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Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon

White Sands Missle Range, NM
Saturday, March 21, 2026


  4.5 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
On the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon 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.

March Other Marathons in March Other Marathons in New Mexico Marathons near White Sands Missle Range, NM



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Saturday, March 21, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Very Hilly
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Trail

Boston Qualifier?: No
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 54°F (12°C)
Average High: 70°F (21°C)
Average Low: 38° F (3°C)

PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: N/A
Course Score: N/A

Race Size

2026: No Results
2025: 2,621 Finishers
2024: 2,834 Finishers
2023: 2,525 Finishers
2022: No Results
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: N/A
2025: N/A
2024: N/A
2023: N/A
2022: N/A
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No




How does the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon Rank?

The Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon was the 36th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 29th largest in 2024.



Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 5417 feet (1651m)
Min Elevation: 4050 feet (1234m)


Bataan



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Race Reviews


4.5
Based on 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

A tough course to run

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by GC About 2024

Full Review:

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2016