2ABRM-2009. This year, the 225 mile challenge of BABFA Remembrance will comprise of participation in a combination of Eight Marathon/Half-Marathon distances, culminating in the 34th Marine Corps Marathon (“The Peoples Marathon”) in Washington CC. The combined list of the names of American and British/Commonwealth losses will be carried throughout the challenge. BABFA is proud to be invited to partner in the MCM venture with the Team Azalea Charities in fundraising for both British and American veterans.

BABFA Athletes, Sponsors and supporters are needed. Please go to the 2ABRM-2009 webpage for all details relating to this extended event

8th September 2009; Labor Day is past, and with it the first 25 miles completed on the "Great Hill Challenge" which opens up the 2nd Annual Remembrance March. Formally and symbolically we shall initiate the March out of USMA West Point at the 11th hour on Saturday 3rd October. But we are indebted to that great Vth Fusilier and BABFA supporter John Madill of New Mexico, whose prompts to put up the schedule has produced these, the first details, of the March of '09.

At West Point on October 3rd, we shall take custody of the list of British, British Commonwealth and American losses suffered jointly over the months since 11/11 2008. Upon that Saturday 3rd October, we shall march the beautiful 13 miles plus to Garrison NY. And Pipers and others shall step out. All of this shall be detailed nearer to the events, but in the meantime there shall be miles on the treadmill of the "Great Hill Challenge" (map on right) and elsewhere.

The reason is simple - this year the March ends on October 25th at the culmination of the USMC Marathon, and that is fully 2.5 weeks prior to Armistice Day, and allows little enough time to complete the 225 miles.

Hence the early - if unofficial - commencement marked by Labor Day.

28th September 2009. Current Joint Total raised: $84,041.00
Fresh from BABFA helping with a most successful fundraising for the Scots Guards in New York City on the 22nd September, it was back to training on Great Hill, and back to reality with a bump. Nine miles were needed to complete another 25 miles following Labor Day and it was on the downhill and only 400 meters from the end when Steve Cain's right leg "blew up" most painfully. With 50 miles of the March completed, and Steve temporarily hors de combat, BABFA volunteers stepped up to the plate. Piper Tom Elliot raced up and down mountains in New Hampshire and hammered the Great Hill upon his return to Ridgefield; our Dutch cavalry veteran Anton Deiters took to the Alps, and BABFA Pipe Major Terry McGovern plodded the miles away in Connecticut. Their stories - hopefully with photos - will be up on the web as soon as we complete them.

3rd October 2009. USMC West Point.

Here's a link to the Remembrance March page from 2008.