5K | 10K | 30K RUCK MARCH STANDARDS
5K RUN OR RUCK STANDARDS AND MAP
Bring a 25-lb rucksack (or whatever weight you are comfortable with), with non-perishable food items to donate after the Ruck. This is a great way to train your way up to the 10K, or the big daddy—the 30K Ruck March!
The Memorial Day Run & March is your opportunity to participate in a family-friendly fun run (or ruck!) while running alongside our heroes in uniform. The 5K (3.1-mile) route is conquerable for runners, walkers, joggers and folks of all ages and capabilities. Everyone, including runners, is encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to homeless Veterans.
Reduced registration pricing for Veterans!
10K RUN OR RUCK STANDARDS AND MAP
Bring a 25-lb rucksack (or whatever weight you are comfortable with), with non-perishable food items to donate after the Ruck. This is a great way to train your way up to the big daddy 30K Ruck March!
Run or ruck your way up the next level with this great 6.2-mile course. Everyone, including runners, is encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to homeless Veterans.
Reduced pricing for Veterans!
30K RUCK STANDARDS AND MAP
- ALL participants in the “Civilian/Veteran” category who complete the 30K Ruck March course will receive the Norwegian Foot March Badge and Certificate, regardless of finishing time.
- Participants in the “Uniformed Military” category must finish the 30K Ruck March course within the allotted time below, to be awarded the ever-coveted Norwegian Foot March Badge and Certificate.
- The Norwegian Foot March Badge can only be administered at the in-person 30K Ruck March.
-  Participants in the “Uniformed Military” category must wear OCP or service equivalent.
- All 30K Ruck March participants must bring their own rucksack/backpack weighing a total of 25 pounds (including the weight of the pack) after crossing the finish line in the form of non-perishable food, provided by the participant. After the Ruck March, packs will be weighed and food will be donated to help feed homeless Veterans.
Ruck marches have been around for quite a while in the military, but ruck marches as a civilian activity is becoming increasingly more popular. We are honored to have a Norwegian Army Officer to help us host the Memorial Day Run & March. It’s one of the only in the U.S. to award the official Norwegian Foot March Badge to qualifying participants. This is an intense physical challenge open to civilians, Veterans, and uniformed Military.
The Norwegian Foot March (also known as the Norwegian Road March) began in 1915 as a way for Norway’s infantrymen to move from one point to another as part of a tactical advancement.
In order to earn this foreign award, which includes a pin and certificate, each participant must ruck 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) carrying 11 kilograms (25 pounds)—which, in our March, needs to be in the form of non-perishable food donations that you will bring. And bring your own ruck sack!
**The NFMB has been officially written into the Army Regulation as a permanent wear badge: “The Norwegian Foot-March Skill Insignia is authorized for wear on the Army uniform per AR 600-8-22 Appendix D-1 (page 186).”
Further details on how to earn the badge in the Civilian/Veteran or Uniformed Military category can be found below.
Military PersonnelÂ
The Memorial Day Run & March is an opportunity for uniformed service members to challenge themselves in a friendly competition with fellow Military participants. This is an extreme physical challenge intended to push participants to give their all as a tribute and remembrance of our fallen heroes—past and present—who have given everything for our country.
Participants may wear OCP or the service-equivalent uniform, or civilian attire similar to a military combat uniform, including long pants and boots, in accordance with updated Norwegian Foot March guidance approved by the Norwegian Embassy. Merrell-style boots or similar tactical/hiking boots are acceptable. Distinctive unit T-shirts are authorized and encouraged to promote unit esprit de corps and may be worn underneath the uniform.
Each participant is required to bring their own backpack or rucksack capable of carrying 25 pounds. Your pack must weigh 25 pounds after crossing the finish line (including the weight of the pack) and must contain nonperishable food items provided by the participant, which will be donated after the march.
Packs will be inspected and weighed at the finish line as participants complete the event. Following the march, the food will be collected and donated to help support local homeless Veterans.
Weighted vests, body armor, or plate carriers do not count toward the required rucksack weight. Participants may wear these items in addition to the required pack weight, but their use is discouraged under Norwegian Foot March guidance.
Friends and family of uniformed Military participants are welcome and encouraged to cheer on their soldier. They may run alongside participants on the 5K or 10K course, or cheer from the start and finish line.
CIVILIANS/VETERANSÂ
Test your mettle alongside our best and bravest!
Sign up for the 30K Ruck March and engage in friendly competition alongside our men and women in uniform. All Civilian and Veteran participants who complete the 30K course will earn the Norwegian Foot March Badge, awarded according to official Norwegian Foot March completion standards.
This is an extreme physical challenge meant for participants to push themselves and give their all as a tribute and remembrance of our fallen heroes—past and present—who have given everything for our country.
Participants must wear clothing similar to a military combat uniform, including long pants and boots. Merrell-style boots or similar hiking boots are acceptable. In accordance with updated Norwegian Foot March guidance approved by the Norwegian Embassy, civilian participants may use a civilian hiking backpack and are not required to use a military-issued rucksack.
Each individual is required to bring a backpack or rucksack capable of carrying 25 pounds. Your pack must weigh 25 pounds after crossing the finish line (including the weight of the pack) and must contain nonperishable food items provided by the participant, which will be donated after the march.
Packs will be inspected and weighed at the finish line as participants complete the march. Following the event, the food will be collected and donated to help support local homeless Veterans.
Weighted vests, body armor, or plate carriers do not count toward the required rucksack weight. Participants may wear these items in addition to the required pack weight, but their use is discouraged under Norwegian Foot March guidance.