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Events › Other Events

Varusteleka's Remote Military March, APR 26–28, 2024

Greetings, Remote Soldiers! Spring is upon us, and it is time to put on a backpack and punish your feet again in a fun way. The South Karelian Military March (EKS) is on April 26–27, 2024. During this weekend, you can also take part in the Varusteleka’s Remote Military March!

Where did this come from?

We began arranging the Remote Military March as a substitute for the South Karelian Military March during the COVID-19 pandemic so that people could still participate in the rucking fun. Due to popular demand, we decided to organize the Remote Military March again, because not everyone can participate in the physical event. Now the Remote March is an annual event.

You know the drill: execute your march according to our guidelines and share the fun on social media. This way we can keep our rucking condition in top shape, and perhaps someone likes the way this sucks, right?

All participants can redeem the coveted Varusteleka's Remote Military March patch. The patch is the same for all divisions and marching distances. In addition, all participants will enter a raffle for 1 pcs of 100 € gift card and 2 pcs of 50 € gift cards.

Sign up either by buying the patch or submitting the form

This year, there are two ways to participate based on whether you want the physical patch or not.

After signing up, it’s quite simple: march your preferred route, post some images on social media with the hashtags #vrmm2024 and #varusteleka and enjoy! Remember to stock up on some after-march drinks and snacks.

Preorder the Remote Military March 2024 patch. You have now signed up for the march, and will receive the patch after the march to the address you provided. Preorder is open until April 28. You will also receive a printable diploma to your email after the march.
Sign up using the sign-up form. You won’t receive the physical patch, but we will send you a printable diploma to your email.

Marching orders

When and where

Friday, April 26 - Sunday, April 28, 2024, at a place of your own choosing.

Divisions:

Open: Your choice of clothing and shoes, at least 10 kg / 22 lbs rucksack from start to finish
Military: Combat uniform, boots that cover the ankle, at least 10 kg / 22 lbs rucksack from start to finish
Recon: Minimum requirements as in the Military Division. In addition, you must spend the night outside (under a tarp, in a tent or hammock, or something along these lines) and march back during the following day. The marching distances can be chosen from the available ones below, for example 50 + 50 clicks. ATTENTION! Please be aware of your own performance level and health. If you are unsure or do not have the experience required, do not take on this challenge.

Marching distances:

25 km or 50 km (15.6 or 31.1 miles). The route is up to you, but should include both paved and unpaved roads.

FAQ

What if I don’t have a Facebook or Instagram account?

That’s fine! Posting on social media is not a requirement for taking part in the march, it’s just a way for us to spread the word. All you really need to take part is a working email address.

How will I get my patch?

Preorder the Remote Military March 2024 patch and we will send it straight to your home after the march. It might take a while for the patch to arrive, since it’s a bit of a hassle to send them all off, but don’t worry - they will come.

Can I buy badges for the whole group?

Sure! Just change the number on the Add to cart button, and press the button.

Can I order other items together with the patch?

Sure thing! We will send you all available items right away, and the patch will be sent to you separately later on. We will cover the sending costs for those.

What is the price of shipping?

We don't charge for the shipping of the patch. You only pay the price of the product. If you buy other items on the same go, our regular shipping prices apply. You can see them on your cart after adding the items.

I can’t march during those exact dates, can I still take part?

Yes you can! We wanted for this to be an event we all do together at the same time, but we also understand that sometimes life happens. If you can’t march during the exact dates of the Remote Military March, just choose a fitting time as close as possible and get walking! What’s most important is that you do it.

I signed up but I can’t attend after all, what do I do?

Contact our customer service at [email protected] and let us know your name and email address you used to sign up. Please note that we might not be able to refund you for the patch, as they are ordered pre-emptively from the manufacturer.

Last year, the patches were free. Why do I have to pay now?

We have worked long and hard to make this process as simple and easy as possible while also making sure that we won’t be left with a thousand patches in our warehouse. During the first years, the problem was that it took too long to send the patches and it cost us quite a bit. Last year, we tried to fix this by ordering badges only for those who had pre-registered, so that the badge could be redeemed with a code after the march. However, this led to many of those who signed up not redeeming their patches.

So now we are trying a way where those who want the patch have to pay a small price in order to cover at least part of the production and shipping costs, and the patches can be ordered well in advance. And if you don't feel you need a patch, you can just march for the joy of marching!

Making and mailing one patch costs us about 2-3 euros, so it’s not free for us either. We’re just trying to balance this out and avoid unnecessary patch-making.

Help! I didn’t remember to sign up in time - can I still take part?

The preorder of the patches is open until the march weekend April 28. After this, you can still ask for the diploma by contacting our customer service [email protected] but unfortunately, we can’t promise you a patch anymore.

Some entertainment before the march

History of Remote Military Marches

Varusteleka's Remote Military March, APR 28–29, 2023
Varusteleka's Remote Military March, APR 22–24, 2022
Varusteleka's Remote Military March, APR 23–25, 2021
Varusteleka's Remote Military March APR 25–26, 2020

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