The Clemson 8 Challenge

🏃‍♀️ The Clemson 8 Challenge

The Clemson 8 Challenge is open to the general public. We are hosting an in-person OFFICIALLY TIMED race at 9:00 am on Sat., March 7, 2026, around the Clemson University campus along with a virtual race from March 7-14, 2026. 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-day period. High schools JROTC teams will have til April 9th to complete their challenge.Your participant packet consists of 100% cotton Comfort Colors t-shirt or Gildan brand tank top, wooden nickel, race bib and window decal.

🎉 New Opportunities for Participants

NEW IN 2026 - EVERY RACE DAY PARTICIPANT WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A PRIZE. (BATAAN MEMORIAL DEATH MARCH MARATHON T-SHIRT, GLASS, SHOT GLASS, MEDALLION, ETC...)

💰 Support Our Causes

100% of the proceeds will benefit the Clemson University Military Affiliated student organizations. The first five Challenges raised $126,436.34 for scholarships. The 2026 goal is to raise $19,420. 1942 is the year of the Death March. Dividends from the endowment and your donations will assist in paying for up to ten students to compete in the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in New Mexico on March 21, 2026.

🕊️ History of Honor

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...

🌍 Donation Information

Donations can be made online during your registration or if you want a tax deduction, please 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.

🔗 Useful Links

Direct online link: https://iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving/giving-to-clemson?id=9ed46b59-6d7e-4b16-88c6-961984a7efe0

🎖️ Race Sponsors

If you would like to become a Race Sponsor, contact John Seketa at johnseketa@gmail.com or 864-903-1487 for more information.

🕰️ Commemoration of Colonel Skardon

Colonel Skardon, 104, was the last living member of this illustrious group...

🏅 Honorary Recognition

On Thurs., Nov. 11, 2021 (Veteran's Day), Colonel Skardon was awarded with a star in a private ceremony and a rank of Honorary Brigadier General. On Mon., Nov. 15., 2021, General Skardon passed away.

📅 Upcoming Event Participation

After registering for the Clemson 8 Challenge, everyone is encouraged to continue their training and participate in the 2026 in-person or virtual edition of the 37th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at https://bataanmarch.com/

📜 Clemson Scroll of Honor

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/

📑 Known Clemson Graduates and P.O.W.s

Here is a list of 24 known Clemson graduates and 1 former student who were a P.O.W.

🌎 World War II

• Army Air Force Captain Theodore Cuyler Bigger ’34: Captured by the Japanese and survived the Bataan Death March.
• Army 1LT Martin Crook, Jr. ’39: Captured by the Japanese and survived the Bataan Death March. More Info.
• Army Captain William R. English ’37: Captured by the Japanese on Cebu Island. More Info.
• Army Major Albert M. George ’36: Captured by the Japanese on the island of Mindanao.

📩 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.