Finnish military surplus store Varusteleka entices people to march around the world

What do Finns do when everything fun is canceled? Stuff their backpacks full of rocks and start marching, of course! Varusteleka, a Finnish military surplus store, entices everyone around the world to join the Remote Military March on 25th to 26th April.

Due to the current pandemic, all Finnish Defense Forces reservists’ ruck marches and field exercises have been canceled. Varusteleka, Europe’s biggest military surplus store, thinks that this won’t do. Physical fitness is extremely important, especially amidst a crisis. This is why Varusteleka decided to launch their very own Remote Military March to inspire people to get some fresh air and exercise responsibly.

The event has already gathered a huge number of supporters all over the world, and training material is circulating on social media. Several military units, veterans, and reservist organizations from around the world, for example, the USA, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and Scandinavia, have already joined the cause.

The idea of the Remote Military March is fairly simple: everyone marches alone or in small groups - if your region's regulations allow this - between 25th and 26th April, while maintaining proper social distance. The participants share their experiences on social media with the hashtags #varusteleka #remotemilitarymarch and #vrmm. After the march, Varusteleka will send all participants a special patch made just for this occasion. 

The participants can choose between a 25 km (15.5-mile) and 50 km (31-mile) march. There are three divisions available: Military, Open, and Corona. In the Corona division, participants are required to march wearing a gas mask. You can find more information about the Remote Military March on Varusteleka’s website.

“Abnormal times require abnormal solutions”, says Varusteleka’s CEO Jari Laine. “We hope that this event boosts people’s wellbeing and gives them something positive to think about in these grim times.” 

More information:
Jari Laine, CEO
[email protected]