The WWII Challenge

The World War II Challenge is a unique, virtual opportunity to honor our WWII veterans. You can complete any of the following courses:

• Pacific Theater 72 Mile Course
• Pacific Theater 717 Mile Course
• D-Day to Liberation 100 Mile Course
• D-Day to Liberation 712 Mile Course
• Race to Messina 250 Mile Course

All courses must be completed and results must be submitted between 9/15/23 and 1/15/24.

PACIFIC THEATER VIRTUAL 717 MILE COURSE - From 1941-1945, American service members crossed the vast Pacific Ocean in a feat that seemed impossible. Island after island, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines distinguished themselves against a backdrop of unfamiliar terrain, diverse local populations, and a tenacious enemy. This challenge pays tribute to the 717-mile length of the Burma Road, the chief supply route for China’s stand against Imperial Japan. The course will take participants from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay (717 miles/ 1154 km). Individuals or teams have from 9/15/23 and 1/15/24. to complete the virtual Pacific Theatre course. You can walk, jog, run, bike or use a treadmill to complete the challenge! 

PACIFIC THEATER VIRTUAL 72 MILE COURSE - American service members traversed a course of miles to defeat a determined enemy entrenched throughout Asia and the Western Pacific. Operation Pacific Theater pays tribute to the service members who braved overwhelming obstacles. The 72-mile course takes participants from Pearl Harbor to Midway Island.  Individuals or teams have from 9/15/23 and 1/15/24. to complete the virtual Pacific Theatre course. You can walk, jog, run, bike or use a treadmill to complete the challenge! 

D-DAY TO LIBERATION VIRTUAL 712 MILE COURSE -  Honor D-Day and the 712 mile route our Allied forces marched to achieve the Liberation of France in the summer of 1944. Individuals or teams have from 9/15/23 and 1/15/24. to complete the virtual Operation Liberty Road 712 mile course from Sainte-Mere-Eglise in the Normandy region of France to Bastogne, Belgium (712 miles/1147 km). You can walk, jog, run, bike or use a treadmill to complete the course!

D-DAY TO LIBERATION VIRTUAL 100 MILE COURSE - Join this unique opportunity to honor D-Day and our Allied forces who liberated France in the summer of 1944. Individuals or teams have from 9/15/23 and 1/15/24. to complete the virtual Operation Liberty Road 100 mile Challenge from Saint-Mere-Eglise in the Normandy region of France to St. Malo in the Brittany region of France (100 miles/161 km). You can walk, jog, run, bike or use a treadmill to complete the course!

RACE TO MESSINA - The Race to Messina Challenge covers 250 miles as a symbolic route from Patton’s landings in Gela, moving west to Agrigento, north to Palermo, and east to Messina. Individuals or teams have from 9/15/23 and 1/15/24. to complete the virtual Operation Race to Messina 250 mile Challenge. 
Lieutenant General George S. Patton landed with the US Seventh Army at Gela, while the General Bernard Montgomery, led the British Eighth Army in the east.  The goal for both armies was the northeastern city of Messina. The rivalry spilled into the Race to Messina. Patton would eventually beat Montgomery to Messina, arriving on August 17, 1943.

What Do I Receive With My Registration? 

All Pacific Theater, D-Day to Liberation and Race to Messina individual and team participants receive a commemorative t-shirt, WWII finishers medal, virtual bib, and a 25% discount admission ticket into The National WWII Museum in New Orleans with their registration. 

When Do I Receive My Packet?  

• LOCAL PACKET PICK-UP: Local participants will pick-up their packets at the CCC offices located at 320 Metairie Hammond Hwy in November 2023. Specific dates and times will be sent by email. A friend can pick up your packet if you are unable to attend local packet pick-up.
• US SHIPPING: You can choose to have your packet shipped to you during registration for a charge of $18/person. Packets will be shipped in December 2023.
• OUTSIDE OF US SHIPPING: You can choose to have your packet shipped to you to an address outside of the US during registration for a charge of $50/person. Packets will be shipped in November 2023.

How do I log my miles? For instruction on how to submit virtual results, please CLICK HERE.

Who does this event benefit? This event will benefit The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. 100% of donations and part of registration proceeds will go to support the Museum and its mission. The National WWII Museum is an independent nonprofit and therefore largely relies on admissions sales, memberships, and other donations to support its operations. Your support allows future generations to better appreciate the real stories of our heroes, their struggle and sacrifice. Help us  honor the legacy of the WWII generation

You Can Do It! The 2023 World War II Challenge is a great way to honor the WWII generation and support the Museum. If you can't participate, be a hero by donating to the cause!