The "Clemson 8" Challenge

🏃‍♂️ The "Clemson 8" Bataan Death March Challenge Walk/Run/Bike/Hike/Swim/Ski

The "Clemson 8" Bataan Death March Challenge is open to the general public. We are hosting an in-person race at 10:00 am on Sat., March 9, 2024, along with a virtual race from March 8-15, 2025. You can complete your own walk, run, bike, hike, swim, or ski in Clemson, S.C. or on your own course - in your own town. And, you can complete it in one day or throughout the eight-day period. Your participant packet consists of 100% COTTON Comfort Colors t-shirt or tank top, bib number, wooden nickel, wooden medallion, and window decal. There will be no prize money awarded to the top finishers at the in-person event.

🎗 Proceeds and Goals

• Support: 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Clemson University Military Affiliated students organizations.
• Past Impact: The first four Challenges raised $113,127.34.
• 2025 Goal: The goal is to raise $19,420.
• Purpose: Dividends from the endowment and your donations will assist in paying for ten students to compete in the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in New Mexico on March 22, 2025.

💰 Donations and Sponsorship

• Online Donations: Donations can be made on-line during your registration.
• Tax Deduction: For tax deductions, contact Amy Craft at the Clemson University Foundation M-F from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm EST at 864-656-1240, acserna@clemson.edu or mail a check to: Clemson University Foundation, Attn: Amy Craft, P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633 On the for line, write: Bataan Endowment.
• Direct Donation: Direct online link: https://iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving/giving-to-clemson?id=9ed46b59-6d7e-4b16-88c6-961984a7efe0
• Sponsorships: If you would like to become a Race Sponsor, contact John Seketa at johnseketa@gmail.com or 864-903-1487 for more information.

🕊️ Historical Context

On April 9, 1942, six Clemson alumni became prisoners of war with tens of thousands of their brothers-in-arms when American troops who had been fighting in the Philippine theater of WWII were ordered to surrender to the Japanese. They were marched North some 70 miles by their ruthless captors in what would come to be known as the Bataan Death March, one of the most notorious war crimes in history. Seven other alumni were also captured on neighboring islands during World War II.

👨‍✈️ Colonel Skardon

Colonel Skardon, 104, was the last living member of this illustrious group. He was well known as the only survivor of the real Bataan Death March who walked in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March (BMDM) at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., one of the toughest and most popular “ultramarathons” in the world. The event has become a pilgrimage for veterans, active-duty military members, supporters, the few remaining survivors, and family members of the men who perished in the march and POW camps.

🏅 Participation Encouragement

• Training: After registering for the "Clemson 8" Challenge, everyone is encouraged to continue their training.
• Bataan Memorial: Participate in the 2025 in-person or virtual edition of the 36th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at https://bataanmarch.com/
• Honor the Past: For more information on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country from Clemson A&M College and Clemson University, visit the Clemson University Scroll of Honor website: https://soh.alumni.clemson.edu/
• Acknowledge the Sacrifice: Here is a list of 24 known Clemson graduates and 1 former student who were a P.O.W.