Bataan Memorial Death March

The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of White Sands Missile Range, conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and, in many cases, their very lives. Since its inception, the memorial march has grown from about 100 to some 6,500 marchers from across the United States and several foreign countries. While still primarily a military event, many civilians choose to take the challenge. Marchers come to this memorial event for many reasons – personal challenge, the spirit of competition or to foster esprit de corps in their unit. Some march in honor of a family member or a particular veteran who was in the Bataan Death March or was taken a prisoner of war by the Japanese in the Philippines. From the start line (blue star at the South end of the map) the routes go counterclockwise. The numerically-marked (1-12) blue drops indicate the water points. The red stars indicate medical stations. The 14.2-mile route is essentially the lower portion of the 26.2 mile course. On the 26.2-mile course, the route proceeds Northwest from Water Point 4/8, circling a small mountain known as Mineral Hill. Returning to Water Station 4/8, marchers travel south along the paved road covered earlier in the route. The course then veers West along dirt and sand trails, coming up the backside of the White Sands community and returning to the finish line. The area know as the “Sand Pit,” featuring deep sand, comes after Water Station 9. But, be aware, the dirt trails elsewhere along the route can be sandy and dusty as well. This is particularly true of the stretch between Water Station 1 and Water Station 3.