Fort Custer Norwegian Foot March 2025

• What does the registration fee go towards? Your registration fee covers t-shirt, Norwegian Foot March Badge (courtesy of the Nord Market), shipping and handling for the certificates. Leftover money will be used to purchase upgraded PPE for OCS STX lanes, and the rest will be donated to South Michigan Food Bank and VFW Post 4187 (Last Surviving Post in Lenawee County).

 

• What do I earn completing this event? All participants receive a T-shirt, but only those who complete the event to time standard earn a certificate of completion and, depending on how many races you have completed, a Norwegian Foot March Badge. 1st race earns the bronze badge, 2nd race earns the silver badge and your 5th race earns you a gold badge. 

 

• When do I get my official certificate from the embassy? When you complete the event to time standards you will receive your badge, but after the event is over the race director will submit times to the Norwegian Embassy. The embassy will then send back signed certificates. The race director will then create a translated version (which you will need for proper approval and wear on the Army Service Uniform). They will then mail them out to participants.

 

• How do I get this approved for wear? The race director will send out directions on proper submittal and what documents will be needed for approval along with the certificates.

 

• I am a civilian. Can I register for this event? Absolutely. We encourage everybody to sign up for this event. We have a question when you register asking this. The purpose is to gather a guest list for security to allow you onto post.

 

• I'm a civilian. Can I come the night before? As the event gets closer, we will send out in the welcome letter letting you know times for checking in and dropping bag off the night prior. As stated before, we will give a guest list to security to allow you onto post.

 

• As a civilian, what should I wear for the event? As a civilian, to conform to Norwegian Foot March standards, you will be required to carry a 25 lbs rucksack/backpack of military grade and wear long trousers along with military grade or hiking boots for a minimum weight of 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) (total weight for clothing including boots). We understand you don't have a uniform and this conforms to the standards (minus the military uniform). We ask all civilian participants to wear clothing of good taste, free of profanity and any discriminatory comments or innuendo.  Tennis shoes are not authorized for wear and military clothing is allowed if no rank or service component is displayed on the uniform

 

• How do I get on post? Military members will need to provide their CAC for entry to base. Civilians will be on a guest list and need to provide a drivers license or other form of identification for entry to post.

 

• Can I bring people to spectate? You can, but things to consider are the length of time the event will take (close to over 4 hours) and that they will be required to stay by the starting/end point. Only participants will be allowed on the course. Also, Fort Custer is a small base and has no PX. If you are a civilian who wants to bring a spectator for support, you will need to use the contact form to reach out to the race director who will then add them to the guest list for entry.

 

• I am a member of the military. What am I required to wear? You will be required to wear your combat uniform (OCPs-your daily uniform) and follow the 25 lbs pack standard. This extends to any outside branches participating as well (i.e., Navy, Marines, Air Force). The uniform must be within regulation during the march. For you Army folk, you will come to the event following AR 670-1 standards. You do not have to used the issued ruck, but it must be of military grade. Other examples allowed include Mystery Ranch, Hyperlite, Tactical 5.11. This is a highly visible event on Fort Custer.  You want to reflect the highest standards of your command. Those who show up with a unprofessional looking bag will be disqualified from the event. ACH and weapon are not needed for the event.

 

• What else would I need for the event? A water source, reflective belt, gel packs for energy.

 

• I live far away, but want to sign up for this event. Are there hotels in the area? Yes there are many hotels in the area, such as Holiday Inn, Travelodge, Best Western and Country Inn.

 

• How do I prepare for this type of event? Attached in a PDF below will be a great training plan. This is recommended for those completing the Bataan Death March. The events are similar endurance events so the one attached will be a great one to follow.

 

• What is the route? To conform with Operational Security protocols, the route will be emailed to participants with a welcome letter a few weeks out from the date of the event.

 

• What does the route look like? The route is mostly flat with some areas of elevation. It is a 9.3 mile there and back route. A quarter of it is concrete and the rest is dirt road.

 

• Are there water stations located on the route? Yes, there is 4 water stations located along the route and there will be food at the turnaround point.

 

• What if there is inclement weather? Depending on the weather, the race director will make a determination whether to cancel or postpone the event. They will keep an eye forecast leading up to the event as well.

 

• Where will parking be available? Please check back for future updates on parking for the day of the event.

 

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.