Bataan Memorial Death March set for March 30 Published Jan. 22, 2008 WHITE SANDS MISSLE RANGE, New Mexico -- The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging trek through the high desert terrain conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Phillipine Islands during World War II. In March 1942, American and Filipino prisoners of war were forced to march to Camp O'Donnell, about one hundred miles away. They were undernourished and ill. Approximately 5,000 to 10,000 Filipinos and from 600 to 650 Americans perished. They sacrificed their freedom, health, and in many cases, their lives. Participants may choose the 26.2 mile or the 15.2 mile route. The 26-mile march is open to military and civilian teams or individuals. Teams must consist of five people. All five marchers must cross the finish line together. The memorial march is not a sanctioned marathon. The cost to register a team is $500. The cost for each individual is $50 to register. The 15-mile honorary march is for those who want to participate, but do not want to attempt the more difficult route. The one category is open for male or female individual members and the cost is $50 to register. No awards are presented for the honorary march. The deadline for registration is midnight on March 23. Late registration is March 24 through midnight on March 27. For more information, call the White Sands Missile Range community events office at 575-678-1256, or visit www.bataanmarch.com.