This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Bataan Death March, and the 32nd year for the Bataan Memorial Death March, established in its honor. Held annually since 1989, The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging 26-mile journey through the high desert terrain of White Sands Missile Range. Unfortunately, for the second straight year in a row, and due to continuing concerns over issues surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, The Bataan Memorial Death March will be held as a virtual event, March 20-27, 2022.
The March was established to commemorate one of the darkest periods in world history, when, on April 9, 1942, approximately 75,000 American and Filipino Prisoners of War were forced to march 63 miles to an internment camp on the Bataan peninsula by the Imperial Japanese Army. Among those seized were members of the 200th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard.
During that campaign, approximately 21,600 of those prisoners would lose their lives, due to malnutrition, disease, heat exhaustion and severe physical abuse. The surviving POWs would not see freedom until 1945, when U.S.-Filipino forces recaptured the lost territory.
Since its inception, the Bataan Memorial Death March has grown from about 100 marchers to the record 10,000 who registered in 2020. It regularly brings in participants from across the United States and several foreign countries, making it one of the top marathons in the world and a ceremonial tribute like no other. But just because you can’t make the March in person, doesn’t mean you can’t participate.
Just as with last year, attendees are invited to register at the official Bataan Memorial Death March website, where they are directed to the races external partner It’s Your Race. There they will choose to participate in either the full virtual march (26.2 miles) or the honorary virtual march (14.2 miles). An app can then be downloaded to your mobile device, which will automatically track your pace, distance, and overall time. When you have reached your exact distance, the app will send your results to the events page. Registration is $55 and begins here. For more information, visit the official website.
Posted by LasCruces.com