Bearcadet Nation Norwegian Foot March
19 mi
Apr 18, 2026 · Cincinnati, Ohio, US
Listed Mar 3, 2026
Run Vibes summary
AI-assistedAt a glance (AI-assisted text)
Test your endurance in this 18.6-mile Norwegian Foot March, carrying a 24lb ruck with strict time standards to earn a Foreign Badge.
The vibe (AI-assisted text)
This event is all about pushing your limits and proving your mettle. Rooted in military tradition, it attracts disciplined individuals, likely military personnel or those with a strong interest in military-style challenges, who are eager to meet demanding physical standards. The atmosphere will be focused and determined, with participants striving to complete the challenging ruck within their age-group specific time limits.
Race day (AI-assisted text)
Expect an early start, with day-of packet pickup beginning at 0515. Prior to stepping off, all rucks will undergo a weight check to ensure they meet the 24lb requirement. The focus will be on adherence to military uniform regulations and maintaining pace to meet the strict time standards for earning the Foreign Badge. This isn't a casual stroll; it's a structured endurance test.
Best for (AI-assisted text)
This event is ideal for runners and rucksackers seeking a significant physical and mental challenge with a military heritage. It's perfect for those who thrive on structured goals and want to earn a unique, internationally recognized badge for their endurance.
Personality (AI-assisted text)
The Bearcadet Nation Norwegian Foot March has a serious, disciplined, and challenging personality. It's less about festive fun and more about personal achievement and adherence to a demanding standard. The event carries a sense of tradition and respect for its military origins, fostering a determined and focused social texture among participants.
Weather snapshot (AI-assisted text)
Taking place in Cincinnati in April, you can generally expect mild spring weather. However, April can be unpredictable, so be prepared for cool mornings, potentially warming up throughout the day, and a chance of rain. Layering is always a good strategy for spring events in this region.
Terrain & course feel (AI-assisted text)
No specific terrain details are provided in the description. Given it's a 'foot march' and 'ruck' in an urban area like Cincinnati, it will likely involve a mix of paved roads and possibly some urban paths or campus routes. Expect varied surfaces typical of a city environment.
Signals we noticed (from listing text, AI-assisted)
- Rucks will need to make weight prior to and following completion
- earn the Foreign Badge
- meet time standards per the Guidelines for the Norwegian Foot March
- 11kg (24 lbs) rucksack
- Approved military uniform must include field uniform and military grade boots
- First held in 1915 as a test of marching endurance for soldiers
- 30km/18.6mile march (march/run)
- Age Group Women Men time standards provided
- email CDT Davis (davisz2@mail.uc.edu) with a copy of your most recent completion
This section is produced with AI from the listing we have on file—think of it as a quick orientation, not a rulebook. Organizers can update start times, courses, policies, and perks at any time, so when something really matters, please lean on their official race page for the latest. We don’t independently verify every detail against live organizer updates; we’re here to help you get a feel for the event and decide if you want to dig deeper.
Original listingFull description from sourceTap to expand · same text as on RunSignup / the official listing▾
Rucks will need to make weight prior to and following completion of the ruck
For those living locally, packets can be picked up from the University of Cincinnati Army ROTC office beginning the week prior to the ruck on 13 April to 17 April from 0900-1600 located at 2585 Dennis St #1100, Cincinnati, OH 45219. All other packets will be picked up on the day of the event beginning at 0515.
All age groups will participate at the same time; in order to earn the Foreign Badge, participants will need to meet time standards per the Guidelines for the Norwegian Foot March v1.6
If this will be your 2nd or greater completion of the NFM, please email CDT Davis (davisz2@mail.uc.edu) with a copy of your most recent completion to ensure we include this in our final reporting.
Requirements
Age Group Women Men
18-20 5h 25m 4h 35m
21-34 5h 15m 4h 30m
35-42 5h 25m 4h 35m
43-49 5h 30m 4h 40m
50-54 5h 40m 4h 50m
55-59 5h 50m 5h 00m
60+ 6h 00m 5h 15m
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 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.
Approved military uniform must include field 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.
Rucksack with content must weigh in at minimum 11 kg/24 lbs. at both start and finish line.
NOTE: water weight will not be included in weighing, this should be accounted for prior to step off. Rucksack/backpack of military grade. Civilian participants can use a civilian version of rucksack, which may include hiking backpacks, GoRuck bags, or any other variation so long as it has waist belt capabilities.
Control of outfit and weighing of 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.
If any clarifying information is needed for uniform and rucksack regulations, please contact CDT Davis (davisz2@mail.uc.edu)
All participants will begin the ruck at 0700. Those with an anticipated pace of 10 – 11 minutes will locate at the front, followed by 11-12, 12-13, 13-14, 14-15, 15+ which will allow for proper spacing and rucker distribution
Send prior completions to davisz2@mail.uc.edu to be tracked for Silver/Gold Medal purposes
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