The Norwegian Foot March & Trail Run in Arden Hills, Minnesota, offers both trail running and a 30K foot march on April 18, 2026. The event takes place at Arden Hills Army Training Site, with a 9:00 AM start time. Runners can choose between the 30K distance, the 5K trail run, or participate in the foot march option. Entry fees range from $30 to $50 depending on distance and registration timing. This event combines traditional Scandinavian marching culture with modern trail running, making it a unique option for endurance athletes in the Twin Cities area seeking spring race opportunities.
From the Race Organizer
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 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 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 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 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 COURSE MAPS Click here for the course maps
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Norwegian Foot March & Trail Run 2027 — Arden Hills, MN
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for April 17.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Arden Hills, MN.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Norwegian Foot March & Trail Run 2027 — Arden Hills, MN?
Norwegian Foot March & Trail Run 2027 — Arden Hills, MN takes place on April 17, 2027. The race is held in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
Where is Norwegian Foot March & Trail Run 2027 — Arden Hills, MN held?
Norwegian Foot March & Trail Run 2027 — Arden Hills, MN is held at Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
Where can I find hotels near Norwegian Foot March & Trail Run 2027 — Arden Hills, MN?
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