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Bataan Memorial Death March Runner Comments
Back to Bataan Memorial Death March Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 4.2
Number of comments: 115 [displaying comments 61 to 71]
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John Swaney from Burton, Ohio
(4/2/2009)
"Unparalleled!!!!!" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 We as runners inevitably find something to complain about. Next time, instead of complaining, think about those individuals who participated in this march that had one leg, no legs, or other battle-resultant injuries. Not only did they participate, but some strapped on full military packs (35 - 40 pounds), marched in what can be likened to walking on kitty litter for 3/4 of the distance, in the desert, in 50 knot winds, and finishing in a remarkable amount of time. They are the true achievers. So the next time your pavement is not crowned perfectly, or it is too windy/rainy/cold/hot, or you don't like the sport drink du jour... think about these kids, who served your country and are willing to take on more challenges than what already burdens their lives. I know that all sounds really nasty, but it struck a chord with me that these individuals are stronger than anyone of us, and unhindered individuals have the nerve to complain about trivial things. The race was fantastic. The organization was excellent. It is like nothing I have ever participated in. The challenges were there, but the inspiration was in the air, and thick. Getting to meet the living survivors of the actual march at Bataan was simply humbling. Just the act of these men reliving their stories so that we can understand what was endured to save this country continues to demonstrate their courage. If you are intimidated by the name of this event, or if you think by the course description that it is more than you can handle, then just train that much harder for it and take it on. It is one that you won't soon forget. | |
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A. D. from NYC
(4/1/2009)
"Late Start - Scrambled Schedule" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 I make my travel arrangements according to the start time and my estimated time. It was 7:00 a.m. and I expected to finish by 12:15. This gave me 45 minutes to hang out at the finish in order to leave by 1:00 and get safely back to the airport by 2:30, in time to turn in my car and be at the gate 60 minutes ahead of departure. The start was moved to 7:25 because of an overly long opening ceremony that started at 6:30. Since runners were required to be at the start area by 4 a.m. and most runners obeyed, there was no excuse for not starting the ceremony in time to finish it by 7 a.m. Furthermore, a lot of the ceremony had nothing to do with the Bataan Memorial, but consisted of shout-outs to local politicians and military officers who were neither running the race nor paying for it. I finished at 12:50, never stopped running, picked up a Coke at the finish line, ran to my car and immediately left the base. I drove like a maniac and barely got back to the airport in time. I met other faster runners at the airport who were leaving at the same time who barely made it, too. I wonder how many runners missed or had to pay for an extra day for their rental car. I think the organization owes us a deep apology for this. Otherwise, it was a great experience. The course was difficult, but you knew ahead of time that it would be. My only other complaint is that the website should recommend that you bring a blanket or sleeping bag, since many runners have to camp out or sleep in their car because the gym fills up early. | |
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r. l. from Arizona
(3/31/2009)
"MENTAL STAMINA" (about: 2009)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my first marathon - second 25-plus-mile event - and the most mentally draining day of my life, which includes sniper school, two trips to Iraq, and SFAS. The whole course seems to mock your training, regardless of how intense you thought it was. You end up deep in thought, debating whether or not the course ends and why they really had to go all the way around the last water tower. The marchers around you keep you going and the people at the checkpoints ensure your morale is high. I would imagine that without the amount of support on the course the finish rate would be as low as 40-50 percent. When you come to this race again, just remember one thing: at least when you finish, there isn't a POW camp waiting for you. To get the full experience, do a light category with a heavy pack, and downgrade as necessary to ensure you finish. I will be back, for the rest of my life, and I am currently searching for another event similar to this one. Next year, I will be in the amputee group with my little bro. Say, "Hi" on your way by. | |
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Jason Herman from Frederick, MD
(3/30/2009)
"The most inspiring time you will ever have." (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Course - Mostly medium packed/loose sand. Do not think that this is just another road race or you WILL get injured. It will test everything you have (unless you're a superhuman like those special people that do Badwater/Western States, etc.). Very boring terrain, but spectacular scenery. Organization - Could not be better. The military and volunteers are nothing short of spectacular, considering the booming numbers of participants, security, and large number of injured participants. Summary - If you want to push yourself across the line and chance your life permanently, I strongly suggest you consider Bataan Death March. My brother and I had a great time. More memorable were the AMAZING people we met - too many to count. It was a privilege of the highest order to honor the brave men and women, past and present, active, reserve, and veteran, who have, will, and continue to protect us and serve as the best example possible of why we are the land of the free... because of the brave. We were the guys with stars and stripes tights. We'd love to know the people we marched with. A special thanks those who organized, presented, and staffed the event. It was a beautiful and moving tribute, which was as huge as it was flawless. The most well presented marathon I have done (9). Very special thanks to the Bataan survivors who blessed us with their presence. It is one a high point of my life that I got to meet and thank you. May God continue to bless you. Your courage defies explanation. To the wounded who marched: You are in my prayers always. Pain goes; memories last. Remember Bataan! | |
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Greg Helbig from Las Cruces NM USA
(5/6/2008)
"An Honor to Participate" (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Course: Impressive views of the Tularosa Basin with the course running along the foothills on the east side of the beautiful Organ Mountains. There is one significant uphill on pavement with most of the remaining course on very runnable dirt/sand trails. The event starts and finishes at the headquarters of White Sands Missile Base which is an event in and of itself. Visit the museum. Organization: The organization of this event was outstanding. It is difficult to remember an event which was this well organized. This was very much a fine example of military precision in every positive sense. MWR and the military folks deserve a lot of credit and thanks: good instructions, generous pre- and post-race nutrition and fluids, well-stocked aid stations, and traffic control and EMS were excellent. Spectators: This was a unique experience for me as a runner, as I also very much felt like a spectator. It was indeed a spectacle to behold with 3,000 plus of the participants being military personnel, many with full packs. Survivors of the notorious Death March, some with spouses and others with families greeted runners at various points of the race. This alone is worth the price of admission. In Summary: The military personnel I met were friendly, helpful, and very pleasant. The knowledge and understanding of what this event commemorates truly puts marathon running into perspective. This is an outstanding experience and a must-do for any serious marthoner/ultrarunner. The long dark road leads on from here, We know not what its course may be; We only know that we must go And keep a date with destiny. We've traveled far on the long dark road, By danger's side we made our bed; The chilling breath of sudden death Lurked right and left and overhead. From Mount Mayon to Orion Thru' living death of O'Donnell From far Vigan to bleak Bataan Thru' days and nights of blazing Hell. The road is lined with unmarked graves Of fallen comrades, brave and true; Beyong the skies their sleepless eyes Are keeping watch o'er me and you. The lamps of peace will burn again; Some day we'll drop our weary load Some sweet day, we trust and pray, At the end of the long dark road. General W E Brougher Tarlac Prison Camp, Philippines 09 August 1942 | |
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B. K. from Ontario, Canada
(4/14/2008)
"Great, tough run against hills, wind and sand" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Bataan Memorial Death Marchs
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Bataan 2008 was my third WSMR Marathon and my expectations of finishing under 4 hours were blown out by the strong wind and the longer- and deeper-than-ever-before sand pit . Seriously, this sandy creature must have multiplied itself recently and this time it covered many sections of the final quarter of the marathon course, previously hard and fast. The event was organized and executed, as always, with military precision. Even the fly-by of the stealth jet was perfectly timed with the opening ceremony. Again, I was honored to shake (softly!) hands of the veterans and say my "thank you" at the start, during the race and at the finish line. WSMR offered great hospitality, excellent food and comfortable and free accommodation in the Bell Gym (lights out at 22:00!). Volunteers provided excellent help and support and some water stations offered ice cold drinks. One detail: in my opinion, crossing of the finish line would be more meaningful if accompanied by getting the finisher's medal. On the other hand, I agree that distribution of the medals and certificates at the registration (in-processing) simplifies the procedure and motivates everyone to finish the race. Thank you, veterans, organizers, runners and marchers for another memorable marathon event. I will be back again, but not necessarily to beat 4 hours. | |
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B. R. from San Antonio
(4/8/2008)
"As advertised... don't miss this event!" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The "heavy" categories carry a 35-pound pack, plus any water they want. I did not do that. I could not. Nor did I run. This is a great "event," and I will try to be there again next year. I walked 26.2 miles (as most people do) and I was glad I did. What a challenge: 4000+ feet elevation, lots of inclines, sand, wind, and heat (after about 9 a.m.) - and more sand. I read everything about this marathon and found it all to be true... it is very challenging. If you are even thinking about it... do it. It's well worth the effort. But I have no idea of how to train for it. Great volunteers, smart organization, lots of medical help (lots of blisters). And more sand than you will ever want. I think sunscreen, sunglasses, extra water, gaiters, and good shoes are all "musts." | |
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S. S. from Fort Collins, CO
(4/8/2008)
"Great, Unique Race" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Although the tile may indicate otherwise, the race was not unbearably difficult. Probably the 3rd toughest marathon course I've run (out of 9); easier than Leadville and Wyoming, and tougher than the Sedona Marathon. The race is organized at White Sands Missile Range to honor the United States and Philippines soldiers who were forced to go on a real death march to POW camps during World War II. We enjoyed running this race, and even got to meet some of the WWII veterans who came to cheer us on. I ran the race in a 5-person team, light division, and I highly recommend running the event in the team category. This is probably the only marathon that has a team category that specifies that all team members finish together! I imagine that other team events just take the sum/average of team member times. The team together concept was appropriate considering we were running to honor the death march, emphasizing the good of the group over the good of the individual, ensuring that we left no runner behind. Also it was fun to be able to run with friends for the duration of the race. We managed to finish the race in 4 hours and 20 minutes, which was good enough for second place in our division! The course itself was challenging but not insane. Bear in mind that I'm from Colorado, so I'm used to big hills. The course was set in the Chihuahuan Desert, which was both austere and beautiful. It was on dirt roads for the most part, with some sections on paved roads, and a 2-mile stretch on loose, sandy soil (the "sand pit ") around miles 21-22. The temperature was probably 75 degrees by the time we finished; pretty hot for a marathon, but at least it was a dry heat! We were told to bring a bandanna for dust. Luckily the wind wasn't too bad, and you could soak the bandanna in water at the aid station for a refreshing, cool, watery pat on the face between aid stations. The temperature at the start was already over 60, so I was concerned about overheating, but there was a consistent breeze that helped keep me cool throughout. I ran in normal running attire: regular running shoes, shorts, wicking top, visor, and shades. The visor and shades are pretty critical; the sun is quite bright out there. And a generous dollop of sun screen should go without saying, and should go everywhere. I felt that I did not need to run in trail shoes or attach gaiters, and for the sand pits and a few rockier sections of the course, the regular shoes were fine. The soldiers have to march in full combat gear, including boots, which looked very hot and uncomfortable. Props to them! The sandy bit was certainly the slowest, toughest part of the course. The big hill from miles 7-13 was challenging as well, but the grade there was not too severe. The sand pit is located at about mile 21 or 22, which automatically makes it tougher due to accumulated fatigue, and the going is slow and hilly through that section. The trick was just to shorten my gait and plug on through. We slept on base the night before in the base gym. Get there early if you want a cot to sleep on! We got to the gym about 5 p.m. and the cots were all gone. There are ample camping grounds on base and they are closer to the starting area then the gym. You miss out on the shower though! The pre-race dinner was very good, and we were able to catch a screening of "The Great Raid ," which was a movie about the US forces breaking out the Bataan survivors from their POW camp 3 years after they were captured. Overall I recommend staying on base if possible. It's really difficult to comprehend what these soldiers went through, and yes, running a marathon seems insignificant to their travails. However I think that the old survivors really get a kick out of us being there and honoring their legacy and hardships. Meeting some of them and just shaking their hands was the highlight of the event for me. Those brave old soldiers aren't going to be around forever. If you're thinking about running this race, don't delay. Do it now. Be there to shake their hands and let them know that they may have been forgotten once, but never again. | |
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J. M. from Sioux City, Iowa
(4/5/2008)
"Bataan Memorial Butt-Kicker" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first "marathon." I did the military version, which meant carrying a 45-pound rucksack. It was truly one of the most difficult things I have done. Although I did not run it (and walked it instead), my father did run it. He has done over 100 marathons and he said it was the most difficult one he has ever done. My hat is off to all who participated and I look forward to doing it again. | |
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P. S. from Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
(4/3/2008)
"Challenging but rewarding" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Bataan Memorial Death March
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I did the 15.2-mile event - not the entire 26.2 - although I don't know for sure but it seemed like it was less than 15.2. Nonetheless, it was a very challenging event. It was more challenging than I expected for the "half." The course had a lot of inclines and then the winds kicked in. The "sandpit" was how it had been described. Volunteers were great and aid stations were well stocked with fruit, water, Gatorade and even homemade trail mix at one. There are few spectators on the course because of the rugged nature of the course - through dirt and sand trails, very little on pavement. However, there were spectators at the start and finish with many veterans present to send us off and bring us in. It was cold in the morning but it quickly became warm once the sun came out. I have absolute respect for those who did the entire 26.2, which I understand is even more difficult - especially those in the "heavy" division (carrying the 35-lb. backpack) in full military fatigues and boots. The nice thing about this event is that everyone can finish if they want because there is no "cut off" time. Most importantly, this event is to recognize and remember the Bataan veterans who endured so much. Everything else in this event is secondary. I will likely return next year, but I will prepare better and shoot to finish 26.2! |
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