Norwegian Foot March & Trail Run

  • Date Sat 18th April 2026
  • Time 9:00AM CDT
  • Location Arden Hills, Minnesota
  • Price $32.80 - $54.00
  • Races 3 races
  • Distances 5km

Event summary

Join us for the exhilarating Norwegian Foot March and Trail Run on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the beautiful Arden Hills, Ramsey! This annual event, hosted by the Minnesota Army National Guard, offers an exciting challenge with two race distances: a 30K Foot March and a 5K Trail Run, making it accessible for everyone, including military families, Junior and Senior ROTC programs, and the general public.

Participants in the 30K Foot March will tackle a rigorous course while carrying a ruck weighing at least 11kg, providing a true test of strength and endurance. Meanwhile, the 5K Trail Run invites runners and walkers of all levels to enjoy a scenic route. Proceeds from this inspiring event will support various charitable initiatives, including the AUSA Troops of Tomorrow and the Minnesota VA Food Pantry. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to challenge yourself, support a great cause, and be part of a rich tradition that dates back to 1915!

Organiser's Description

The Norwegian Foot March is an annual event hosted by the Minnesota Army National Guard. 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 last several years, the event has become popular among U.S. military units that use the march as an opportunity to support charitable causes.

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY

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

SATURDAY

7:00 - 8 30K Foot March Packet Pickup & Check-In

9 Foot March & 30K Trail Run Start

9 5K Train 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 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.
* 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.
* A 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.).
* 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 [https://sites.google.com/view/umnnorwegianfootmarch/race-day/30k-foot-march?authuser=0] for updated Norwegian Foot March details.


AWARDS

Various awards will be given to top finishers and top age group finishers in the 30K, 5K Trail Run, and 30K Foot March.

Click Here [https://sites.google.com/view/umnnorwegianfootmarch/race-day/awards?authuser=0] for more details on the awards being presented.

TIMING AND RESULTS

The event will be chip-timed by Pickle Events

Results will be available during the race at: www.pickleevents.com [http://www.pickleevents.com]

COURSE MAPS

Click here [https://sites.google.com/view/umnnorwegianfootmarch/race-day/course-maps?authuser=0] for the course maps

Races

  • 30K Foot March

    Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 18th April 2026 (9:00AM CDT)

    $54.00

    OPENS 11 OCT
    A foot march, more commonly known as a ruck march, is a relatively fast march over a distance carrying a load in a backpack or ruck sack. It is both a common military exercise and a civilian activity.
  • 30K Trail Run

    Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 18th April 2026 (9:00AM CDT)

    $54.00

    OPENS 11 OCT
    This event is an option for participants running the 30-kilometer race without a weighted backpack or military rucksack.
  • 5K Trail Run

    Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 18th April 2026 (9:30AM CDT)

    $32.80

    OPENS 11 OCT
    This event is an option for participants who wish to run a shorter course event without military rucksack.

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Location

Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS), 4761 Hamline Ave N, Arden Hills, 55112, MN, United States

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