Bataan Memorial Death March

During the Bataan Memorial Death March, you will experience miles & miles of high desert. Virtual marchers will NOT be able to march on White Sands Missile Range! Learn more about the course below.

With the 2026 revised route, marchers will be introduced to a more dynamic landscape, scenic vistas of the high desert, and an increased chance to see our famous Oryx!  Participants will face demanding challenges along the course – including the infamous “Sand Pit”, potentially dusty conditions on the trail,  diverse terrain, and varying altitudes ranging from 4,052ft-5,136ft. Choose between completing the full 26.4 mile marathon or the 15.6 mile honorary route. Are you ready to embrace the challenge of Bataan and honor the tens of thousands heroic service members who were forced to march in the most horrific of conditions during WWII? Register today and we’ll see you in March!

On April 9, 1942 tens of thousands of American and Filipino Soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces and were forced to march more than 60 miles in the scorching heat through the Philippine jungles. Thousands died and those who survived faced the hardships of prisoner of war camps. The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging and grueling march that tests both mental and physical abilities. For the 2021 virtual experience, marchers are encouraged to choose a challenging stretch of road or trail in honor of the historical march. Marchers can choose between the full 26.2 mile marathon length or a 14.2 mile honorary distance.