HISTORY
The Brainerd Bataan Memorial March commemorates the sacrifices of those who suffered the infamous Bataan Death March of 1942. On December 8th, 1941, Japan attacked US and Allied Forces on the Philippine Islands. With the US Pacific Fleet decimated by the same-day attack on Pearl Harbor, Allied Forces were cut off from resupply and reinforcements. The soldiers in the Philippines, including Brainerd Minnesota’s A Co. 194th Tank Battalion, put up a brave and determined fight against the overwhelming Japanese Army. After three months of fighting, Allied Forces were out of food, medicine and ammunition. On April 9th, 1942, Allied Forces on the Philippines were ordered to surrender.
What followed came to be known as the Bataan Death March. 78,000 individuals were forced to march over 55 miles with no food or water and under the constant danger of beatings, bayonettings and executions by their Japanese imprisoners. Nearly 20,000 military and civilian personnel died during the march. Those who survived had to enduring the grueling existence of Japanese prison camps for the next three years until the Japanese surrender on August 15th, 1945.
This annual event honors and remembers the amazing sacrifices of those incredible heroes. “Remember Bataan, Never forget!”
What followed came to be known as the Bataan Death March. 78,000 individuals were forced to march over 55 miles with no food or water and under the constant danger of beatings, bayonettings and executions by their Japanese imprisoners. Nearly 20,000 military and civilian personnel died during the march. Those who survived had to enduring the grueling existence of Japanese prison camps for the next three years until the Japanese surrender on August 15th, 1945.
This annual event honors and remembers the amazing sacrifices of those incredible heroes. “Remember Bataan, Never forget!”
March Information
This event is open to everyone, military or civilian, of any age group and ability level. Serious runners and casual walkers are all welcome. Participants can enter as an individual or up to a five-person team. Participants will select between a Half Marathon, Full Marathon, or a Half Marathon Ruck March. All participants entering, whether by team or individual, must be in the proper uniform as described below.
The march begins and ends at the Brainerd National Guard Training and Community Center (Armory). Half Marathon participants will complete one lap. Full Marathon participants will complete two laps. In order to complete the Full Marathon, participants must complete the first 13.1 mile lap in under three hours to continue. The course will be closed at 4:00 pm. Any individual still on the course at that time will be picked up and transported back to the Brainerd Training and Community Center.
RUN/WALK UNIFORM
Civilian participants can wear any clothing that is comfortable. Dress for the weather.
Military personnel will wear either the Army Physical Fitness Uniform, the Army Combat Uniform, or the equivalent uniform for your branch. A modification of the PT uniform of replacing the APFU t-shirt with the commemorative Bataan Memorial March t-shirt is authorized.
Military personnel will wear either the Army Physical Fitness Uniform, the Army Combat Uniform, or the equivalent uniform for your branch. A modification of the PT uniform of replacing the APFU t-shirt with the commemorative Bataan Memorial March t-shirt is authorized.
RUCK MARCH uniform
The key component of the Ruck March is the inclusion of a 35 pound ruck sack or pack. This ruck will be weighed at the beginning and end of the march and must weigh at least 35 pounds at both the start and end of the event for the competitor to be considered for placing.
Civilian personnel can wear any clothing that is comfortable. Dress for the weather.
Military personnel will wear the Army Combat Uniform or equivalent uniform for your branch. Participants will carry a water source and the weight of that water source will not be used to achieve the required 35 pounds of the ruck sack.
Civilian personnel can wear any clothing that is comfortable. Dress for the weather.
Military personnel will wear the Army Combat Uniform or equivalent uniform for your branch. Participants will carry a water source and the weight of that water source will not be used to achieve the required 35 pounds of the ruck sack.
RUCK MARCH Teams
Teams consist of four to six individuals. All ruck sacks must meet the 35 pound requirement before in after the event to place. Teams must finish together, within five meters from the first to last member of the team. Substitutions of members are allowed prior to teams starting the course at a cost of $5 per substitution. The march OIC will handle all disputes, disqualifications and event rulings.
AWARDS
Awards will be issued to the first three (3) qualifying finishers in each division. The divisions are:
|
Men's Half Marathon
Men's Full Marathon Men's Ruck March |
Women's Half Marathon
Women's Full Marathon Women's Ruck March |
Team Ruck March
EVENT TIMELINE
Saturday, September 21st, 2019
0630 - 0800 March Day Check in at the Brainerd Armory where you will receive your race packet and number.
0800 - 0845 Open Ceremony
0900 - March begins
1100 - Spaghetti Dinner
1200 - Full Marathon participants must finish first 13.1 mile lap
1600 - Course Closes
0630 - 0800 March Day Check in at the Brainerd Armory where you will receive your race packet and number.
0800 - 0845 Open Ceremony
0900 - March begins
1100 - Spaghetti Dinner
1200 - Full Marathon participants must finish first 13.1 mile lap
1600 - Course Closes
