Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon Reviews

  A tough course to run

By GC about 2024

Review

Well organized and an interesting course (I love the desert), but challenging to run. I used it primarily to check New Mexico off my list, but if I lived closer I would do it again just to try to do better.

The only thing a little annoying is the early start time, considering limited options to stay close by. But it makes sense to allow the marchers as much time as possible.

Seeing all the service men & women, and civilians, in the rucking divisions was impressive and inspiring. If you love road races and big crowd support, or you hate hills or just don't like the military theme, skip it.

Race Tips

This assumes you are running and not marching) Be mindful of the elevation profile and higher altitude. The hills in the middle are continuous and the soft dirt is energy draining.

Most of the course is off-pavement, so trail shoes and possibly gaiters are recommended. Think of this as a trail race. I used a running vest to carry my own hydration, but probably shouldn't have -- hydration stations were plentiful and had water & Gatorade. There is little in the way of crowds or course entertainment, so bring your own music, talk to another runner, or just enjoy the landscape.

At different points along the way it was windy and much cooler, probably from the elevation and which side of the hills we were on -- keep gloves handy if you use them.

Most of the participants are marching, so there was no problem making my way towards the front of the corral designated for runners. You also don't need to worry about getting stuck behind people or other congestion problems.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed in El Paso and was easily able to get to/from WSMR in under an hour. I was told that access from Las Cruces is much more difficult due to more people coming from that direction.

  

By Anonymous about 2016