The 2027 Clemson 8 Challenge

Overview

Mark your calendar, as we will be hosting an in-person OFFICIALLY TIMED race at 9:00 am on Saturday, February 27, 2027, around the Clemson University campus, along with a virtual race from February 27 to March 6, 2027. The Challenge is open to the general public. You can complete your own run, walk, bike, hike, swim, or ski in Clemson, S.C., or on your own course - in your own town in one day or throughout the eight days. High school JROTC teams will have until April 9th to complete their challenge. Your participant packet consists of a 100% cotton Comfort Colors t-shirt, a wooden nickel, a race bib, and a window decal.

Participation Opportunities

• Race Time: 9:00 am on February 27, 2027
• Event Types: Run, Walk, Bike, Hike, Swim, Ski
• Virtual Race: February 27 to March 6, 2027
• Registration: Open to the general public

Prizes and Donations

• Opportunity to Win: Swag from the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in New Mexico
• Proceeds: Benefit Clemson University's Military-Affiliated student organizations
• Previous Success: First six Challenges raised $139,628.54 for scholarships
• 2027 Goal: Raise $19,420, commemorating the year of the Death March

Memorial Significance

On April 9, 1942, six Clemson alumni became prisoners of war during WWII in the Bataan Death March. Thousands perished in the brutal journey, and many survivors faced harsh conditions in camps for years.

Colonel Skardon

Colonel Skardon, 104, was the last living member of this group, known as the only survivor of the Bataan Death March who walked in the Bataan Memorial Death March. He took part in this event 12 times, even at the age of 101. The Clemson 8 Challenge allows him to continue his pilgrimage and honors those who sacrificed for our country.

How to Participate

After registering for the Clemson 8 Challenge, participants are encouraged to continue training and take part in the 2027 in-person or virtual edition of the 38th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March.

Additional Information

• Honoring Heroes: Visit the Clemson University Scroll of Honor website to learn about those who made the ultimate sacrifice: Clemson Scroll of Honor
• Donations: Contributions can be made online during registration, for tax deductions contact: Amy Craft or call 864-656-1240.
• Sponsorship: Interested in becoming a Race Sponsor? Contact John Seketa at johnseketa@gmail.com or call 864-903-1487.

Submit Results

To submit results for the virtual challenge, follow these steps:

1. Click: the results tab on the Clemson 8 home page
2. Submit: "Submit Virtual Results" (Results can ONLY be submitted from March 11th through March 18th)
3. Search: for your profile using either your name or email address
4. Check: your progress and the progress of others from the results page

Race Location

The race will take place at 101 Gantt Cir, Clemson, SC.

For additional info about the event visit: Clemson 8 Challenge.