The 2027 Clemson 8 Challenge - "Lest We Forget"

Race 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. CLEMSON STUDENTS, USE YOUR LOCAL ADDRESS WHEN REGISTERING AND NOT YOUR HOME ADDRESS.

Participation Details

• Options: 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.
• Participant Packet: Your participant packet consists of a 100% cotton t-shirt, a wooden nickel, a race bib, and a window decal.

Event Highlights

• Swag Opportunity: EVERY RACE DAY PARTICIPANT WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN SWAG FROM THE BATAAN MEMORIAL DEATH MARCH MARATHON IN NEW MEXICO.
• Beneficiaries: 100% of the proceeds will benefit Clemson University's Military-Affiliated student organizations.
• Fundraising Goals: The first six Challenges raised $139,628.54 for scholarships. The 2027 goal is to raise $19,420.
• Endowment Support: Dividends from the endowment and your donations will assist in paying for multiple teams to compete in the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in New Mexico on March 20, 2027.

Donations

• Online Donations: Donations can be made on-line during your registration.
• Tax Deduction: For a tax deduction, please contact Amy Craft at the Clemson University Foundation.
• Contact Information: Call 864-656-1240 or email [email protected] for more details.
• Mail Donations: Mail a check to Clemson University Foundation, Attn: Amy Craft, P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633, mentioning "Bataan Endowment."

Historical Context

On April 9, 1942, six Clemson alumni became prisoners of war with tens of thousands of their brothers-in-arms during the Bataan Death March. Already weak and starving from months of intense fighting and illness, the POWs were herded through the searing heat of the Philippine jungles. Thousands died, and many who survived faced brutal conditions in prisoner-of-war camps.

Colonel Skardon

Colonel Skardon, at 104, was the last living member of this illustrious group. He participated in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March to honor the fallen. The Clemson 8 Challenge was created to enable him to continue his pilgrimage. The 8 represents the annual miles he walked in honor of those who sacrificed themselves during this historical atrocity.

Results Submission

Submit Results

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

1. Click the results tab on the Clemson 8 home page

2. Click “Submit Virtual Results”

   1. Results can ONLY be submitted from March 11th through March 18th.

3. Search for your profile using either your name or email address

4. You can check your progress and the progress of others from the results page

Additional Information

For more information, visit the official race page at 2027 Clemson 8 Challenge.