In just a few days, Hudson Valley residents will be urged to keep an eye out for West Point cadets as they attempt one of the most grueling tests at the academy. Have you heard of the Norwegian Foot March?

The United States Military Academy, also known as West Point, is one of the prides of the Hudson Valley. For more than 200 years, cadets have passed through the historic halls, and for nearly half that time, many have competed in one particular feats of endurance.

Cadets from West Point participate in the annual Norwegian Foot March
Cadets from West Point participate in the annual Norwegian Foot March (Photo by Class of 2022 Cadet Crystal Zhang/WestPoint.edu)
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Famous Norwegian Foot March Coming to the Hudson Valley

"Attention West Point community and drivers!" began a recent post by the West Point Garrison and Community Facebook page (below). The warning was about the overnight endurance test known as the Norwegian Foot March. But what's with the name? And what's so special about an 18-mile march?

Why Is It Called the Norwegian Foot March?

The history behind the Norwegian Foot March's is pretty straightforward: invented by the Norwegian military during World War I to test their soldiers' endurance, the tradition is now carried on at West Point. So what does it take to pass this exclusive test?

Soldiers from Fort Eustis also participate in a Norwegian Foot March test in Virginia
Soldiers from Fort Eustis also participate in a Norwegian Foot March test in Virginia (Photo credit: US Army)
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Rules of the Famed Norwegian Foot March

The rules of the foot march are demanding but simple: complete a prescribed 18.6-mile march while carrying a rucksack weighing 25 pounds. To officially complete the test, and receive a corresponding badge, cadets are required to complete the course in under four-and-a-half hours for men and four hours fifty minutes for women.

Read More: Have You Heard the Mystery Booms in the Hudson Valley?

While the foot march isn't exclusive to West Point (soldiers at forts across the country have competed as well, above), there must be an extra sense of pride to complete the challenge at the nation's first military academy.

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The Norwegian Foot March will begin at 6pm on Friday, January 31st and will run through the night, with an estimated completion time for the last wave of cadets at roughly 2am.

West Point Legends In Bronze and Stone

The United States Military Academy at West Point is a must see destination for anyone interested in American history or military history in general. The Academy campus sits on a promontory high above the Hudson River Valley, with dramatic views from many locations around the school. The Gothic stone buildings are jaw-dropping, and the cemetery here is without a doubt one of the most important in New York State. There are also many heroic statues dotting the landscape paying homage to our great leaders of the past. Here is a selection of monumental statues that pay tribute to the "Legends of West Point." Tours of West Point are given, and are fascinating.

Gallery Credit: Chuck DImperio

NHL Stanley Cup, Championship Team Visit West Point

The 22-23 NHL Championship Vegas Golden Knights, along with owner and US Military Academy 1967 alum Bill Foley, visited West Point on January 24th, and brought the actual Stanley Cup with them.

Gallery Credit: V.Turco

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