WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. (AP) — Organizers of the annual Bataan Memorial Death March in southern New Mexico say this year's event has spurred a flurry of interest.
Nearly 8,400 people have signed up for Sunday's march. More than 7,200 people took part in last year's event.
The memorial march crosses the rugged terrain surrounding White Sands Missile Range.
The event honors the World War II soldiers who suffered during the April 1942 march after thousands of American and Filipino service members surrendered to Japanese forces. Many died during the 80-mile march or became prisoners of war.
Memorial marchers can compete in teams or as individuals. In the heavy division, each participant carries a 35-pound rucksack.