Bataan Memorial Death March - White Sands, New Mexico - Running

The Bataan Memorial Death March is a Running race in White Sands, New Mexico consisting of a Marathon.

The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range. The memorial march is 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.

During the Bataan Memorial Death March, you will experience miles & miles of high desert! Learn more about the course below!

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.