Bataan Memorial Death March - Race Reviews

Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon offers everything that every marathoner hates: hills, rocks, sand, dust, heat, wind and sun. The course is unique and very challenging. The start was crowded and slightly chaotic in the dark. The menu at the stations was limited to water, gatorade, oranges and green bananas. There were no energy supplements. The biggest surprise was the finish line: a bottle of water and NO FREE FOOD for finishers. This is something I have never experienced in my long distance running life. No matter what, I will be back for my 10th Bataan...

Indeed it is a special event and I would recommend you to do it. I did it in 2024 with a 40 pound backpack and to play to the event I would recommend you to do it that way. Now for the however: of all the races I've done this one was the worse run one. Website never said what time it starts or until last second where the packet pick up was. The solders directing parking did not give directions and there were no signs where to go. At finish line nobody checked if the bag was over 35 pounds, no free food for participants only food trucks for $ and no sign where parking was (quite far away). The event, again, was cool, albeit I thought not nearly as hard as I thought it would be.

I am back and I will be coming back again and again. This is not a simple race, this is an unforgettable event in memory of those who did nor come back home from WW2 in Pacific...

It's truly about honor and integrity. That's why it's so disappointing when PHOTOS SHOW when someone does NOT carry a pack weighing 35 pounds per your category requirements, and yet you do not question your results as a first or even second-place finisher of the Individual Civiluan Female HEAVY Category; others struggled more and are deserving. Additionally it's sad that although notified in a timely manner, both the timing organization and the event organizers did not address the disputed results.

I participated in the 2015 Bataan Death March and it was a grueling course. However, more importantly than the personal satisfaction of completing it, was to be able to meet the POWs that are still present and be able to honor the fallen warriors that had to suffer through the actual event. Additionally, the joint camaraderie that you see amongst military and civilians from various locations that showed up to participate. This was an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Bataan 2019 was my 7th run in White Sands Missile Range. Why am I coming back to Bataan? Because this is more than just a marathon...

I've only done one other race besides Bataan. I've learned that you have to be head strong when doing this march by yourself. It is so much easier to complete when you have someone with you.

INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:18:48. The Bataan Memorial Death March was my forty-ninth 26.2-miler accomplished. There were four individual divisions to choose from: Civilian-Light, Civilian-Heavy, Military-Light, and Military-Heavy. The Heavy divisions were required to carry 35 pound packs or rucksacks. Military personnel were required to march in full battle dress uniform. I participated in the Civilian-Light division, but chose to treat this event as a march; that is, I wore boots, BDU trousers, and carried a Camelback containing 100 ounces of fluid, change of socks, foot powder, moleskin, sunscreen, etc. COURSE: It was a great day for a march, at least at the beginning: temperature just before the 7:05 race start was in the mid-fifties with trace wind. With the sun starting to rise upon the conclusion of the opening ceremony, we set out on our journey, with the initial two miles at base headquarters mostly on paved roads, initially heading east into the sun for the first mile, but then turning north, which would be our general direction for the next twelve miles. Just before passing by the WSMR Museum and Missile Park, at mile 2.1, the road surface changed to unpaved of varying consistency. Some amongst us did our best to find the harder surfaces in order to improve our times. The road condition would stay this way for the next six miles. We would face our first grade just past mile 7, where we climbed 150 feet until we reached Owen Road one mile later, at which point we returned to a paved surface for the next 3 1/2 miles. The most difficult part of the course began just past mile 8 1/2, where we began our 4 1/2 mile, 1200 foot ascent around Mineral Hill, with the road surface turning to unpaved and soft just before mile 12. A little past the halfway mark, we reached our highest point and began our net southbound journey back to the base. From the higher elevation, we occasionally were able to see HQ, a reminder of how far we would have to go in order to finish. Finishing our circuit around Mineral Hill, we travelled down the same road we ascended on until reaching mile 19 1/2, where we would once again resume and complete our march off-road. About a half mile later, we entered The Sandpit. The road surface was considerably softer for the next 1 1/2 miles, but not ankle deep. After completing The Sandpit, the road surface hardened. The only deterrent was the southerly wind blowing against us and the warm weather that had reached the high-seventies. ORGANIZATION: The staff and volunteers who conducted the In-Processing were efficient. Those of us who arrived early benefitted from not standing in line outside in the desert heat. The opening ceremony was an incomparable solemn affair, especially the roll call of three Bataan Death March survivors present, and of those dozen or so who passed away in the past year--a reminder for those future participants who want to meet the true heroes of the event better do so very soon. FANS: Except for the start and finish, none to speak of. After all, we were on a military installation. CONCLUSION: Most civilians choose to treat this event as a trail marathon; nothing wrong with that, except there are several trail marathons in this country but there is only one march. Those who put on the boots, BDU trousers, and packs will not only get a sense of what our heroes endured in Bataan, but also gain an appreciation for those who serve in the field of battle every day.

From the check in to the finish line, this marathon was the best I have ever done. Meeting the survivors at check in and at the start, very humbling. It beat out the Marine Corp marathon in DC. The aid stations were fully stocked and ready to accommodate you. But, for this one you better be ready. The sand, hills, or as we call them mountains in Florida, 40 mph winds with dust blowing and more sand. I live in Florida so the heat did not bother me. I was glad I trained at the beach because of the sand. The soldiers I met along the way were super. Most with there 40-45 lb sacks, I can't imagine marching 26 miles in those conditions with that much weight on my back. They are true heroes. This is a must do marathon.

Bataan 2018 was my 6th run in the White Sands. This year I give 5 - 2 = 3 for the organization for two reasons: 1. There were not enough portable washrooms at the start (very long lineups) and most of them became 'paperless' even before the beginning of the opening ceremony. Disaster! 2. The first sharp left turn after mile 1 at Aberdeen was either not marked or marshalls were absent. The leaders of the run kept going straight and others followed until after several minutes the mistake was recognized. I made additional 2 miles or more and lost more than 10 minutes. This should be corrected in the final results. The rest of the race and the events at the finish line were as always carried out with military precision. Runners, be prepared for chilly start, windy and hot day, beautiful course with deep sand, gravel and steep hills, fantastic volunteers and unforgettable atmosphere of the event. Thank you, I will be back...

Following the first mile, several hundred people ran off-coarse and in the wrong the direction. The initial race leaders must or ran at least 2-3 miles extra. There must of been an error on the coarse not being properly marked on the first turn when the coarse transitions from running on asphalt to dirt. Several hundred people took a wrong turn on a road that hadn't been blocked off. I find this troubling especially considering that the race is held on a missile testing range! Additionally, when I asked for an adjustment to my overall race time, I was quickly denied and told that there was nothing that could of been done.

Hardest effort I've ever made but it's nothing compared to the poor guys we were all running in memory of. I recommend this race to anyone but caution that the sand, sun, wind all make it VERY challenging.

I marched the marathon with a 25 lb pack. I was in the military light with no weight minimum. I trained many months and knew what to expect but it is not easy to train for the conditions when you live in the snowy, cold northeast. The winds were extremely high here and there were three deep sandpits, one we went through twice. There are plenty of hills and one steep 7 mile incline. This is my first marathon event and I think it was very well run. Check-In took less than 10 and I had to change categories so that added a few minutes. I think the start up went well and for those who complained about the opening ceremony length, I am guessing most were not veterans/military. There was water, sports drinks,oranges and bananas every few miles. There was also a lot of medical support, and boarder patrol checking on anyone resting or walking along. Meeting 3 actual Bataan survivors, and falling in with some wounded warriors (I lost my glasses and it was dark - I am slow) gave new meaning to "shock and awe". I may not walk other marathons but this was a 16 year dream. The challenge, people along the way and meeting real heroes makes me ready to sign up again.

Naturally, every year is different - from training to shoes to weather - but the event itself is consistently the best experience of each year. In certain places on the course the terrain can be different due to the past year's weather. The number of survivors present at the morning roll call decreases. Presentations the day before the event add new bits and pieces to the history of the Pacific Theater in WWII, info that's just not included in our public school educations. More & more descendants meet and share their stories and searches. This year, more was revealed about the Filipinos and their roles. Furthermore, there's always ALWAYS the best 'support' from everyone pre to post event - especially the amazing volunteers on & off the course. Try it - and you too will say, 'Remember Bataan - Always'. For me, saying 'Thank you one & all', is consistently never enough, and neither is the phrase 'train well.'

Great event see you next year. Also, very challenging course.

Bataan was my first marathon, it was an awesome race and I love it.

Wow...what an incredible whirlwind marathon experience! I highly recommend this race for 50 staters and others. I am so glad to have chosen it. So much more to cover here than most marathons so I will try to break it down. LOGISTICS - EXPO - BATAAN SURVIVORS If you are not local or within driving distance this race requires a bit more effort. I flew Saturday morning from Chicago to El Paso International Airport and quickly got a rental car and made the quick 40-50 mile drive directly to the White Sands Missile Range for packet pickup (tip: I was at a secondary entrance to the base that had a shorter line than the main entrance) Once gaining admission to the base and getting my pre printed parking pass stamped I made my way to the expo around 2:30pm. I learned the Bataan survivors had been there all morning and were no longer there but would be speaking in classroom settings between 3-5pm. I checked in quickly and opted for the framed certificate, coins and dogtag for $65, which was immediately done on the spot. (tip: you get a additional dogtag with chain that serves as your medal in this race in the packet. You do not give up that dogtag for the framing. Present and past custom coins are available for $10 apiece at the expo along with many shirts and hats. A special Bataan unit military coin without a year on it is also available for $8.75 at the nearby post store, which I purchased with a keyring to hang on my medal display with the dogtag) I quickly made my way to the building the Bataan veterans were speaking at and was able to hear several of them give inspiring speeches and Q&A sessions. Even if you arrived early to the expo to shake a survivor's hand I highly recommend attending this interactive personal presentation portion to truly appreciate the history of what these men endured not only through the torturous 60 mile march they were forced to do but also the years some spent in prison camps after the march. One man asked a survivor how they kept their hope alive for so long. The survivor deadpanned an answer 'If you lost hope you died, it's that simple'. After hearing the presentations it was close to 5pm which made me feel a bit rushed to leave the base to get to my hotel 30 miles away in Las Cruces and to eat. I noticed a lot of tents and RV's set up on the base which is an option as well as a gym that has limited space. Keep in mind the base is in the middle of the isolated desert so logistically you are looking at staying in Las Cruces unless you arrive perhaps Friday to secure a cot on the base. RACE DAY I rose at 3:00am and left for the base at 3:45am. The traffic jams later are well documented by others here as this is a race of 6,000+ participant marchers. I cruised into the base about 4:15am and napped in the car until about 5:45am. I then got my gear in order and headed to the start for the opening ceremony. What a mind blowing experience this was from start to finish. The color guard, the speech from the base commander and roll call of survivors as well as a helicopter flyover with the gorgeous mountain backdrop. The corrals were all well marked and organized with honorary then civilian light marchers then the military and heavy divisions. Having started near the front I still did not cross the start until 7:34am about 30 minutes from official start. A past civilian heavy participant told me they waited almost until 8:30 to get started. I did get a chance to shake hands with the survivors but if you chose not to you could have gone through faster along the side. The first few miles are crowded on regular roads and you really don't have room to run until about 4 miles in. That's where the trail and sand starts kicking in. The sand is best described as a pebbly rough sand. There are many you tube videos of the course, but they don't convey the full picture of this surface. I run 90% of my mileage on trails and found these conditions to be much tougher throughout. The sand is everywhere intermittently throughout the course. You are constantly trying to find that patch of harder ground to run on and never know when it will appear or disappear again. From about mile 8-12 you are on paved road again but it is a gradual tough incline upwards. Visually, it is not intimidating but you feel it and towards mile 19 when you go down it you REALLY appreciate more how steep it actually was going up! There are also hills and rocks interspersed throughout the course and the sand pit around mile 21 was tough, but there were many sand pit areas throughout the course so I didn't find it to stand out as much as I had expected. The course support was great with oranges/bananas gatorade and water at every station, although I strongly encourage your own hydration pack for this race. There is so much inspiration with the soldiers and wounded warriors around you also. Physically and mentally this was the toughest of the 19 marathon states I have done including the San Francisco Marathon, my prior toughest. It was incredible meeting the survivors a second time at the finish and I didn't miss the lack of medal here at all! A free post race meal was offered but I really wasn't feeling like looking for that building on the base so I left and headed back to my hotel in El Paso. My advice to 50 Staters and others is DO THIS RACE NOW! The survivors add such a personal touch and I think there were only 5-6 there this year participating many in their 90's.

It was my first time. I liked it. It was perfect. I'm going to do it again.

The logistics: 1/2 hour from LaCruces (hotel right off 25) to Base; 2 hours to get through Security and through Expo (Saturday afternoon). Race morning: left hotel at 4:00, got to base at 4:30 (no line for cars! They didn't check IDs). They say to be at Start at 6:00 for 6:30 ceremony, but even soldiers were in porta potty lines during entire ceremony. Race starts at 7:00, but I didn't cross till about 7:25 (Civilian Light); shake survivors' hands at Start and Finish. Day was perfect; 42-62; no wind (so no blowing sand); wear gaters. Couple stops sprayed sunscreen. Aid stations were great  lots of volunteers and plenty of water and Gatorade. Several stops had oranges//bananas; can buy hamburgers and hot dogs along course; very humbling to be running/marching (lots of sand) with soldiers in long pants with heavy backpacks. I suggest reading a book by one of the survivors ahead of time; I read 'My Hitch in Hell: The Bataan Death March' by Lester Tenney; really makes you appreciate what they (and the survivors at the start/finish) went through. Eight survivors this year; they're in their 90s now.

I did this race with a group, in 2002, totaling five. Two of us finished. It was an honor to walk across the finish line and receive a medallion from a WWII veteran, who was actually there, in the real march.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Awesome Suport. Every 2 miles, water, gatoraide, oranges, bananas and medical. AND cots to sit on if you need. STAY on base in the gym. It beats getting up WAY early and driving on base. Gym provides some support networking as well. Survivors ROCK !!! Great getting to talk to them. VERY motivating. I did the 'light' last year, came back for the 'heavy' this year. Both are tough. no doubt about it, but a great accomplishment.

Caution: participating in this marathon will likely result in a mindset reset: - it's a 'march' (not called a race). . . lots of soldiers doing this marathon in boots and full uniforms . . . many in the 'heavy' division - wearing 35 lb packs! - it's not about you and your experience or a finishers medal . . . it's about honoring survivors of the Bataan Death March (and by logical extension to all service members who have sacrificed to ensure freedom for America and her allies . . . from general military hardship and beyond. You'll find it hard to have self-pitty about some marathon discomfort as you see a wounded warrior do the marathon on a prosthesis). A couple observations: - seems like a lot of very unprepared participants . . . and they know they are unprepared and they fully expect to suffer - it's an expected part of their memorial experience. - it's a challenging course with significant elevation, some parts of tough going on deep/loose, sand/fine gravel surface, usually pretty hot and windy towards the end (unless you're fast and beat the heat and wind) - Some of the worst 'suffering' I observed was experienced by the slowest cadet on a competing 5-person ROTC team. (Cadets - you want to be well prepared and not be the slowes one on your team - your life will be pure hell during the whole thing). - the base personnel are very courteous and welcoming - from the base commander (a black female general who had inspirational comments before the documentary film and before the marathon start) to other soldiers and contractors. If you do this race, consider more participation than might be your normal default: - stay on base the night before (you can camp in the park or sleep in the gym) to get a little glimpse of military life - meet some soldiers, college ROTC cadets, etc. while camping and at the group meals - go to the inspirational Bataan Death March documentary movie the night before. - shake hands and speak with one or more of the few living Bataan Death March survivors . . . you'll appreciate the opportunity to thank them for their sacrifice and inspiration

This was my first ever marathon. I walked it as a civilian light with my dad, civilian heavy. I was very Impressed with the amount of medical and water stops along the way! Very challenging course with lots of sand and never ending hills, but totally worth the 10.5 hours it took me. Every water stop had bananas and oranges, medical and water and 'gatorade,' which didn't taste so great, but worked like a charm. Between miles 13-14 was a rest stop where burgers and hotdogs were available. Just what I needed to keep pushing on. Vans or ATVs patrolled the entire course the whole time to rescue any casualties. Overall VERY impressed with entire weekend. Highly recommend saving $$ and staying on the base in the gym the night or 2 before. Better than the hour wait to get through the gate in the morning. Some of the remaining survivors of the real Bataan Death march (1942) were around to share their stories during the weekend which was very inspiring.

Well after getting sick the year before and finishing the short 14.2, I finished with much better weather this time, with a time of 5:20, well under my normal 4 hour pace. Amazing experience that I wil try never to miss as long as I can run or walk it. Steep hill from mile 8-13 that most walk up. 40 degree plus temperature varience, but sure beat the 35 mph blow the year before. Be prepared for any weather. This year it was beautiful. Do this to honor the servicemen of this great country and leave you personal glory at home. Bring your children so they can check out the whole deal. My 13 year old did well in the 14 miler and my son ran the heavy division with his ROTC squad. Hard to get to, but worth it! Great organization, volunteers were spectacular, fans at the finish line. Wow!

Who would have thought that a course in New Mexico would be spectacularly beautiful? It was! At one point, we were completely surrounded by mountains. It was an extremely tough course, but I followed previous runners' advice and walked up 'the hill' (there were actually many, but one is so steep and so long, it stood out) and 'the sand pit' (an area of trail with ankle-deep sand.) I didn't run a PR, of course, but it was a wonderful experience. I shook hands with survivors of the 'real' Bataan Death March at the finish and thanked them for their service. The day before, I listened to a seminar presented by a survivor and heard a historical presentation about the death march. Survivors were on hand throughout the weekend to shake hands and sign autographs. The Army knows how to put on an event: it was very well organized. Remote areas of the course were devoid of spectators, but the aid stations made up for it. Volunteers thought of everything, including offering wet wipes for those exiting the port-o-potties. Bring your own hydration device, as the course is so remote, aid stations are a little far apart. All-in-all, a very memorable experience. Run it now while there are survivors who are still alive.

NTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:14:50. The Bataan Memorial Death March was my twenty-fourth 26.2-miler accomplished. There were four individual divisions to choose from: Civilian-Light, Civilian-Heavy, Military-Light, and Military-Heavy. The Heavy divisions were required to carry 35 pound packs or rucksacks. Military personnel were required to march in full battle dress uniform. I participated in the Civilian-Light division, but chose to treat this event as a march; that is, I wore boots, BDU trousers, and carried a Camelback containing 100 ounces of fluid, change of socks, foot powder, moleskin, sunscreen, etc. COURSE: It was a great day for a march, at least at the beginning: temperature just before the 7:05 race start was in the mid-forties with trace wind. With the sun starting to rise upon the conclusion of the opening ceremony, we set out on our journey, with the initial two miles at base headquarters on paved roads, initially heading east into the sun for the first mile, but then turning north, which would be our general direction for the next twelve miles. Just before passing by the WSMR Museum and Missile Park, at mile 2.1, the road surface changed to unpaved of varying consistency. Some amongst us did our best to find the harder surfaces in order to improve our times. The road condition would stay this way for the next six miles. We would face our first grade just past mile 7, where we climbed 150 feet until we reached Owen Road one mile later, at which point we returned to a paved surface for the next 3 1/2 miles. The most difficult part of the course began just past mile 8 1/2, where we began our 4 1/2 mile, 1200 foot ascent around Mineral Hill, with the road surface turning to unpaved and soft just before mile 12. A little past the halfway mark, we reached our highest point and began our net southbound journey back to the base. From the higher elevation, we occasionally were able to see HQ, a reminder of how far we would have to go in order to finish. Finishing our circuit around Mineral Hill, we travelled down the same road we ascended on until reaching mile 19 1/2, where we would once again resume and complete our march off-road. About a half mile later, we entered The Sandpit. The road surface was considerably softer for the next 1 1/2 miles, but not ankle deep. After completing The Sandpit, the road surface hardened and it was a relatively easy, downhill or flat march the rest of the way. The only deterrent was the southerly wind blowing against us and the hot weather that had reached the mid-eighties. At the end of the march, we were offered to meet the true heroes of the eventthose who survived the 64 mile march in the Philippines under much more difficult circumstances seventy years ago. ORGANIZATION: The staff and volunteers who conducted the In-Processing were efficient and extremely accommodating. The Pasta Dinner was well run. Those of us who arrived early to both events benefitted from not standing in line outside in the desert heat. The opening ceremony was an incomparable solemn affair, especially the roll call of Bataan Death March survivors present, and of those who passed away in the past year. The thirteen water points served water and Gatorade efficiently. Of special note was Water Point 6, operated by the New Mexico State University ROTC: a hamburger, hot dog, and chips could be had for five dollars. At Water Point 11, USA flags were handed to the marchers. FANS: Except for the start and finish, none to speak of. After all, we were on a military installation. CONCLUSION: Most civilians choose to treat this event as a trail marathon; nothing wrong with that, except there are several trail marathons in this country but there is only one march. Those who put on the boots, BDU trousers, and packs will not only get a sense of what our heroes endured in Bataan, but also gain an appreciation for those who serve in the field of battle every day.

I completed this course in march 2011. It was my first marathon, I did NOT run this course, but I did finish the full 26.2 miles. From the head on, gale force winds to the hills, to the rugged terrain.....and that evil, evil 2 mile sand pit.......this course is the very definition of brutal. I do want to do this again, after much more training, and I'd like to bet to the point where I can run it, but I'm damn proud that I even managed to finish it once. Definitely one of the best experiences of my life.