The Death March, as it is today, has its roots in a multitude of events that followed roughly the same path.

There were various hikes through the area undertaken by organizations to which one of the original members belonged. These traveled on roughly the same route, but also included a grueling variation called the “Wirebreak.” There were also numerous bike trips undertaken in 1998. These bike trips usually went over the Hub, to PCH, and back up Topanga Canyon on route 27. There was also a failed “Backpacking Trip” which followed about the same path as the failed Death March. All of these prove that no one can claim total responsibility for starting the March… except those few who did it in 1999…

The Death March’s evolution can be roughly divided into 5 eras:
1. The Early Years: 1999-2004
These were the years before there were Officers and Bylaws.
2. The Legislative Era: 2005-2010
These were the growing years when many of the rules were defined.
3. The Boom Years: 2011-2014
The boom years were defined by themes, digital record keeping, seasonal marches, achievements, and lots of marchers.
4. The Rise and The Fall: 2015-2018
The Era is marked by rising temperatures and falling attendance. It also featured the accidental expiration of the bylaws as well as retirement of the long time Grand Marshal.
5. The Current Era: 2019-Present
Will the Death March survive its current challenges?

(See Also: Seasonal Marches, The Absentee March, and the Death March Summit)