IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING THIS SATURDAY'S MARCH
Dear Bataan Memorial Death March Participants and Volunteers,
Thank you for your patience as we evaluated the conditions surrounding this year’s event. After reviewing the forecast for record-high temperatures and assessing our available medical support, we have made a final decision regarding the course.
For the safety of all participants and volunteers, the 2026 Bataan Memorial Death March will take place exclusively at the 15.6-mile distance on the Honorary Route.
This decision was not made lightly. The combination of extreme heat and limited medical resources required us to adjust the course so we can provide appropriate support and medical care along the route.
All race categories will still take place as planned, and the event will begin at the scheduled start time. Even on the Honorary Route, the terrain and high temperatures will make this a physically demanding event. Most importantly, the purpose of the march remains unchanged: to honor the sacrifice and perseverance of the Soldiers of Bataan.
As you prepare for the event, please continue your heat acclimatization and hydration efforts. On race day, please consider adjusting your pace, carried load and clothing choices according to the heat forecast. We also ask that you plan for extended wait times at the installation gates due to our heightened security posture.
We look forward to welcoming you to White Sands Missile Range and providing a safe, meaningful, and memorable event for all.
America’s Range - First to Test.
Remember Bataan - Never Forget.
Respectfully,
Colonel Donyeill Mozer
Garrison Commander
White Sands Missile Range
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 though the Philippine jungles. Thousands died and those who survived faced the hardships of prisoner of war camps.
In-person Event
The Bataan Memorial Death March will take place in-person at White Sands Missile Range, NM on Saturday, March 21, 2026. This event is a challenging and grueling march that tests both mental and physical abilities. Marchers can choose between the full 26.4 mile marathon distance or a 15.6 mile honorary distance. Individuals and Teams may choose between completing the event in the "heavy or light" categories. If you register for "heavy" you must carry a minimum of 35lbs on your back. Please see complete rules via the official Bataan Memorial Death March website More Than Just A Marathon (bataanmarch.com).
There are no "team" categories or placement medals for the Honorary march. 1st and 2nd place medals are for those registered to complete the full march (26.4 miles). Finisher medals for the event will be provided to every category as long as the participant crosses the finish line.
Virtual MarchIf you choose register for the virtual march please click on the virtual race instructions & FAQs button below to learn more about how the virtual Bataan Memorial Death March works.
Marchers registered for the virtual event will be able to march between 7:00AM MST March 21st and 11:59PM MST March 28th, 2026. Registration for the virtual event will close on Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 12:00 PM MST. All registrants for the VIRTUAL event must march and complete their virtual march by 11:59 PM (MST) on March 28th, 2026. After that, time submissions will no longer be posted to the results.
Once you are registered for the virtual march, download the Virtual Race app on this page, then come back to this page and click on the Virtual Race Instructions & FAQs to learn how to use the app and more.
For those registering for the virtual event please allow time for your packets to be delivered. Participants registered for the virtual event who register by February 21, 2026 should receive their packets by March 21st, 2026 (while supplies last), anyone registered after that date are not guaranteed to receive their packets before the virtual event begins. Packets for Virtual partcipants will include a Bataan marcher t-shirt, a bib, and participation medal (while suppllies last) and will also be able to download a customizable participation certificate.
