all about The norweigen foot march challenge

Guidelines for Norwegian foot march from the Norwegian Embassy in Washington DC, Office of the Defense Attaché

History:
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 efficiently 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:
The test consists of a 30km/18.6mile march (march/run) with rucksack containing 11kg (24 lbs). There is no longer a requirement to carry your rifle or conduct before BMNT.

Attire:
Approved military uniform. Field uniform/work 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 with a minimum weight of 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs). Rucksack with content must weigh in at minimum 11 kg/24 lbs. at both start and finish line. Rucksack/backpack of military grade. Civilian participants can use a civilian version of rucksack.

Track:
The route should be on a good path or dirt road. Distance markers are required every fifth kilometer. There must be a minimum of three hydration/food stations along the route. Control and first aid stations were deemed necessary. The route should be “there and back” but if not possible can consist of several rounds of a shorter track. It is not recommended to have more than a maximum of 3 rounds.

16 December 2022 V1.6
The control of uniform/clothing and the weighing of the backpack 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, on hydration/food stations, and first aid. The test cannot be conducted if outdoor temperatures (in the shade) exceeds 25 Celsius/77 Fahrenheit, falls below -15 Celsius/5 Fahrenheit or under other extreme weather conditions.

Requirement table:

Requirements
Age group Women Men
18-20 5h25m 4h35m
21-34 5h15m 4h30m
35-42 5h25m 4h35m
43-49 5h30m 4h40m
50-54 5h40m 4h50m
55-59 5h50m 5h0m
60+ 6h0m 5h15m

Bear in mind that these requirements are valid only for marches approved through the Embassy.

16 December 2022 V1.6
Diplomas/pins: A pre-signed certificate template will be provided to executing unit when the march is completed, and the embassy has received the results in the correct format stated in the Excel- sheet named Check-list officer in charge NFM tab 2 and completed the Memo after conduct

v1.3.
Certificates are to be printed by each unit and distributed by the officer in charge. We recommend white
110lb cardstock paper for sturdy certificates. Pins are to be ordered by the unit. Please note that you can earn a pin once per year (it will take you 5 years to earn the gold pin) but you have unlimited tries to complete the march every year.

What to do next:
Due to the difficulties involving travel the Norwegian foot march can be conducted without a Norwegian representative present until further notice. We also take the liberty of participating with an official if and when the circumstances allow for it.

Prior to event:

• Requesting unit must submit an official request stating how they will organize and
  carry out compliance to the above-mentioned rules and regulations. Have your
  reference number in all your materials and correspondence !
• The request must contain detailed plans for all aspects of the event including, but not
  limited to, first aid stations, water/food stations, plans for weighing before and after
  event, timing, map of the route clearly marking first aid/water stations, emergency
  evacuation route etc.
• Request and attachments should be in 1 document, preferably PDF not exceeding 10
  pages.

16 December 2022 V1.6
After event:

• Within 72 hours after the conducted event, officer in charge must submit the finishing list.
• Certificate template will be sent to officer in charge.