Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

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 51 to 61]

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 4 5 6 7 8 .. 12 > ]

R. C. from Mandeville, LA (3/27/2011) "Very hard due to wind, hills, and sand." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The ratings may see a little unfair so let me explain. I gave the course a 4 instead of a 5 because it is unconventional. I would break it into sections. The first 6.5 are easy, downhill. Then from 6.5 to 13, it's all uphill and pretty steep in some places. Then 14-19 are all downhill and so steep that sometimes you feel like you are going to trip on the rocks. The last 7 are sort of up and down but downhill overall. Of course this section contains The Sand Pit for 3/4 mile, starting around mile 20.7. The best I can explain it would be like running in 3-5 inches of kitty litter. The scenery was beautiful - at least to someone who doesn't get to see mountains very often. The organization was good other than 1 major thing and 1 minor thing. The major thing is that they ran out of commemorative dog tags. How is that possible? The minor thing is that this race is much more military friendly than civilian. There are no post-race showers for civilians, you walk about 1.5 miles from the parking area, and there is no gear drop off. There is no day of the race check in. I know that this isn't always normal for a marathon, but in this case civilians must fly in, hurry to the base (which is 30 minutes away) just to pick up your packet, then drive all the way back to Las Cruces. There are very few spectators on this course. The ones who were there didn't seem to understand that people like to hear cheers. Don't confuse this rating with the volunteers. Those folks were great, which I forgot to mention in the organization section. The personal logistical planning for this marathon was a little difficult for a civilian. I had to fly into El Paso. Then, because it was closer to the race, I got a hotel in Las Cruces. Because of this you must spend the extra money for a rental. I heard this years weather was different than any other year. Thats good because we had what I would believe was 35-40 mph winds the entire time. The wind hit your face as soon as you started going uphill, then pushed you faster than youd like to go downhill. It was blowing so hard that for a very short stretch it felt like it was pushing me uphill. All this said, this was one of my favorite marathons. It had meaning - especially to the three Bataan Death March survivors who were present. I am proud to say that I've run this marathon and I will never forget it.
Michael Soyka from West Point, NY (11/3/2010) "Heavy is VERY hard but the survivors are awesome" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon was very well put together. They could benefit from a larger space to conduct packet pickup, but everything from the parking to the finish line was superb. The course was very trying, and despite three combat deployments and numerous previous marathons, this was the most difficult physical task of my life. I wish that I had realized that the food drive existed earlier in my training (many of those in the heavy category carried bags of rice and other food in their packs that were donated after the race). Meeting and talking with the survivors was definitely the highlight of the weekend, the trials that they endured dwarf those of the race. The heavy division takes serious dedication to training and beyond the obvious of getting lots of miles in with a ruck you need to prepare for the long ascent from mile 7-13. With the weight of the ruck that long continuous climb made cramping up by the top of the hill the norm if you were trying to go at fast pace. Definitely a test of mental endurance as well as physical toughness. If you want to test your limits, then this marathon (in the heavy category) will do it.
M. W. from Austin, TX (5/30/2010) "Not your typical marathon" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This is not your typical race. You spend most of your time away from civilization (which I liked). The scenery is beautiful. The course is challenging - in part because of the altitude, and in part because there is a nice, little climb (it's gradual) and you're running in the desert for 90% of the race. I also enjoyed meeting the survivors of the Death March. It was great seeing the military take part in marching with full packs. The down side to this event is running in the sand. I had to stop every 4-5 miles to empty the sand out of my shoes. Before the start, port-a-potties were VERY short in number but high in demand (which is normal). After waiting 30 minutes in line, there was no toilet paper in ANY of the restrooms. Course marking were poor. There were a few spots where it was unclear which way we were suppose to go, which resulted me running about a mile-plus the wrong way. There are no finisher's medal, which was very disappointing, but the shirts were cool. Despite the negative things, I'm glad I ran it; but I won't run it again unless they change some of the problems I noted above.
G. L. from Brazil (3/27/2010) "Outstanding" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The race changes the life of any runner. Thanks to all - VETERANS, VOLUNTEERS, WHITE MISSILE SANDS RANGE, and DIRECTORS. I am proud and honored to have been able to participate in this event.
Kami K. from Corpus Christi, TX (3/27/2010) "Not for the timid!" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 21st Annual Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon White Sands Missile Range, NM Sunday, March 21, 2010 7:05 AM I stayed in Ramada at Las Cruces (about 32 miles from the Missile Range). The event was very well organized. Each marcher received a short-sleeved, cotton T-shirt, a dog tag, and an individualized multi-colored certificate of participation. The pre-race pasta buffet dinner on Saturday was very good and cost only $10. The morning of the race was chilly. Temperature ranged from high 30s to mid 60s. It was sunny and there was hardly any wind, which pleasantly surprised us, as the blowing sands were going to make the run really tough (it was quite windy on Friday and Saturday). The start time was at 7:05 a.m. We had been asked to report to the Missile Range by no later than 4:30 a.m. There was a continental breakfast at no charge. The Opening Ceremony started at 6:35 a.m., which included the national anthem, reveille, invocation, remarks, and a moving roll call. Two F-22s flew over at the end of the ceremony. A few survivors were present. The course, as expected, was quite challenging. There are hills, and the sandy portions of the terrain could be tough. In short, this marathon is not for the timid. The elevation range was from 4,100 to 5,300 feet. It was mainly on trails. Between miles 9 and 10, we began a 3.5-mile climb on a paved road to HTA (Hazard Test Area). At the HTA, we made a left turn and began running on a scenic trail, circling a mountain, before returning to the paved road (about mile 19). As we were running down the road, hundreds of marchers were on their way up. I found myself to be more of a spectator than a runner. It was an amazing sight. I made several stops to take photos. The last 10K was on a trail. The infamous Sand Pit is around mile 21 and I found it to be the hardest part of the course. There were 12 aid stations, offering water, sports drink, and fruits. The volunteers were cheerful. There were mile markers. The course was open until 8:00 p.m. The run was chip-timed. Lunch was served at the finish. I highly recommend the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon.
Richard Mangold from Ottawa, Illinois (3/25/2010) "Challenging but do-able" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I've run a lot of courses, but this course ranks near the top for scenery, and is one that requires some preparation. It has long and difficult climbs, at moderate altitude, but fast and fun descents after those climbs. Fan support is pretty sparse, but that is the nature of running in the desert! The vastness of this course is inspiring and humbles one at the same time. I would highly recommend this race but don't make it your entry into marathoning... you might not come back. Runners that stick to urban races are really missing something. New Mexico is a well-kept secret!
K. A. from Key West, FL (3/23/2010) "UNPARALLELED" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What an experience! The race was incredibly well organized, with great volunteers, wonderful food and unbelievable scenery. The course was a challenge: Mostly trails, some very technical, with switchbacks, a 1-mile "sand pit" and a 3 and 1/3-mile, straight uphill climb. I cannot thank the organizers enough. I am truly a changed runner. It was an honor to shake the hands of actual survivors, run beside soldiers, cheer the disabled veterans, and humbly watch the ruckers cover 26.2 miles of some of the toughest terrain I have ever seen in a marathon. The only words to describe this race are "life-changing."
P. S. from Jacksonville, Florida (3/23/2010) "A Must-Do Marathon" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is one of the most memorable marathons I have ever run. The opening ceremony was amazing. The snowcapped Organ Mountains were gorgeous. The weather was perfect. I was very humbled by the Bataan veterans and all of the army marchers. It was not as tough as I thought it would be. The sand pit was a piece of cake compared to the downhills - after the mountain climb. I will probably put this on my calendar for next year.
A. H. from San Diego, CA (3/23/2010) "Inspiring and unique; some tips for heavies" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I would agree with every comment about how demanding yet extraordinarily inspirational this event is and have nothing to add in that regard. Instead, here are some tips/suggestions from a first-time 'civilian heavy.' - It's 35lbs total. Pack ~30lbs of weight, account for the pack itself weighing 1-4lbs, and make up the remainder with useful items (sunscreen, CAMERA, first aid, etc.). - This is no ordinary marathon. Mentally and physically, it's more akin to an ultra. Especially if you are smaller (I'm 135lbs), you will be power hiking more than jogging. If you wish to do well, train and strengthen accordingly. Spots I didn't strengthen enough: foot, ankle, hip flexors, glutes. Core is always important. Others may want to watch their knees. - I had a good pack that took some of the weight off my shoulders and put it on my hips. What I didn't expect was how much my feet hurt, and not from blisters. Strengthen foot and ankle muscles and wear good shoes (I can't imagine how it must have been for the military folks in boots). - I hear from experienced outdoors folks that duct tape is better than mole skin for blisters because the smooth side reduces friction (as long as the adhesive doesn't irritate your skin). Worth a try?
B. K. from Ontario, Canada (4/7/2009) "Great and tough marathon" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Bataan Memorial Death Marchs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As always, this was a very well organized and executed event. The opening ceremony in the chilly morning was the time to remember those who did so much in the past for our present and future. Again it was a honor to shake hands of the WW2 veterans and say thank you. Running in the sunrise across the desert towards the distant hill was as tough as all of my previous Bataan Death Marches. The support of the military staff and volunteers was excellent. For the fourth time, I failed to beat a 4-hour finish time, but I will never forget the unique atmosphere and spirit of this marathon. Thank you, WSMR, for the great weekend.

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 4 5 6 7 8 .. 12 > ]

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use