Army ROTC | Norwegian Foot March

Date

April 26, 2025

Location

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

SP: Towpath Mustill Store Trailhead W North St, Akron, OH 44304

Description

Rucks must make weight prior to and following completion of the ruck.

All age groups will participate at the same time; in order to earn the Foreign Badge, participants will need to meet time standards per the Guidelines for the Norwegian Foot March v1.6. If this will be your 2nd or greater completion of the NFM, please email CDT Limber (ael89@uakron.edu) with a copy of your most recent completion to ensure we include this in our final reporting.

	Requirements
Age Group	Women	Men
18-20	5h 25m	4h 35m
21-34	5h 15m	4h 30m
35-42	5h 25m	4h 35m
43-49	5h 30m	4h 40m
50-59	5h 40m	4h 50m
55-59	5h 50m	5h 00m
60+	6h 00m	5h 15m

First held in 1915 as a test of marching endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian Military. A strategic goal was to be able to move larger units of troops over a great distance swiftly and in a manner that enabled them to be combat ready even after the march by carrying their rucksack/weaponry of 11 kg.

The goal today is to stimulate the general interest of marching over extended distances amongst military and civilian personnel.

The test consists of a 30km/18.6-mile march (march/run) with a rucksack containing 11 kg (24 lbs.). There is no longer a requirement to carry your rifle.

Approved military uniform must include field uniform and military grade boots. The uniform must be within regulation during the march. Civilian events and where civilians partake in a military setting, civilian clothing is allowed, i.e. long trousers and boots.

Rucksack with contents must weigh a minimum of 11kg/24lbs. at both the start and finish line. NOTE: water weight will not be included in weighing, this should be accounted for prior to step off. Rucksack/backpack of military grade. Civilian participants can use a civilian version of rucksack, which may include hiking backpacks, GoRuck bags, or any other variation so long as it has waist belt capabilities.

Control of outfit and weighing of backpacks is done prior to and after the march to ensure the correct weight and requirements have been maintained.

Assistance from non-participants is prohibited, except for timing, weighing, hydration/food stations, and first aid.

If any clarifying information is needed for uniform and rucksack regulations, please contact CDT Limber (ael89@uakron.edu).

All participants will begin the ruck at 0840, please arrive by 0800. Those with an anticipated pace of 10-11 minutes will locate at the front, followed by 11-12, 12-13, 13-14, 14-15, 15+ which will allow for proper spacing and distribution.

Cost

$20.00 to participate

Registration

After April 21, please contact SFC Ryan Tiura at rtiura@uakron.edu