Drink plenty of liquids
- DRINK BOTH WATER AND SPORTS DRINK. Do not drink only
water. Both water and sports drink are available at the water
points. If you march and sweat for a long time and drink only water, you
can dilute your body's electrolytes, which can lead to weakness, nausea
and confusion. Remember, by the time you are thirsty, it's too late!
For more information on
preventing heat injury, visit the
U.S. Army Center for
Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine website.
Listen to your body!
See a medic if you are not feeling well.
Listen to your feet!
Take care of hot spots before they turn into nasty blisters.
Use sunscreen. At
White Sands' elevation, sunburn can occur within 10-to-15 minutes.
Watch your step. Beware of
rough terrain.
 Be
respectful of wildlife along the route. You may see critters
ranging from those native to the area, such as rabbits and snakes, to the
exotic oryx - an African antelope which was imported to New Mexico.
White Sands Missile Range has been a site for defense testing, to
include various munitions, for more than 50 years. Do not touch,
pick up or kick anything along the route. Report anything
suspicious to missile range officials.
Click here to watch the White Sand
unexploded ordnance safety video.
If you see a marcher who needs aid, help
them. Report injured or ill marchers to race officials.
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Think safety
while on the Bataan Memorial Death March.
The memorial
march offers many challenges and some safety concerns
unique
to the high desert terrain and White Sands Missile Range.
Please read all the following safety information. |
-
There
are 12 water points along the route - make sure you drink
plenty of liquids. The greatest
danger to marchers is dehydration because of the dry desert
climate. DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages the night prior
to the march.
-
We
encourage you to alternate between water and sports drink
that will be available at water points.
-
A
condition called hyponatremia can be induced by over
hydration with water exclusively. This lowers
sodium levels in the bloodstream and can lead to seizure and
convulsion activity. marchers can avoid this condition by
taking sports drinks containing essential electrolytes such
as potassium, chloride, and magnesium.
-
Watch
your step. Be aware of loose rocks, drop-offs, and
rattlesnakes. The route crosses many arroyos, which are
intermittent streambeds. In the event of heavy rains, do
not attempt to cross the arroyos. Also be aware of
“smaller” problems such as tarantulas, scorpions and bees.
If you are allergic to bee stings, carry your bee sting kit
with you.
-
Anyone
who becomes injured should remain on the route until medical
attention arrives from the nearest water point to avoid
further injury. Anyone who witnesses an unsafe act or an
injured marcher will immediately report the situation to the
nearest water point or roving patrol.
-
"Historically,
about 25 percent of marchers become
casualties during the Bataan Memorial Death March. Over
half of these casualties are foot or ankle injuries.
Therefore, conditioning your feet for the march should be an
essential part of your training. Wear quality footwear and
ensure that they are thoroughly broken in before the day of
the march. Build your mileage gradually over a period of
three to six months, depending on your current level of
conditioning, to strengthen your feet and ankles and toughen
the skin on your feet. You should build to walking at least
15 miles during your train up. People who train by walking
four or five miles a day and then try to march 26.2 miles
across the desert are the first to become casualties.
-
"Keeping
your feet clean and dry throughout the march will help avoid
blisters. Change sweaty socks during the march and consider
using a quality foot powder or even antiperspirant on your
feet to help control sweating. Above all, don't try
anything new (e.g., new shoes, new type of socks, new
insoles or flexible orthotics) on the day of the march. If
you have not trained with it, do not use it.
-
"Good
training, common sense and proactive hydration will help
ensure that your participation in the Bataan Memorial Death
March is a safe and memorable experience."
Refunds
will NOT be given once you register. Registration is non-transferable.
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