Bataan Death march memorial Events
THE BATTLING BASTARDS OF BATAAN
BLUF: The Bataan Death March was a brutal 66-mile forced march of tens of thousands of American and Filipino prisoners of war (POWs) by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.
Relevance: Thousands of Americans and Filipinos died either from the march or the horrid prisoner of war camps they were interned in by the Japanese.
Information: December 1941 the Japanese started bombing Allied forces in the Philippines. On the heals of a resounding victory in Pearl Harbor, the Japanese launched the invasion of the Philippines and for almost four months the Americans and Filipinos held out until the eventual surrender in April 1942. The Japanese rounded up the American and Filipino soldiers and forced marched them in the tropical heat, with no food, no water or no medical care. Already weakened by starvation and disease, the POWs were subjected to horrific atrocities by their Japanese captors. The march started from Mariveles at the southern tip of the Bataan Peninsula and proceeded north to San Fernando. Survivors were then packed into sweltering boxcars for the train ride to Capas, followed by a shorter march to the prison camp, Camp O'Donnell.
Ending: Join me as we honor the men and women, known as the Battling Bastards of Bataan. We’ll ruck some miles, do some physical fitness evolutions including the Bataan WOD and finish with patches and beer. All throughout the events, I will talk at length about the Battling Bastards of Bataan including:
-Blackburns Headhunters:One of the fathers of Green Berets, Blackburn evaded enemy capture and linked up with Volkmann to escape into the jungles of the Philippines. They linked up with local leaders and built a guerilla force to harass, threaten and kill Japanese soldiers holding the Philippines hostage.
-Nurses of Bataan that went through an extraordinary struggle to take care of the Americans and Filipinos. The women that were providing care to the casualties, saved countless lives and suffered through years in prison camps after the Philippines fell. The stories of these nurses are absolutely incredible.
-Full history brief on how the conditions were set for the Bataan Death March, in-depth stories of atrocities committed by the Japanese, and the aftermath including War Crimes Tribunals and executions of high ranking Japanese officials.
Follow up: Hit the event button below for more information/registration.
Events
Past Events
What to Expect
Event Types
GORUCK Light
GORUCK Basic
GORUCK City Ruck
GORUCK Ingress
Each stop is uniquely crafted, with routes built by Cadre Dan himself. You'll ruck through historic districts, pause at key landmarks, and engage in physical training modeled after ruck-based training. Cadre Dan will have something for all physical fitness levels. Join us on this journey as we ruck across Europe and build community.
Every Event Includes:
Tactical Yoga warm-up: Reset the spine. Prepare the mind.
Ruck-based physical training: Build strength, mobility, and grit.
Guided historical walk: Move through centuries of resilience—from world wars to revolutions.
Team-based challenges: You'll carry more than weight—you'll carry purpose.
Closing finisher: A symbolic ruck-based evolution that ties it all together.
Who Should Sign Up?
You just need to show up ready to work—with discipline, humility, and a willingness to suffer with purpose.
Whether you're a seasoned rucker or somebody looking to push your limits—this is for you.
“We move together. We carry the weight. We honor those who came before us by living lives of resilience, purpose, and service.
Perseverance is the standard.
See you under ruck."
- Cadre Dan
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear for All Events
A rucksack (Rucker recommended) - must have reflectivity
Ruck Plate or equivalent weight
Water/Hydration: GORUCK Tough & Trail Ruck (3L Minimum), GORUCK Light (1L Minimum)
Any medication you might need
Photo ID
Smiles
Recommended Items (All Events)
Gloves (1 pair) - working gloves, not medical gloves
Extra layers of clothing (merino wool socks, shell jacket appropriate for weather)
Dry Bag or contractor bag to keep items dry
Change of clothes and flip-flops for after the event
Supportive footwear (GORUCK recommended)
Food, snacks, electrolytes as desired
Special Considerations for Europe
Passport/Travel documents
Local currency (Euros)
Power adapter for European outlets
Familiarity with local customs and language basics
Weight Requirements by Event Type
Weight requirements will vary by event type. Specific details will be provided upon registration.
Training Suggestions
For Tough: Build up to rucking with weight for distances of 10+ miles
For 12 Miler: Practice rucking at your target pace
For Light: Focus on comfort with your ruck and general fitness
For All Events: Break in your footwear well before event day!
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, you can sign up for individual events that fit your schedule.
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Participants are responsible for their own transportation between event locations.
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All events are conducted in English, but Cadre Dan will incorporate local history and culture.
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Yes, between Light, Basic, City Ruck, and Ingress events, there's something for all fitness levels.
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Participants arrange their own accommodations. We'll provide recommended hotels and hostels near event locations.