Example of the Distance Scheme
The Bernese Distance March is distinguished by a unique approach to course design that sets it apart from many other marching events. While most marches require participants to follow a fixed route and register the distance in advance, participants of the Bernese Distance March have the freedom to choose their route individually. They orient themselves according to a given distance scheme and can decide how far they wish to go. This flexible structure not only presents a physical challenge but also adds an extra task in navigation and orientation in the terrain.
Here’s an example:
Before the March:
All participants gather at the march center before the starting time and receive their march card. If you have registered for shooting: This will take place before the march, so go directly to the shooting range or profit from our shuttle service, departing from the march center.
Once you’ve received your march card, you’ll choose a route (of at least 10 km). The numbers in the black boxes indicate the number of kilometers you will walk to reach the desired checkpoint. For example, if you want to walk from the start to checkpoints C, D, and then back, according to the scheme, that would be 6 km + 5 km + 7 km = 18 km.
During the March:
From 12:00 PM, the commander will start the march, and you can begin! The route is signposted, and members of the BEDM team will also be on the route to assist with any questions or emergencies.
Once you reach your first checkpoint, you can have the BEDM team member log your distance. The checkpoints are strategically located in inns that are both easily accessible and easy to find. During a break, you can relax here and be served drinks and small snacks by the friendly staff before continuing on the march.
After the March:
After completing your march, return to the march center and hand in your march card to the BEDM team. Upon request, you will receive a certificate, a shooting badge, and a medal. Now you can relax and refresh at the march center—our guesthouse is ready to welcome you.
At 11:00 PM, the rankings for the various categories will be announced—at which point the march day officially ends.
The rankings will be uploaded to the website in the weeks following the march.
For more information regarding the shooting program or the march itself, feel free to take a look at our regulations (shooting regulations, march regulations).
“Have fun with the march!”
Bernese Distance March 2025 – 2027: March with us to Ins!