The 25-mile march commemorates the forced march of about 40,000 American and Philippine soldiers who were forced to surrender to Japanese soldiers after they were overwhelmed in the Battle of Bataan, during World War II. Teams and individuals from Washington, South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Indiana, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, California, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico participated. The march also included military participants from Great Britain, Germany and Spain.
The march was made possible by a joint force made up of members from White Stands Missile Range (WSMR), the New Mexico State University Army ROTC, the New Mexico National Guard, and the California National Guard.
The march started at the WSMR Community club and proceeded along paved streets for approximately 2 miles. From there the course proceeded along a moderately sandy desert trail for approximately 5 miles. After another ½ mile, on paved roads, the trail began an up hill climb of approximately 1,200 feet over about 4 ½ miles. This climb had about 3 miles of paved surface and the remaining being on graded desert trails. After reaching the top, the trail wound around the edge of Mineral Hill, through and beside ruins of abandoned Gold, Silver, and Zinc mines, and ranch buildings for approximately 5 miles and returned to the paved road traversed in the uphill climb about one mile from the bottom.
From there, the route proceeded back along the paved road for approximately 2 miles. Turning off the paved road took the marchers through the deep sand of an arroyo for about 1 mile before joining a graded dirt road which returned to the edge of the main base area and followed around the edge of the housing area to the finish at the Community Club. All along the route, volunteers manned water points with cups of water and other drinks, orange slices, apples, power bars, etc. approximately every two miles (12 places in all). At three points along the route there were first aid stations and roving patrols of medical personnel kept an eye on everyone's safety and well being. Taking care of blisters was the most common task at the first aid stations.
Speaking of blisters (or lack thereof), I give an unqualified endorsement to "Time Out" walking shoes by San Antonio Shoe (SAS) and SAS socks. Through 25 miles, with one change of socks about mid way and no special preparation to my feet -- no blisters, not even a tender spot. If you are looking for long distance walking comfort, you will find it hard to beat SAS shoes and socks.
If this march sounds enjoyable (and it certainly was), I definitely recommend it.
Contributed by Doyle Piland, 1998.
