The battle of Peleliu was considered one of the turning points for control of the Pacific during World War II.
Many lives were lost during the two months of battle on both sides (U.S. and Empire of Japan).
Course 1 of KONQER Palau pays homage to those sacrifices made by warriors of the past, by integrating historic sites into our race course. Our course covers many of the key war zone areas where historical relics still remain.
Don't worry, we'll understand if you want to take your time on some of the sections of this course, it's a experience of a lifetime.
The Battle of Peleliu, codenamed Operation Stalemate II by the United States, was fought between the United States and the Empire of Japan in the Pacific Theater of World War II, from September to November 1944 on the island of Peleliu (in present-day Palau). U.S. Marines of the First Marine Division, and later soldiers of the U.S. Army's 81st Infantry Division, fought to capture an airstrip on the small coral island. This battle was part of a larger offensive campaign known as Operation Forager, which ran from June to November 1944 in the Pacific Theater of Operations.
Major General William Rupertus, (USMC commander of 1st Marine Division) predicted the island would be secured within four days. However, after repeated Imperial Army losses in previous island campaigns, Japan had developed new island-defense tactics and well-crafted fortifications that allowed stiff resistance, extending the battle through more than two months. In the United States, this was a controversial battle because of the island's questionable strategic value and the high casualty rate, which exceeded that of all other amphibious operations during the Pacific War. The National Museum of the Marine Corps called it "the bitterest battle of the war for the Marines".
KONQER will provide boat transportation for all athletes from Koror to Peleliu for the day-long course.
Athletes will start the course at North Dock, and will make their way south, passing through the historic Bloody Nose Ridge, site of the WWII Battle of Peleliu in 1944. Further south, athletes will make their way to Orange Beach, where U.S. forces first came ashore in WWII, to swim and paddle their way through the next portion of the course at South Dock.
Once the course is complete, feel free to explore the island on your own and take in all the beauty and history Peleliu has to offer. Dinner will be served at Peleliu Peace Memorial Park.
Participants may camp overnight in the designated areas, reserve a hotel room on the island, or opt for transport back to Koror. (All lodging and additional transportation costs are the athlete's responsibility.) Boat transportation back to Koror will depart Peleliu in the morning and take you on to the next portion of this amazing course!