Eighteenth Annual Bataan Death March

White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico

 

This event takes place at the White Sands Missile Range, an Army base in southern New Mexico.

While security at the gate is very tight, anyone can enter this unique event.

It is unique in that it is a Marathon, and it isn’t.

The distance is 26.2 miles but it is not a competitive run so much as it is a survival march in the spirit of the Bataan Death March of World War Two.

Participants are encouraged only to finish, regardless of how long it takes.

This year the March started at 6:30 AM and ended at 8:30 PM. Fourteen hours!!

Compare that to a routine marathon.

Each year the affair begins with a stirring salute to the heroes of the Bataan March.

A highlight is the appearance of many survivors of the actual Bataan Death March. These veteran/heroes are invited each year to attend the event and meet and greet the participants. They station themselves at the start and finish areas to congratulate all.

The “Team” and “Heavy Divisions” are also unique to the Bataan March.

Teams of five, (male, female, or co-ed) must finish together or at least within twenty seconds of each other or be disqualified. And any individual who wishes may enter the heavy division, wherein he or she must carry a 35 pound pack the entire distance.

Last year, a “half marathon” of 14.2 miles was added to accommodate those who wanted to participate, but considered the full distance a bit more than necessary.

 

The first place finisher this year, running over a mostly hot desert course, was Las Cruces, N.M. resident Michael Waldo finishing in three hours and sixteen minutes

The first place female finisher was Sheila Van Cuyk from Sante Fe N. M. with a time of Three hours and thirty eight minutes

The last to finish was Kirk Bauer, retired military, with a time of thirteen hours and forty two minutes. Kirk is an amputee who lost his leg in defense of his country. (See photo on this page)

Over 4000 athletes and average citizens entered this year’s event. They came from all over the country and other parts of the world. Approximately half were military personnel, including those from Germany, Canada, and England.

As would be expected, the military spares no expense or effort to see that this is a first class production. Water/Aid stations are spaced every two miles, with everything needed to tend to the participant, including a full medical staff  

After the event, everyone is treated to a full meal, and awards are presented to the first two finisher in each division.

This is a most unusual event, and as a public event sponsored by the US Army, it is one of the largest in the country and has continued to grow in popularity and attendance over the years.