small a space. Once a volunteer started directing traffic, it was much smoother. I stayed in El Paso and came through the gate pretty early so there was very little line. Then I just chilled in my car until right before opening ceremonies. I didn't see much organization in the corrals. All the categories were lumped together and it was a slow trudge to the start line. I was honored to shake hands with two of the survivors. Made for a nice start to the race. Awesome course support the whole way!!! See you in 2015!
S. K. from Alamogordo, NM (3/24/2014) "Amazing and Cherished for Life!!!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Having done multiple half's, a full and various other physically hard races, NOTHING can compare you for this!!! NOTHING! Even living here I didn't train with proper hills and terrain (though I thought I was). This was my first Bataan. While doing it I kept thinking I will never do this again, but walking alongside our military trekking with weighted bags and in full gear I couldn't help but think to myself, 'Seriously? You are going to complain while these men and women are just speed walking past you? The original veterans of Bataan didn't have water and food stations nearly ever two miles. Why are YOU whining?' This train of thought kept me pushing harder and harder to finish! I ran the first almost 10 miles until a long and semi-step incline at approximately mile 9-9.5. This hill went on for about 5 miles. The downhill as technically cascading hills going down from mile 13.8 until mile 18 or 19. From here it was on the road downhill and then at about 20.5 you came to the mostly flat section for the remainder. Downfall, it has a drawback...a deep sandpit for about a mile give or take a little. Most of the course was through sand for the full. Not as deep as the pit, but you do have the risk of injury with sand, loose gravel/rocks, and crowds. As I write this comment the immediate day after running it in about 6:30 chip time and barely able to walk or even lift my child I am soo sore(yes, almost half of it I did run, but when I walked, I did walk. I even had to stop for some SERIOUS blister treatment at a med station. After all, the last marathon I did pregnant and finished in 5:29..., but this is no average marathon!!) Will I do it next year? ABSOLUTELY!! I know how and where to train now, but I don't think it's about improving my time anymore for this. It's about reducing injury. I know the survivors for 2013 consisted of about 10 men. This year, 4 :( I am not sure if they will be there next year, but I will do this for them; those that are not with us and those that still are. They will never be forgotten by me and anyone I know because what they did was put into such a different light. I can never be thankful for all of our men and women enough for the hardships they have to endure. BATAAN MARATHONER FOR LIFE! What a great commemoration, was well organized (water and food stations almost every two miles), and what a new and great PR for any marathoner (to finish with a whole new outlook on life and for those that serve!).
Sarah Leonard from Paradise, CA (1/23/2014) "Survivor daughter and participant" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I have been able to attend this amazing event for several years. I did participate, and will again to honor my Father and the Survivors. Take the time to prepare. It is not a race, it is a march. If you know you have a hot spot, tape it before the march, if you feel a hot spot, tape it ASAP. Cool-max dri socks were worth the expense and an extra pair or two is a very good idea. Each of the Survivors gets there at their OWN expense. The Survivors will gladly give you a hand shake, a picture op, or an autograph, but after THOUSANDS of hand shakes, their hands will be bruised. Please remember that the Base goes to a great deal of effort to provide for you, hundreds of volunteers are there to help, so just ask for help/assistance/tape before it is to late. This is a march that should have an impact in you life. It is worth the effort and the pain, but train to limit the pain!!! Dad and I will see you at the finish line.
R. M. from El Paso, TX USA (4/16/2013) "Excellent!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Bataan Memorial Death Marchs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have participated in this event several times, from the very beginning to now, although I had been away for a few of them, coming back was an incredible experience. Thanks to all that participated and made it such an amazing event. I enjoyed it so much that I will be ready to do it again next year. WSMR thanks for an awesome job.
D. S. from Dayton OH (3/30/2013) "BEST RACE EVER" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have never run a slower marathon but this one was not about time. It wasn't about medals, pace groups, swag, or on course entertainment. This was an event, not a race. An event that will open your mind's eye. THE GOOD: Shaking hands with the Survivors was one of the highlights of the event and my career (thank you for sharing your story with me, Mr Leonard). Running alongside the wounded warriors and so many of my fellow veterans was inspirational. The course was amazing, challenging, and beautiful. The support from WSMR was first class all the way, from the pasta feed to the course markings to the aid stations...you name it. Every other race I have done can learn from you all. This is what 'right' looks like. THE BAD: The expo was a tight squeeze. It was decently organized given the space but in the crowds I didn't see the spot to get my certificate, dog tag, and coins mounted for display. THE UGLY: The conditions the actual Bataan survivors endured. The historical significance of the events they lived through. We who did this memorial march had it easy in comparison. I salute you all. I participated in the Military Light category and I must admit I actually destroyed my combat boots on the course. They were no longer fit for use afterward. I stayed on site (the winds were fierce...wow!) and am glad I did. No traffic lines in the morning. This was by far the most organized event/race I have had the pleasure of doing. I will be back to do it again and again...civilian light and military heavy are in my future plans. Proud to serve.
E. A. from Tulsa, OK (3/28/2013) "not just an athletic event" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Since I first heard of this 2 years ago, I've considered everything I've done in the meantime as preparation for it. Because I was honoring 2 wounded warriors by wearing their names, I wanted to do my very best. After 4 marathons in 2012, and walking an average of 30 miles per week for the last 3 months, with lots of hills & trail training, I was prepared for the conditions. It was as hard as I'd been told but watching the wounded warriors, the military heavy, & thinking of the original Bataan soldiers whose only option was to keep going or instant death kept me motivated the whole way. I know of no other opportunity as poignant for someone to experience what it has taken to maintain our freedom. I don't know if I'll have a chance to repeat it, but it will always be the high point of my marathon experiences.
G. M. from West texas (3/24/2013) "Great race. A must do." (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran in the heavy division meaning I carried a 35 pound pack. I ran this race with three friends. The course was challenging as expected. The long uphill beginning at mile 8 or 9 is no joke, but doable. Since I live in flat west texas I trained a lot on a treadmill with 5 degree incline. Course support was very good. The only gripe is that they kept handing me some concoction they called Gatorade. It wasn't. It was terrible. The organization was excellent. Crowd support is sparse if you are used to big city marathons. But this race isn't about the crowds. It's a very humbling experience to see the survivors of Bataan. Equally humbling is seeing the wounded warriors racing the course. While traveling to the race, my friends and I said this was a one and done race. On the way home we were planning on how to drop our times!

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