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Information

The 2027 Clemson 8 Challenge

IN HONOR OF THE 6 CLEMSON MEN wHO SURVIVED

THE BATAAN DEATH MARCH

AND THE 26 KNOWN CLEMSON POWs FROM ALL WARS.

8K or 8 MILES

in one day or over 8 days

Our goal: 1,600 in-person and virtual participants to honor each of the

1,600 U.S. POWs on the WWII Oryoku Maru Hell Ship.

(Video at the bottom of this page)

🐅🎖️🏃

Please don't rely on others to remember these 1,600 POWs. Register or donate today. Thank you.

RACE DAY DETAILS

DATE

Saturday, February 20, 2027

START TIME

10:00 AM (in-person, officially timed)

LOCATION

Military Heritage Plaza, next to Tillman Hall and Bowman Field

101 Gantt Circle, Clemson, SC 29634

VIRTUAL WINDOW

February 20 - February 27, 2027

HIGH SCHOOL JROTC TEAMS

Teams (at least 8 members) have until April 9 to complete your challenge

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Use your local/campus address when registering, not your home address.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Your participant packet includes:

A 100% cotton t-shirt, a wooden nickel (challenge coin), a race bib (with food coupon), and a window decal.

Every race-day participant will have a chance to win swag from

the annual Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in New Mexico.

SUPPORTING CLEMSON'S MILITARY-AFFILIATED STUDENTS

100% of the proceeds benefit Clemson University's Military-Affiliated student organizations. The first six Challenges raised $139,628.54 for scholarships. The 2027 goal is to raise $19,420 because 1942 was the year of the Bataan Death March.

Dividends from the endowment and your donations help pay for multiple teams to compete in the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in New Mexico on March 20, 2027.

HOW TO GIVE

Thank you for considering adding a donation during your registration.

For a tax deduction, contact Amy Craft at the Clemson University Foundation through the contact form on this page.

Or mail a check to: Clemson University Foundation, Attn: Amy Craft, P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633. On the memo line, write: Bataan Endowment.

Give Online

BECOME A SPONSOR

Interested in sponsoring the race? Contact John Seketa, johnseketa@gmail.com, or call (864) 903-1487.

LET'S STAY CONNECTED

Contact the Race Director, John Seketa

Questions? Use the contact form or tap the chat button in the corner.

Location

Clemson University
Military Heritage Plaza, next to Tillman Hall and Bowman Field
101 Gantt Circle
Clemson, SC 29634 US View Location on Map

Packet Pick-up

Tigertown Graphics - 360 College Avenue in downtown Clemson

Race Week Days and Hours:
Mon., Feb. 15 - Fri., Feb. 19

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Race Day at Military Heritage Plaza - 8:30 am - 9:45 am

Colonel Ben's 2021 Interview

2027 8K (4.97 Mile) Course

The Start/Finish line is in front of Tillman Hall. When the race starts, you will go down Calhoun Drive to Hwy. 93 and turn left to circle Bowman Field, then go behind Tillman Hall to Fort Hill Street. Turn left and go to Calhoun Drive. Turn left and go to Hwy. 93. Turn right on Hwy. 76, then turn right at Cherry Road by the President's House. Go to Perimeter Road and turn right. Go to Hwy. 93 and turn right. Go back to Bowman Field and turn right just before you get to Calhoun Drive. Turn right and end in front of Tillman Hall.

All runners and walkers are asked to stay on the sidewalks and follow pedestrian laws at roadway crossings. For those who cannot run or walk the campus course, you can circle Bowman Field. Those competing have until 12 noon to cross the finish line to receive an official time.

Water and a portable restroom are available at the Start/Finish and at the 3-mile mark.

2027 8 Mile Course

The Start/Finish line is in front of Tillman Hall. When the race starts, you will go down Calhoun Drive to Hwy. 93 and turn left to circle Bowman Field, then go behind Tillman Hall to Fort Hill Street. Turn left and go to Calhoun Drive. Turn left and go to Hwy. 93. Turn right and go to Hwy. 76. Turn right and go to Perimeter Road. Turn right and go to Highway 93. Go past Bowman Field and then turn right at Cherry Road by the President's House. Go to Perimeter Road and turn right. Go to Hwy. 93 and turn right. Go back to Bowman Field and turn right just before you get to Calhoun Drive. Turn right and end in front of Tillman Hall.

All runners and walkers are asked to stay on the sidewalks and follow pedestrian laws at roadway crossings. For those who can not run or walk the campus course, you will be able to circle Bowman Field. Those competing on the campus course have until 12 noon to cross the finish line to receive an official time.

Water and a portable restroom are available at the Start/Finish and at the 3.0/6.0 mile mark.