Valhalla Running is excited to host our Inaugural Bataan Death March Memorial Run and Ruck March on March 25th, 2023 starting at 8:30am!

The Bataan Death March was the forcible transfer by the Imperial Japanese Army of between 60,000 and 80,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war from Saysain Point, Bagac, Bataan and Mariveles to Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac, via San Fernando, Pampanga, the prisoners being forced to march despite many dying on the journey. The transfer began on April 9, 1942, after the three-month Battle of Bataan in the Philippines during World War II. The total distance marched from Mariveles to San Fernando and from the Capas Train Station to Camp O'Donnell is variously reported by differing sources as between 60 and 69.6 miles (96.6 and 112.0 km). Sources also report widely differing prisoner of war casualties prior to reaching Camp O'Donnell: from 5,000 to 18,000 Filipino deaths and 500 to 650 American deaths during the march.

The run will be held on the Little Elm Lake Trail. This is an amazing trail run. The first half kilometer is a nice paved concrete trail. Once that ends, it becomes a pea gravel trail that offers an easy terrain run. This trail is stroller friendly if you would like to push your little one. We are offering the following race's:

* 1 Mile
* 5K
* 10K
* 5K Ruck March
* 10K Ruck March

In order to compete for top male or female in either the 5K or 10K Ruck March, we ask that your pack (bag) weighs at least 20 pounds. Your pack will be weighed at the end of the march to ensure no water weight is included in the 20 pounds. We will be offering awards for the following:

* 5K Overall Top Three Male and Female
* 10K Overall Top Three Male and Female
* 5K/10K 0 - 12 Age Group Top Three Male and Female
* 5K/10K 13 - 18 Age Group Top Three Male and Female
* 5K/10K 19 - 28 Age Group Top Three Male and Female
* 5K/10K 29 - 38 Age Group Top Three Male and Female
* 5K/10K 39 - 48 Age Group Top Three Male and Female
* 5K/10K 49 - 58 Age Group Top Three Male and Female
* 5K/10K 59+ Age Group Top Three Male and Female
* 5K Ruck March Overall Male and Female
* 10K Ruck March Overall Male and Female

Here is our timeline:

* 5:30am - Race set-up begins
* 6:00am - Vendor and Sponsor set-up begins
* 6:30am - Packet pick-up begins/Race day registration
* 8:20am - Packet pick-up/Race day registration close
* 8:30am - 10K/5K Run/Ruck March
* 8:45am - 1 Mile starts
* 10:00am - 5K Run/Ruck March Results
* 11:00am - 10K Run/Ruck March Results
* 11:30pm - Course closes and clean-up begins

Donations raised and proceeds from the race will go to Valhalla Running's 2023 summer event that we are currently planning for the Gold Star Families in Texas. If you are interested in learning more or interested in how you can help, please visit valhallarunning.com or email [email protected].