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Registration now open for 16th annual Norwegian Foot March

May 23, 2017

Are you up for an intense mental and physical challenge? The 16th annual Norwegian Foot March will take participants 18.6 miles through the rolling hills of Evansville's west side. Carrying a 25-pound rucksack, participants will begin and end at the University of Southern Indiana, working to make it back to the finish line in under four and a half hours. It's an experience unlike any other, happening Saturday, November 4, 2017.

"Having participated in the event multiple times myself, I know nearly everyone who participates is forced to dig deep and push themselves to finish," said Captain Adam Balbach, assistant professor of military science and event coordinator. "However, once participants finish, they have earned a great sense of accomplishment."

Registration is currently open for the 16th annual Norwegian Foot March. ROTC cadets, Soldiers and veterans, as well as civilians, may register individually or as part of a four-member team. Registration can be completed online or by calling USI Outreach and Engagement at 812-464-1989.

"Since the events inception, the Norwegian Foot March has grown to almost 500 participants from all over the country. It has gained USI and the ROTC program national recognition from communities it never reached before," said Balbach.

Early registration is recommended, as the event sells out quickly. ROTC cadets from any school can register for $25 and all other participants can register for $45. Registration will close on October 15, or when the event is full at 500 participants.

Proceeds from the Norwegian Foot March benefit USI's Wabash Battalion Army ROTC program. Funds are used to cover costs associated with training, travel, team development and additional equipment that would not be covered otherwise.

Those who complete the march within set guidelines will receive a Norwegian Foot March certificate and pin, which can be worn on service uniforms. The Norwegian Foot March is a boot camp tradition for Norwegian soldiers and is sponsored by Dr. Nils Johansen, retired Norwegian Artillery Reserve Officer, retired USI University Division advisor and adjunct instructor of geology and physics.

For more information on the event, contact USI Outreach and Engagement at 812-464-1989 or outreach@usi.edu.

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