Norwegian Foot March & Trail Run

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Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS), Arden Hills MN

Saturday, April 18th, 2026

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

The Norwegian Foot March is an annual event presented by the Vessey Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA). For the fourth year, it is adding a 30K and 5K Trail Run option open to all military families, Junior and Senior ROTC programs, and the general public. The event's proceeds will benefit the AUSA Troops of Tomorrow initiative, the Minnesota VA Food Pantry, and military programs throughout Minnesota.

📜 History of the Norwegian Foot March

The Norwegian Foot March was first held in 1915 as a test of strength and endurance for members of the Norwegian military and to expose new soldiers to the conditions they could expect in the field. Those who completed a 30km distance with a backpack load of 11kg within 4.5 hours earned the Marsjmerket, the Norwegian Armed Forces Marching Badge. On the day after the event, the soldiers should be able to fully participate in regular duties. Over the past several years, the event has gained popularity among U.S. military units, which use the march as an opportunity to support charitable causes.

📅 Schedule

Friday

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Packet Pickup, Business Expo & Static Display
Location: Arden Hills Army Training Center, 4761 Hamline Ave S., Arden Hills, MN 55112

Saturday

7:00 - 8:45: 30K Foot March Packet Pickup & Check-In
9:00: Foot March & 30K Trail Run Start
9:30: 5K Trail Run/Walk Start
Noon: Foot March & 30K Trail Run Awards Ceremony

💲 Fees

Foot March: $50
30K Trail Run: $50
5K Trail Run: $30

Everyone receives a t-shirt with their registration (no guarantee of shirt/size on race day: it is on a first-come, first-served basis). Registration closes on April 16, 2025.

🎖️ Norwegian 30K Foot March Standards

The uniform that all participants will wear while on the course is as follows:

Military Uniform: Military members will wear their service's combat fatigues. Any camouflage pattern is acceptable, and uniforms will all be in accordance with applicable regulations. Civilians may wear any appropriate civilian attire and must also wear boots.
Ruck Weight: A ruck weighing no less than 11 kilograms or 24.3 pounds. Note that the ruck will be weighed at the finish line, so anything you can consume over the course of the race (water, snacks, etc.) will not count for weight.
Water Source: There will be aid stations along the course with water and food, but you must also have at least one quart (one canteen) worth of water at the start of the race. Any type of container is acceptable (canteen, bladder, bottle, etc.).
Weather Gear: Any necessary cold or wet weather gear. You may keep this in your ruck during the race, but it will not count for weight and must be taken out when the ruck is weighed at the finish.

Click Here for updated Norwegian Foot March details.