Nearly 700 cadets and soldiers representing 29 states and the District of Columbia will travel to the university on Saturday to participate in the 13^th Annual Norwegian Foot March.

With a start and end point at USI, the 18.6-mile course will require individuals to march on a trail that covers a variety of terrain while dressed in military attire and carrying a 25-pound rucksack and frame.

Participation in this year’s event surpasses last year by 25 percent, making it the largest Norwegian Foot March since the event’s inception.

Sponsored by Nils Johansen, a retired Norwegian Artillery Reserve Officer and University Division adviser, the Norwegian Foot March is a boot camp tradition for Norwegian soldiers.