Annual Bataan Memorial Death March
on Tap at White Sands Missile Range
March 25, 2007
(White
Sands Missile Range, New Mexico) Each
spring military and civilian runners, hikers
and walkers converge at White Sands Missile
Range in New Mexico to share blisters, sore
muscles and total exhaustion as they pay
tribute to the soldiers who suffered one of
the most infamous episodes of World War II,
the Bataan Death March.
This year’s
Bataan Memorial Death March is March 25,
2007.
“It’s an
amazing experience,” said 2nd Lt. Todd
Perry, 33, a member of Team America which
won the Military Heavy Co-ed Division in
2006. “The camaraderie, the sense of
accomplishment, the respect paid to the old
veterans… I think there is incredible value
in doing the event as a soldier. It tests
your endurance and character.”
The march
honors the American and Filipino soldiers
who defended the islands of Luzon,
Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of
the Philippines at the onset of World War
II. On April 9, 1942, thousands of these
soldiers were surrendered to Japanese
forces. They were marched for days in the
scorching heat through the Philippine
jungles. Thousands died, and those who
survived faced years of hardship or death in
prisoner-of-war camps. Others were wounded
or killed when unmarked enemy ships
transporting prisoners of war to Japan were
sunk by U.S. air and naval forces.
“The
Memorial March is one of New Mexico’s most
unique events, from both an historical and a
recreational perspective,” said Michael
Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico
Tourism Department. “New Mexico is a great
place for fitness - with its many recreation
areas and opportunities for cycling, skiing,
snowboarding, hiking and running. By also
acknowledging our state’s military veterans,
the Memorial March has become nationally
recognized in the sporting world.”
The Bataan
Memorial March offers a 26.2-mile course and
a 15.2-mile course. Both courses take
participants through sandy trails and washes
as well as over paved roads.
The longer
course, which has been called one of the
toughest marathons in the United States,
includes an elevation increase from 4,100 to
5,300 feet. There are both team and
individual categories and numerous age
divisions. Additionally, participants may
choose to go “heavy,” which means carrying a
35-pound rucksack the duration of course.
Awards are given to the first- and
second-place finishers in each division.
The short
course is honorary with no categories or age
divisions and no awards given. It is
designed for those who want to honor the
heroes of Bataan and participate in the
day’s events, but don’t feel up to the
marathon-length course.
Registration details, event background
and details and links to historical
information on the Bataan Death March
are available at
www.bataanmarch.com.
For
more information, contact Bataan
Memorial Death March officials,
505-678-1256
