Norwegian Foot March (NFM) 2024

My second time participating

The Norwegian Foot March (NFM)

The Norwegian Foot March is a military endurance test. The participants march or run a 30 km (18.6-mile) long route, carrying a rucksack of 11 kg (24 lbs).

Background

The march was first held in 1915 as a test of marching endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian Army. 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 prepared for combat – 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.

Test guidelines and requirements

The test is a 30 km (18.64-mile) march (march/run) with a rucksack weighing 11 kg (24.25 lbs). The rucksack must weigh at least 11 kg at both start and finish line.

Rucksack of approved military model must be used. Weapons can be included as weight in the package, but there is no longer a requirement to carry a rifle. Civilian participants may use a different type of backpack.

Time Standards:

Age            Male Time requirements

18–20:        4:35
20–34:        4:30
35–42:        4:35
43–49:        4:40
50–54:        4:50
55–59:        5:00
60–:            5:15 

Age            Female Time requirements

18–20:        5:25 
20–34:        5:15
35–42:        5:25
43–49:        5:30
50–54:        5:40
55–59:        5:50
60–:            6:00

The Marsjmerket badge

The Norwegian Foot March has since evolved into a foreign service badge earned by completing the foot march to standard. The Reward. Military Service members who complete the NFM, to standard, will receive the Marsjmerket badge (examples pictured below) authorized for wear on the Army Service Uniform.

My Norwegian Foot March experience

I first found out about the NFM last year and looked for one in my area. Low and behold Bowling Green State University’s Ranger Club was hosting one so I signed up for it. I had such a great time competing that I decided to sign up again this year to do it once more.

Me at the start line with my game face on (2024 NFM)

I left my house at 4:30am on race day to get to the race site at BGSU for the pre-race check-in, rucksack weigh in, and safety brief. It was a cold start with temperatures at 34 degrees for my 7:30 am start time. I was the oldest competitor at 47 years old (and I think the only civilian this year) and I would say the majority of guys were in there early to mid 20’s.

Had a spectacular midwest sunrise to warm us up after the first couple miles (note the frost on the ground)

Once setting off I settled into a fairly quick 13:30 pace with a group of guys half my age and held this for the first 6 or 7 miles before slowing down a little bit to get through the middle miles which, if my calculations were right, would give me about 10 minutes of extra time to spare for the last stretch of the 18.6 mile race.

Yours truly grinding out the last few miles

So after 18.6 miles I crossed the finish line in a respectable time of 4 hours and 32 minutes putting me under my regulation time frame of 4:40. My family even made the trip up mid morning to cheer me on during the final stretch! I was presented my Commendation letter from the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and the silver Marsjmerket badge!

I am now the proud recipient of the Bronze and Silver Marsjmerket badges and will certainly continue to compete in this Ruck March to earn the Gold in a few years. That year I will be 50 and will have 10 extra minutes to play with!

My Bronze and Silver Marsjmerket badges proudly displayed in the Hooch

I highly encourage you all, young and old, to take up rucking as part of your physical fitness journey and to seek out events like the Norwegian Foot March to test yourself to see just what you are capable of.