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Sent in by Veterans News and Information Services
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Jan. 12, 2000)
Registration/information brochures are available for the Bataan Memorial Death March to be conducted at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., April 16, 2000.
This is the 12th year for the popular memorial march which recognizes the sacrifices made by thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members overwhelmed by the Japanese in the Philippine Islands during World War II. Since its inception, the memorial march has grown from about 100 participants to more than 2,400. At least 3,000 marchers are expected for the 2000 event.
As a sports event, the march is "just about as challenging as they come, especially in today's realm of extreme sports," says Capt. Paul Zeps, a member of the Bataan Memorial Death March Project Office. He stresses that advanced preparation is a must. "You've got to be in shape and train before attempting this march. It's particularly important if you're not acclimated to New Mexico's high desert environment."
The march starts on the missile range main post, crosses hilly terrain, winds around a small mountain and returns to the finish line through sandy desert trails and washes. The elevation varies from about 4,100 to 5,300 feet. This year, the course will be extended from 25 to 26.2 miles. While now marathon length, the memorial march is not a sanctioned marathon.
The event is open to military (active duty, reserve, National Guard, ROTC, JROTC or retired military) and civilian teams and individuals in either heavy or light divisions. Military personnel marching in any military category must wear full field gear. Civilian marchers in any category should wear appropriate attire for a road march through desert terrain. All marchers entered in heavy division categories must also carry a 35-pound rucksack.
Teams may consist of five to seven people; five people must cross the finish line together. Team categories are male light, male military light, male military heavy, female light, female military light, female military heavy, coed military light, coed military heavy, coed light, National Guard light, National Guard heavy, ROTC light, ROTC heavy and JROTC light.
Individual categories are male military light, male military over 40 light, male light, male over 40 light, male military heavy, male heavy, female military light, female military over 40 light, female light, female over 40 light, female military heavy and female heavy.
The team entry fee is $110 for entries submitted by April 1. After that date, the price is $150. Fee for individual marchers is $25 if submitted by April 1 and $35 after the deadline. Registered participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, certificate, pre-event continental breakfast and post-event meal.
Brochures are available by calling (505) 678-3374. The application form also is available on the
White Sands Missile Range Website
Questions and comments may be e-mailed to bataan@wsmr.army.mil.
(Editor's note: This article courtesy of the White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Office.)
Link to original news item: Bataan Memorial March
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