18th Annual Memorial Death March Deadline Nears Published March 19, 2007 KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- Registration deadlines are rapidly approaching for the 2007 Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range on March 25. Online registration closes at midnight MDT on March 18. The cost to register is $50 for individuals and $200 for a team. Late online registration is March 19-22, and price doubles. The march recognizes the sacrifices made by thousands of U.S. and Filipino servicemembers overwhelmed by the Japanese in the Philippine Islands during World War II. The event offers a 26.2-mile course and a 15.2-mile course. The longer course, which has been called one of the toughest marathons in the United States, includes an elevation increase from 4,100 to 5,300 feet. There are both team and individual categories and numerous age divisions. Additionally, participants may choose to go "heavy," which means carrying a 35-pound rucksack the duration of the march. Awards are given to the first and second place finishers in each division. The short course is honorary with no categories or age divisions and no awards given. It is designed for those who want to honor the heroes of Bataan and participate in the day's events but don't feel up to the marathon-length course. Event background and details as well as links to historical information on the Bataan Death March are available at www.bataanmarch.com. For more information contact Bataan Memorial Death March officials at 505-678-1256 or send an e-mail to bataan@wsmr.army.mil.